Networking Hacks
-
Career Advice
Sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor
Recommendation letters from professors and university lecturers are frequently required for applications, especially for advanced degree programs and related funding opportunities. To compose a compelling request email, it’s essential to know what information to include. Below, you’ll find guidance on what to cover, along with three sample emails to help you get started. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the…
Read More » -
Career Advice
10 amazing benefits of getting a PhD later in life
There is no age limitation to getting a PhD. In fact, getting a PhD later in life has a lot of advantages. Older PhD students tend to master the ups and downs of doing a PhD better than those who start the process at a younger age. Here are ten reasons why. Contents 1. You bring a wealth of experience2. You have more self-confidence3. You have created a life outside of academia4. You treat your…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Stress levels: PhD versus non-academic full-time job
Is pursuing a PhD as stressful as a full-time job? This is a question that many prospective PhD students ask themselves. While it depends on your personality, a PhD can be more stressful than a full-time job outside of academia. Several specific circumstances trigger high-stress levels among PhD students. Contents Stress as a subjective experiencePhD students tend to be perfectionistsA PhD requires a lot of self-responsibilityPhD work feels very personalPhDs students have a less external…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Top 20 motivational quotes for PhD students
Everyone needs some extra motivation from time to time. PhD students are no exception. Here is a list of the 20 best motivational quotes for PhD students. 1. You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody. – Maya Angelo 2. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle 3. Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be…
Read More » -
Career Advice - Academics
38 common academic job interview questions (+ powerful answers)
Academic job interview questions share some similarities with conventional job interviews, while also differing in terms of the specific aspects they focus on for academics. Whether you’re seeking a postdoctoral position or a university lectureship role, it’s important to understand the nuances of these interviews. Here is a compilation of 38 frequently asked academic job interview questions, complemented by compelling and empowering sample responses. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may…
Read More » -
Career Advice
A guide for first year PhD students: Expectations, responsibilities, advice
The first year of a PhD can feel like a rollercoaster ride. First-year PhD students are ambitious and want to fulfil expectations. At the same time, they may be unsure of what these expectations and their responsibilities are. This guide aims to provide first-year PhD students with some directions and advice. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The 30 best determination quotes for students
Determination is a fundamental component of a successful student’s journey, entailing persistence and moving forward in the face of challenges and obstacles. To provide you with that extra boost of motivation, here’s a compilation of 30 inspirational quotes for students, designed to ignite determination. 1. The truest wisdom is a resolute determination. – Napoleon Bonaparte 2. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt 3. Determination over negativity…
Read More » -
Career Advice
The best answers to “What are your plans for the future?”
The question “What are your plans for the future?” can be nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing, but nonetheless, it is one of the most common ones asked, particularly to students at all levels. The following strategies and eight sample answers help you navigate this question skillfully and determine how much you want to reveal, regardless of whether you actually have a plan or not (yet). Contents The ‘problem’ with the question ‘What are your plans for the…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Ten reasons to pursue an academic career
There are many benefits to pursuing an academic career. Ultimately, the decision to do a PhD, and to work in academia, is a personal one. It should reflect your personality type, work preferences, and goals. However, the following ten reasons highlight the key advantages of academic careers. Contents 1. You turn your passion into work. (And get paid for it.)2. You have a high degree of self-responsibility.3. You are in charge of your own time.4.…
Read More » -
Career Advice
Character traits of ‘bad’ PhD students
Simply labelling a PhD student as ‘bad’ is certainly problematic and questionable. There are, however, a number of character traits that make some individuals less suited to pursue a PhD than others. Unless they change their habits. Contents What are ‘bad’ PhD students?1. Unconcernedness2. Passiveness3. Arrogance4. Sloppiness5. Impatience6. Laziness What are ‘bad’ PhD students? Inspecting Google search queries can reveal some interesting findings: There are quite some people who try to find out what defines…
Read More »
