Research Essentials - Master Academia

Networking Hacks

Why PhD students should have an ORCID ID

An ORCID ID is a personal identifier that tracks a scholar’s work and publications. It is free to register an ORCID ID and shows up next to your name in most journal publications. PhD students should ideally get an ORCID ID before their first publication. Contents What is an ORCID IDHow to set up an ORCID IDAdding publications to your ORCID profileWhy you should get an ORCID IDWhen to get an ORCID ID What is…
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Networking Hacks

How to address a professor in an email

When writing an email to a professor, it is important to consider the context and the proper way to address them. This can vary depending on the country, the university, and the rank of the professor. When you are unsure about the norms in your context, is always best to choose between the most formal options of “Dear Professor” and “Dear Dr.”. Learn more. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may…
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Networking Hacks

Simple strategies to network at academic conferences

Networking at academic conferences can feel overwhelming. However, when you follow six simple strategies, networking at academic conferences is not as difficult as it may seem. Contents #1 Networking by preparing a good conference presentation#2 Networking by connecting with other conference session or track presenters#3 Networking by joining the conference’s early career activities#4 Networking by connecting with your academic ‘heroes’ during academic conferences#5 Networking by attending the conference dinner#6 Networking by post-conference networking #1 Networking…
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Academic Skills

How to organize and structure academic panel discussions

Panel discussions often appear intimidating, as high-profile events featuring expert discussions at academic conferences. But what precisely are panel discussions, what different types exist, and how can you embark on organizing one yourself? Here is your ultimate guide to understanding, organizing and structuring academic panel discussions, including four example structures and a step-by-step plan to help you get started. Contents What constitutes a panel discussion at an academic conference?Understanding different types of academic panel discussionsHow…
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Networking Hacks

Email signatures for PhD students (content, tips and examples)

A lot of communication in academia occurs via email. Therefore, the power of a concise and effective email signature should not be underestimated. Find out how to create a professional email signature, and what to include, as a PhD student. Contents Why PhD students should have professional email signaturesKey elements to include in email signatures for PhD studentsTips for creating a convincing email signature as a PhD student#1 Know your audience when creating an email…
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Networking Hacks

Strong academic networks through shared activities

Strong relationships with other academics can greatly influence one’s career trajectory. While networking is important, many networking activities only result in superficial connections. Through shared activities, however, meaningful connections can be formed. Shared activities are key to establishing strong academic networks. Contents The importance of networking in academiaNetworking challenges for PhD studentsOvercoming networking challenges through shared activitiesWhy shared activities create stronger academic networksExamples of shared activities in academiaOrganising a shared activity as a PhD student…
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Networking Hacks

The most useful academic social networking sites for PhD students

A strong network and meaningful connections allow PhD students to get ahead, in and beyond academia. Social networking sites can play an important role in creating such networks. But which (academic) social networking sites are the most useful ones for PhD students? Contents 1. Twitter to reach a large audience2. LinkedIn to grow your professional network3. ORCID ID to showcase your publications4. Google Scholar to tap into the power of Google5. ResearchGate and Academia.edu to…
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Networking Hacks

The best email signatures for graduate students (with examples)

Email signatures facilitate online communication, which is why every graduate student should have one. Learn more about email signatures for graduate students, what (not) to include, and how to create them in Outlook, Gmail and with the help of a template. And have a look at four examples of graduate email signatures for inspiration! Contents The value of email signatures for graduate studentsWhat to include in an email signature as a gradate studentWhat to prevent…
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Networking Hacks

How to thrive in academia as an extrovert

Many extroverts wonder if academia is a fitting work environment for them. Extroverts have the ability to thrive in academia while remaining true to their natural tendencies. Discover more about the benefits and challenges of being an extrovert in academia, and explore practical strategies to excel in this field while embracing your extroverted nature. Contents Is a research career viable for extroverts?Advantages of extroverts in academiaChallenges of extroverts in academiaStrategies for extroverts to thrive in…
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Networking Hacks

How to end a professional email in a university setting

Whether you write an email to your professor, lecturer, lab supervisor, or colleague, knowing how to end a professional email in a university setting is a must. Why? Because it is a crucial part of the academic emailing etiquette. To assist you in your communication via email, here is a compilation of professional email endings, effective sign-offs and email signatures in academic settings. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn…
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