Research Essentials - Master Academia

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

5 proven ways to become an academic peer reviewer

Peer reviewing academic work comes with many benefits, including staying up-to-date on the latest research, adding to your academic CV, and developing critical thinking skills. There are several ways to become a peer reviewer, including publishing your own research, networking, asking for help from supervisors, receiving referrals, and reaching out to editors. Contents The benefits of peer reviewing academic work#1 Become a peer reviewer by publishing your own research#2 Become a peer reviewer by networking#3…
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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

How to network during an online academic conference

Academic conferences are increasingly held online or in a hybrid format. How to network during online academic conferences? Find out more about virtual networking ideas and strategies during academic online conferences. Contents Why online academic conferences are (partly) here to stay#1 Create a full conference participant profile#2 Actively participate in online conference sessions#3 Reach out to interesting speakers after their online presentation#4 Invite people to connect with you during your ow presentation#5 Participate in online…
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Networking Hacks

5 proven ways to find co-authors to collaborate with

Co-authorship can be an efficient (and fun!) way to work on research publications. However, finding a suitable co-author is not always easy. Here are five proven ways to find co-authors to help you get started with your search for academic collaborators. Contents 1. Finding co-authors in your department or lab2. Finding co-authors at conferences3. Finding co-authors through cold-emailing4. Finding co-authors through common connections5. Finding co-authors via #AcademicTwitter 1. Finding co-authors in your department or lab…
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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

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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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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