PhD Students - Master Academia

How to paraphrase a quote: 4 simple strategies

The ability to paraphrase correctly is incredibly important for academic writing. This is particularly true when writing a thesis or…

All you need to know about career objectives on PhD resumes

When you apply for an academic job, you may wonder whether or not to include a career objective on your…

How to prepare your viva opening speech

A viva, or PhD thesis defence, typically starts with an opening speech by the PhD candidate. This opening speech can…

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…

How to develop an awesome PhD timeline step-by-step

A successful PhD journey begins with a solid plan that includes a PhD timeline. A thought-through and well-designed PhD timeline…

Left your dissertation too late? Ways to take action now

If you are prone to procrastination, or simply busy with many other things, you may suddenly realise that you are…

9 smart questions to ask a professor about graduate school

When exploring options to attend graduate school, you may have the opportunity to talk to a professor. For instance, as…

Creating awesome Gantt charts for your PhD timeline

It’s a common scenario: you have never heard about Gantt charts. Then, when writing a PhD application or planning your…

How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)

The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene.…

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…

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Academic Skills

18 common audience questions at academic conferences (+ how to react)

While you can practice your conference presentation a hundred times, audience questions are more difficult to prepare for. Nonetheless, several typical audience questions are frequently asked at academic conferences. Be aware of these questions and know how to react! Common audience questions about your key contribution What is your main…
Academic Skills

10 things to do when you feel like your dissertation is killing you

A surprising number of people google ‘my dissertation is killing me’ every month. Writing a dissertation is not an easy task: It can be tough, regardless of what level. If you feel defeated, discouraged or exhausted because of your dissertation, check out 10 concrete things you can do to improve…
Thesis Tips

First meeting with your dissertation supervisor: What to expect

The first meeting with your dissertation supervisor can be a little intimidating, as you do not know what to expect. While every situation is unique, first meetings with a dissertation supervisor often centre around getting to know each other, establishing expectations, and creating work routines. Why a good relationship with…
Career Advice

How many conferences postgrads should attend

Conferences are important events in every postgraduate’s career. Therefore, it makes sense that many postgraduate students ask themselves how many conferences they should ideally attend. While the exact number of conferences that a PhD student should (or can) go to depends on several factors, there is a common average. Why…
Thesis Tips

Sample emails to your thesis supervisor

A good thesis requires good communication between you and your thesis supervisor. This includes emails! Yet, even a simple email can lead to stress and overthinking. If you struggle to communicate with your thesis supervisor via email, have a look at six sample emails for inspiration. General tips for emailing…
Academic Skills

Asking for a recommendation letter from a PhD supervisor

Letters of recommendation are required for many applications, and PhD supervisors are often asked to provide these letters to PhD students. How you ask your PhD supervisor, what support you provide, and how you deal with a difficult supervisor relationship, matters for the quality of recommendation letters. Reasons to need…
Career Advice

10 signs of a bad PhD supervisor

A PhD supervisor is arguably the most important person in a PhD student’s journey. Therefore, a good match between PhD supervisor and PhD student is crucial. The following ten signs help prospective PhD students to expose bad PhD supervisors or at least a bad match between the supervisor and themselves.…
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…