No matter how good your research is, finding an academic job can be challenging. Especially in the wake of pandemic-related hiring freezes and funding cuts, competition for faculty positions and tenure-track roles is fierce. However, there are steps you can take to maximize your competitiveness in the academic job market. In this post, I share […]

Are you wondering whether teaching during your graduate degree is worth the time, stress, and extra work? If so, then the answer is a resounding “yes,” because teaching experience is one important key to success in the academic job market. Most faculty positions are built on three core pillars: research, service, and teaching. Anyone can […]

Peer review is essential. Without peer review, the whole structure of academia would crumble. In this article, you’ll learn: Most credible academic journals and publishers utilize the peer review process to ensure the quality and credibility of their publications (we’ll discuss why in a moment). If you want your work to be out there, you’re […]

Photo by HalGatewood.com on Unsplash Creating an academic website is a great way to showcase your research, share your personal experiences of academia, and encourage others within your research community to reach out and stay in touch. A personal academic website can also serve as your digital portfolio, offering potential employers easy access to your […]

For many grad students, research conferences are both exciting and intimidating. So, why do professors and programs encourage - or even expect - you to attend them? What value do they offer for your development as a researcher and your future career? The answer is two-fold: conferences enable you to build your network and broaden […]

Choosing the right graduate school and program for you can be challenging, but it is only the first half of the battle to becoming a graduate student. The next step is acing the grad school admissions interview. Like any interview, the grad school admissions interview is not easy – it’s not meant to be. However, […]

Being asked to peer review for the first time is immensely gratifying—what greater proof is needed that your work is out there, being read and appreciated and getting your name known in the field? However, if like most of us you have yourself experienced the cutting tongue of a reviewer in the past, being faced […]

If you want a job in academia, a strong academic CV/resumé is crucial to your success. This document is your first introduction to the hiring committee, so it is essential to make sure it provides them with a clear and easy-to-follow summary of everything they are looking for. Most academic hiring committees work within strict […]

With so much of – well, everything – getting done online these days, there is more and more call for effective online educational materials. Whether you are teaching chemistry to undergraduates online or preparing online onboarding training courses for new hires, having an effective syllabus is one way to ensure that your students get the […]

In my time as a university professor, I’ve listened to hundreds of students expressing frustration about their relationships with their doctoral advisors. Whether the issue is lack of support, unclear explanations about expectations and requirements, or simply a lack of rapport, the underlying cause is nearly always communication failure. You can’t do much to change […]