TwentyOne Skills

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 In an ever-evolving research landscape, it’s essential for graduate schools and research institutes to adopt flexible, scalable learning approaches to complement their existing workshop programs. Traditional in-person workshops offer invaluable face-to-face interactions, real-time feedback, and hands-on learning with experts. However, these should be supplemented by a robust digital upskilling strategy to ensure that all researchers, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from continuous learning. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 / 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞-𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠? Synchronous learning (live workshops, virtual seminars) with an expert allows for immediate interaction, dynamic discussions, and shared experiences that can greatly enhance learning. However, not everyone can attend in-person: some researchers are field-bound, some are working remotely, while others, like introverted learners or young parents, may find digital formats more accessible. Offering e-learning provides them with flexibility and control over their learning journey. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: 1) 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙊𝙬𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢 (𝙇𝙈𝙎) A custom LMS gives institutions complete control over content and branding, allowing them to create bespoke courses specifically tailored to their research community’s needs. This also offers the chance to track engagement, assess learning outcomes, and adapt to emerging training needs. 2) 𝘼𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙈𝙎 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨 Alternatively, you can opt for licenses to established, high-quality platforms that offer a wide range of courses. This strategy allows access to up-to-date content across various skill sets without the overhead of developing and maintaining your own LMS. These strategies are especially crucial for younger researchers—PhD students and early-career scientists—who are often digital-first learners. By integrating digital upskilling into your current programs, you ensure they have the flexibility and tools to grow their careers no matter where they are. At TwentyOne Skills, we offer both solutions. Whether you're building your own platform or looking for the right partner to provide diverse learning options, we can help you integrate digital learning into your upskilling mix. Start supporting your researchers’ diverse needs today with a digital learning strategy that complements your in-person workshops! Hit me up with questions or for free test accounts for yourself and a handful of researchers 😎

Leaving academia? When I talk to PhD candidates and PostDocs around the world, one of the most pressing issues that always comes up is how to 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚. This uncertainty around 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 is something so many early-career scientists face. And I completely understand how overwhelming it can be to figure out what’s next. That's why we’ve created the first-ever 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, designed to give you practical, real-life advice on navigating your career beyond the academic world. We’ve pulled together a lineup of sessions that are not only informative but also action-driven — we want you to walk away with tools you can use right away! And the best thing, it's all FREE! 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢: Karen Köhler from Bayer will talk about how she transitioned from being a researcher to a manager. She’ll share her personal journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Get the inside scoop with Natalie Kleefisch on what it takes to build a career in consulting (Natalie K.) and learn her top tips for nailing your next job interview. Discover how AI tools can help you craft a CV that stands out in today’s competitive job market with our expert Dimitra Lountzi Learn how to leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential as a networking and career-building tool for scientists with Dr. Sashima Läbe And on Friday the 13th (my lucky day!) I’m personally leading a workshop to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in job interviews — whether they’re virtual or face-to-face. You’ll get practical strategies and insider tips to help you shine in your next interview. If you're a PhD student or Postdoc looking to take the next step in your career, this is your chance to get hands-on guidance from people who’ve been there. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to take your career to the next level! I’d also love your help in spreading the word. Please share this with anyone who might benefit from it or post it in your networks. It could be the spark someone else needs for their career! Get your free ticket here: https://lnkd.in/e_wpuiTN

Don't miss the chance to attend this seminar with our founder Robert Kötter!

🚀 Exciting 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 Announcement! 🚀 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of science communication in this enlightening 90-minute talk. Explore every facet of this dynamic field as we delve into the art of conveying complex scientific concepts with clarity and impact. From dealing with media to using social media platforms, we'll equip you with the tools to engage, educate, and inspire audiences of all backgrounds. Join us and unlock the full potential of your scientific message. This online seminar is held in English and is organized as a cooperation between academics and TwentyOne Skills One Skills. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your science communication skills! 📅 Date: 17.07.2024 🕒 Time: 16:30 – 18:00 Uhr 📍 Location: Online 👤 Speaker: Robert Kötter (Twenty One Skills) 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eCURSWUm #ScienceCommunication #STEM #Research #AcademicLife #ScienceStory #TwentyOneSkills #OnlineSeminar #ProfessionalDevelopment #ScienceEducation

Great insights about poster design from our workshop with expert Dr. Sashima Läbe!

Our new e-learnings targeted at early-career researchers on cover letters, communication skills for difficult conversations, and building a network here on LinkedIn! #science #academia #elearning

Deep Work: How often can you really work without distractions? Once a week? That's already a lot... Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many scholars have found it increasingly challenging to carve out time for this type of focused, uninterrupted work. With the shift to remote learning and increased administrative burdens, the environment for deep work has been compromised. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭? Deep work is essential for producing high-quality academic output, fostering creativity, and achieving breakthroughs in research. It allows scholars to engage deeply with complex ideas, leading to more innovative and rigorous results. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 Physical Spaces: Institutions like Stanford and MIT have designated "deep work zones"—quiet areas free from digital distractions where scholars can focus intensely. These spaces are often equipped with comfortable seating, natural lighting, and noise-canceling features. Policy Changes: Some universities are implementing policies that protect blocks of time for deep work. For instance, the University of Melbourne has introduced "meeting-free days" to ensure that faculty have uninterrupted time for research. Digital Tools and Training: The University of Oxford offers workshops on time management and digital minimalism to help scholars manage their online presence and reduce distractions. They also provide access to software that blocks social media and other distractions during work hours. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 For early career scholars, establishing habits and environments that facilitate deep work is vital. Here are some practical tips: Schedule Deep Work Sessions: Dedicate specific times in your calendar exclusively for deep work. Treat these sessions as non-negotiable appointments. Minimize Distractions: Use tools like website blockers and noise-canceling headphones. Create a physical workspace that is free from distractions and signals to others that you are in a deep work mode. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the most important and challenging tasks first. Use time-blocking to manage your tasks effectively. Communicate Boundaries: Let your colleagues and family know when you are in deep work sessions and ask them to respect your focus time. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your deep work sessions. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your strategies accordingly. In his recent study, Ferreira (2022) concludes: “Contemporary academic job management culture is fundamentally incompatible with quality research and lecturing. Academic administrations should focus on creating conditions for professors to do deep work. The ability to do deep work may contribute to a healthier work-life balance within academia.” #DeepWork #AcademicExcellence #ResearchProductivity #EarlyCareerScholars #HigherEducation

𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 As researchers, our journey is often defined by efficiency and depth of insight. Here are ten ChatGPT prompts that can revolutionize your research process, along with their specific use cases, plus key tips on crafting effective prompts: 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 Literature Review: "Summarize recent studies on [topic] from the last five years." Use Case: Quickly gather and synthesize relevant academic literature. Data Analysis: "Explain how to perform a logistic regression analysis in Python." Use Case: Understand and apply complex data analysis techniques. Research Design: "Evaluate this research methodology for studying [topic]." Use Case: Refine your research design with feedback to ensure robust outcomes. Idea Generation: "What are innovative research questions in the field of [topic]?" Use Case: Generate fresh ideas for groundbreaking studies. Paper Structuring: "Outline a research paper based on these findings [brief summary]." Use Case: Organize research findings into a coherent structure. Statistical Interpretation: "Interpret these statistical results [insert data]." Use Case: Enhance understanding and communication of statistical data. Ethical Consideration: "What are the ethical implications of researching [topic]?" Use Case: Ensure ethical compliance in your research. Grant Proposal: "Help draft a research grant proposal for a study on [topic]." Use Case: Assist in crafting compelling grant proposals. Conference Preparation: "Generate a speech outline for a presentation on [topic]." Use Case: Prepare structured speeches for conferences. Peer Review Preparation: "What are potential critiques of this research [attach summary] and how can I address them?" Use Case: Anticipate and address potential peer review comments. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 Be Specific: Clear and specific prompts yield more accurate and relevant responses. Include essential details like the context, topic specifics, and any particular angle or focus. Set Clear Objectives: Know what you aim to achieve with the response. Whether it's generating ideas, seeking explanations, or requiring detailed instructions, the objective should shape the prompt. Provide Context: When necessary, give background information to help ChatGPT understand the broader scope of the query, especially for complex or niche topics. Use Concise Language: While detail is important, clarity and conciseness prevent misunderstandings. Avoid overly complex sentences that could confuse both the AI and the intent of your query. Iterate as Needed: Sometimes the first response might not perfectly meet your needs. Use follow-up prompts to refine the information, asking more targeted questions based on initial answers. Please share your tips - and share this with your network! #AIinResearch #AcademicResearch #ChatGPT #ResearchTips #DataScience

𝟏𝟎 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 After a long day of research and experimentation, switching off from work is crucial for maintaining mental health and staying productive. Here’s how to effectively decompress: 🔹 Reflect on the Day: Keep a to-do list and enjoy the satisfaction of crossing off completed tasks. 🔹 Stay Active: Commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity to clear your mind. 🔹 Create Boundaries: Separate your work and living spaces to avoid blurring the lines between professional and personal life. 🔹 Designate an 'Off' Time: Set a hard stop for work activities and stick to it. Changing out of work clothes can symbolize the end of your workday. 🔹 Plan Ahead: Use a calendar with tasks to stay organized and prepared for the next day. 🔹 Limit Screen Time: Establish "phone-free" hours to reduce the temptation to check work emails or messages. 🔹 Embrace Boredom: Allow yourself to be bored! It can spark creativity and problem-solving. 🔹 Set Clear Rules: Define what 'time for me' looks like and create clear rules for disconnecting, like turning off your phone after 8 pm. 🔹 Meditate & Reflect: Invest time in meditation to cultivate mindfulness and presence. 🔹 Connect Socially: Spend quality time with friends and family to support emotional recovery from work stress. Implementing these steps can lead to better work-life balance, enhanced focus during work hours, and a healthier mental state. Start today and feel the difference! #ScienceCommunity #MentalHealth #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance ♻️ Repost to help your network switch off after their academic workday!

𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐃𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 Navigating the transition from academia to industry can be thrilling yet daunting for many PhDs and PostDocs. One of the less discussed, yet significant challenges is managing expectations regarding compensation and roles. To state it bluntly: They often expect to much in terms of salary! Here’s a closer look at this issue and some advice on setting more realistic expectations. 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 For many PhDs and PostDocs, expectations about compensation are often rooted in the misconception that higher education automatically translates into high pay. While it's true that a PhD may command a premium in certain sectors like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or engineering, this is not universally the case across all industries. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 In fields like data science (AI!!!), quantitative finance, or certain parts of tech, PhDs can indeed expect competitive starting salaries that reflect their specialized skills and potentially scarce expertise. In these industries, the depth of knowledge and analytical skills developed during a PhD can be directly applicable and highly valued. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 However, outside these specific areas, many industry roles initially offer salaries and responsibilities that align more closely with entry-level positions than with roles occupied by seasoned professionals. This can come as a surprise to many who have spent years honing their expertise in academia. 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (Details in infographic!) 1. 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝑲𝒆𝒚 2. 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 3. 𝑬𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 4. 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 5. 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Transitioning to industry requires a shift not only in your skills but also in your expectations. By entering the market with a well-researched, realistic view of your starting point, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling career path that grows as you do. Remember, the value you bring from your academic training is immense, and with the right positioning, the growth potential in industry is significant. Interested to hear about your takes and experiences here! #science #leavingacademia #phd #postdoc #highered