Gertrude Nonterah, Ph.D.’s Post

"𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 🎓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 🧪 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?" How do you send a perfect email asking a prof about a Research Position?  Subject: Inquiry about Research Position in [Professor’s Research Area] 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬: 💠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐭: Tailor the letter to the specific professor and their research area. Show you’ve done your research! 💠𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬: Showcase relevant skills and experiences that make you a good fit for their lab. 💠𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Convey your genuine passion for research and the professor’s work. 💠𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞: Aim for a one-page letter that gets straight to the point. 💠𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲: Ensure your letter is free of errors and typos. Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], My name is [Your Name] and I am a [Year] [Major] student at [University Name] with a strong interest in [Professor’s Research Area]. I am writing to express my keen interest in potential research opportunities within your lab. I have been following your research on [Specific research topic of the professor] with great enthusiasm. Your work on [Mention a specific aspect of the professor’s research that excites you] has been particularly inspiring to me. My academic background in [Mention relevant coursework or projects] has fueled my passion for [Your research interest related to the professor’s area]. In my previous research experience [Briefly mention any research experience you have, highlighting relevant skills], I gained valuable skills in [Mention specific skills relevant to research, e.g., data analysis, laboratory techniques]. I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine eagerness to learn. I understand that you may not have any open positions at the moment. However, I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss your current research projects and explore any potential research opportunities that might align with my skills and interests. I have attached my CV for your review, which further details my academic background and research experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information (Email & Phone number optional)] #researchpositions #higherstudies #gradschooltips"

The worst kind of opinion/advice you can give to anyone is "It depends on what you want" and then not add anything after that. These days it has become very common for people to use this line and be politically correct. The problem is - it is trivial that everything is relative and it depends. But when someone is asking for your view on something, say "it depends" by all means, but then add your own experience. You being politically correct doesn't help at all. A graduating Phd student asks me "What should I pursue - academic career or industry job"? - Of course the answer starts with "It depends on what you want". I wanted a more balanced work life and time to pursue my other interests, that is why I joined industry. But at the same time, I must say, I used to get more intellectual satisfaction when I was doing academic research. So you have to choose what you want.

#StayWellinResearch 3. Say NO to shiny balls If you want to survive in academia or research you have to learn to say NO. There are so many opportunities that will "look good on your cv". Easy to burn out. From: 52 Ways to Stay Well.

I have helped 250+ students with their scholarship applications in the last 3 years. You can get a funded PhD/Master's, too. It's simpler than you think. All you need to do is identify how you can contribute to your field of research. Most people who get rejected don't know this: Just writing that you're passionate about/interested in X is barely enough. You need to go beyond passion. Talk about the applicability of your interests. Think of it like: • How can my research contributions can solve a certain problem? • Can I think of any alternatives that might make this methodology more efficient? • What makes my background & vision consistent with the goals of this lab and/or program? Once you have this, writing your SoP is no big deal. You now have to think about your CV. Most students who get rejected have a shabby CV. • It's filled with vague work summaries (always use action verbs) • Too many colors (go for black & white only) • Weird formats (no tables & boxes) Again, that's not the end. You must make sure your referees write STRONG LoRs that really encapsulate your suitability, accomplishments & abilities required to succeed in grad programs. They won't be able to write such a letter if: • You asked a wrong supervisor • You didn't give them enough info on why you think you are the right fit for the program & why you're applying (your short & long-term goals). • You didn't give them enough time. Remember that rejections can be avoided about 75% of the time if you plan with a calm mind. Doing everything at the last moment is a waste of your time, money & potential. I'll talk more about how to write impressive research proposals & personal statements soon. DM if you want to work with me 🎓💰🎖️

🚫 Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes When Applying for Fully Funded PhD Programs 🚫 Applying for a fully funded PhD can be daunting, but steering clear of these common pitfalls can greatly increase your chances of success. Here’s how: 1. Personalize Your Cold Emails ✉️ : Make a strong first impression by tailoring your emails to each professor you're contacting. A well-crafted introduction could lead to interviews, positively influence the admissions committee, and keep you top of mind during the selection process. 2. Enhance Your CV 📝: Your CV should not just list your experiences but highlight them strategically. Use tools like Word, Docs, or LaTeX to format your document neatly, emphasizing key experiences like your degree, research projects, and relevant coursework in bold. Consistency in formatting is key. 3. Strengthen Your Letters of Recommendation 📚: Engage with your recommenders well in advance. Provide them with your CV and a clear explanation of your motivations for pursuing graduate studies and how their mentorship has impacted you. This encourages them to write detailed and supportive letters. 4. Develop a Meaningful Statement of Purpose 🔖: Extend beyond the contents of your CV. Illustrate how your experiences have prepared you for graduate studies and discuss how you intend to contribute to the academic community. Your SoP should articulate your unique perspective and value to the program. Need help? DM me for assistance 🔖🔖🔖

Academia to Industry - this Nature Careers article offers some great hints and tips on how to get your application past the the first stage of selection. Even if you're not a scientist like the person in this article the tips still hold good: tailor your application; focus your research; mirror language and talk to people in the organisation. For details read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e4sKbB5n

🩺 Assistant Professors: Fresh Blood in Research/Academia 💡 Many of my students have shared that they often receive rejection emails when applying for positions. 📩 When I looked into it, I found that they were mostly writing to full professors. My advice? Always reach out to Assistant Professors! They are the fresh blood in research and academia, eager to build their profiles, labs, and reputations. They are actively looking for motivated students to join their teams. 👩🔬👨🔬 💡 Tips for Approaching Assistant Professors: Do Your Homework: Research their work and mention how your interests align with theirs. 🔍 Personalize Your Email: Avoid generic messages. Tailor your email to show genuine interest. 📝 Be Clear and Concise: Mention your skills, experiences, and how you can contribute to their research. 🎯 Follow Up: If you don't hear back, a polite follow-up can keep you on their radar. ⏳ In conclusion, Assistant Professors are often the best people to approach when looking to secure a position in academia. They’re motivated, enthusiastic, and eager to work with new talent! 🚀 Best, AR #phdlife #summer #europe

There is a definite right way of approaching a Prof to get a response. Here is my 5-step process on how to email a Professor: 1️⃣ Subject Field - The gateway to your email. Why: Most professors are swamped with emails. A clear, concise subject grabs attention. How: Be specific yet brief. Example: “Research Opportunity for joint publication on...” 2️⃣ Purpose - Clarity is key. Why: Professors appreciate brevity and directness. How: State your request upfront. No beating around the bush. Example: “I am writing to seek your advice on...” 3️⃣ Build Connection - Don’t be a stranger. Why: A personal touch can set you apart. How: Mention a mutual interest or a recent publication of theirs you found insightful. Example: “I was inspired by your recent work on…” 4️⃣ Introduction - Who are you? Why: Helps put a face to the name. How: Briefly introduce yourself and your interests. Example: “As an aspiring researcher in XYZ, I…” 5️⃣ Call-to-action - What next? Why: End with a clear action point. How: Propose a meeting, or ask for specific advice. Example: “Could we possibly discuss this over a call?” The difference between a response and silence can often lie in the approach. Start applying these steps today and see the difference for yourself. #researcher #phd #professor #academia 🔄 repost to help a friend :) -------------------- If you enjoyed this, then you'd love my exclusive weekly newsletter that teaches you how to secure a tenure-tack job and navigate academia as an early career researcher: https://lnkd.in/eNAjgrY9

🚫 Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes When Applying for Fully Funded PhD Programs 🚫 Applying for a fully funded PhD can be daunting, but steering clear of these common pitfalls can greatly increase your chances of success. Here’s how: 1. Personalize Your Cold Emails ✉️ : Make a strong first impression by tailoring your emails to each professor you're contacting. A well-crafted introduction could lead to interviews, positively influence the admissions committee, and keep you top of mind during the selection process. 2. Enhance Your CV 📝: Your CV should not just list your experiences but highlight them strategically. Use tools like Word, Docs, or LaTeX to format your document neatly, emphasizing key experiences like your degree, research projects, and relevant coursework in bold. Consistency in formatting is key. 3. Strengthen Your Letters of Recommendation 📚: Engage with your recommenders well in advance. Provide them with your CV and a clear explanation of your motivations for pursuing graduate studies and how their mentorship has impacted you. This encourages them to write detailed and supportive letters. 4. Develop a Meaningful Statement of Purpose 🔖: Extend beyond the contents of your CV. Illustrate how your experiences have prepared you for graduate studies and discuss how you intend to contribute to the academic community. Your SoP should articulate your unique perspective and value to the program. Need help? DM me for assistance 🔖🔖🔖

I have helped 250+ students with their scholarship applications in the last 3 years. You can get a funded PhD/Master's, too. It's simpler than you think. All you need to do is identify how you can contribute to your field of research. Most people who get rejected don't know this: Just writing that you're passionate about/interested in X is barely enough. You need to go beyond passion. Talk about the applicability of your interests. Think of it like: • How can my research contributions can solve a certain problem? • Can I think of any alternatives that might make this methodology more efficient? • What makes my background & vision consistent with the goals of this lab and/or program? Once you have this, writing your SoP is no big deal. You now have to think about your CV. Most students who get rejected have a shabby CV. • It's filled with vague work summaries (always use action verbs) • Too many colors (go for black & white only) • Weird formats (no tables & boxes) Again, that's not the end. You must make sure your referees write STRONG LoRs that really encapsulate your suitability, accomplishments & abilities required to succeed in grad programs. They won't be able to write such a letter if: • You asked a wrong supervisor • You didn't give them enough info on why you think you are the right fit for the program & why you're applying (your short & long-term goals). • You didn't give them enough time. Remember that rejections can be avoided about 75% of the time if you plan with a calm mind. Doing everything at the last moment is a waste of your time, money & potential. I'll talk more about how to write impressive research proposals & personal statements soon. DM if you want to work with me 🎓💰🎖️