I recently had a chance to review some applications for a certain type of award and here are some points I hope can be helpful to you.
The selection process for any awards still depends on many factors but if you think these points may improve your chance then best wishes.
1. Make it simple: A simple and easy to follow CV will provide more insights, stick to one colour and make use of “BOLD” or “italics” wherever necessary.
2. Write about your “Outreach” activities: Trust me, it's an important point to mention in your CV. Whether you were involved in any science club or organized an event. Please mention them.
3. Training/Workshops: If you ever undertook any training or workshops which is worth mentioning then you must write about it. This point shows your willingness to learn and improve in your field.
4. Certifications: If you're a certified professional, or received a certificate in something even from a border perspective then it's worth writing them down.
5. Volunteering services: You must mention if you have dedicated your time to a cause or an organization. No matter how small it is: your and everyone's time is precious.
6. Conferences/Presentations/Invited talks: I don't have to emphasize much... I guess! Super important point.
7. Journal articles/ Conference proceedings: Again, such an important point. I am sure no one will miss this point.
8. Professional Affiliations: Whether you're a graduate student member, lab affiliate member, or a life member of any association. Please do mention them. Also with a time range.
9. Extracurricular activities: If any such activities are worth mentioning then, please do write them down. This point will inform more of your experiences other than academics.
You can read my tweet on how extra-curricular activities make me a better researcher. 👇🏻
10. Languages: Yes, a common point but if you have taken any particular test in any language. Do mention your level in them and the rest.
Education and professional experience... I am sure everyone knows it!
Final point 1: Sometimes, even if you have a stellar application there are chances that you might not get the award. There can be many reasons: one example like the award committee will have a cap on how many awards can be given.
Final point 2: So if you don't get through an award it doesn't reflect saying you aren't worth it. It only means a better opportunity is coming your way.
Even I apply for many awards and don't get through with all of them.
Remember to just keep trying. Best wishes!
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Sharing “April” tweets and threads regarding PhD resources that I wrote. So that it's all in one place. I think it will help me too to find everything together.
1. Weekly summary report: My supervisor has made a point to submit a weekly summary report before every meeting. This has been a game-changer for sure because it helps you keep a track of what you did and what goals to have to set forth.
Here's the weekly summary report format (if you need it).
> Previous Meeting Highlights
> Activities (What you did/accomplished)
> Difficulties (Problems that cropped up / things that stumped you)
I thought I am late for this Twitter party! and decided to delete my account but something changed my mind...
As someone, who is on LinkedIn (now kind of active) and has a blog where I write my learnings and philosophy. I thought that social media is “NOT” for me.
A 🧵
As you see, I made my account in January 2022 as a part of the public scholar program that my university has and became active in April 2022. So I thought if I don't get selected (btw the results are still not out) I would simply delete my account and move on.
Honestly, it’s not because I don’t care, but I can’t get a grip on this world of social media. Describe me as a person who lives under a rock. I believe I am the last to discover the happenings.
Know your timings well before. Mark up your calendar with new openings, application cycles, etc. Sign up for various newsletters (of different universities) and receive updates directly to your inbox.
I have personally attended several university fairs where I got much information and a one-on-one session with their representative. This makes your application a bit easier because you get to know a university a bit more.