Professional Skills

Outside of more traditional skills, those in academia require special knowledge and abilities. The art of grant writing, for instance, is a specialized form that requires particular attention to detail and format. This section illuminates the many available resources dedicated to pertinent skills for those who are interested in remaining in academia. Beyond guidelines and instructions, insight into different perspectives and ways of thinking are provided. Gain access to the thought processes of examiners and those involved in decision making through the materials given here. Resources on writing research papers, grant proposals, and steps necessary for publishing are among the many sources of information provided.

Resources

  • How to Write a Great Research Paper

    Simon Peyton Jones of Microsoft Research explains what you need to do in order to create a premium quality research paper. The most effective models for paper writing as well as the best structures are explored.

  • Proposal Writing Short Course

    Is hosted by the Foundation Center, which provides ample information on how to write a solid proposal.  In addition to composition advice, including the purpose and suggested length of components, information on outlining a budget and other practical lessons are provided. An audio version of the Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing can also be found.

  • Effective Scientific Electronic Publishing

    Markus Kuhn of the University of Cambridge offers some tips for publishing scientific papers online. Keeping your name consistent, for instance, can save you a lot of trouble in the long run as it will keep your publications more accessible.

  • DNA Educator Workshops

    That train teachers to use the DNASubway platform for a number of  DNA related topics such as plant biology and genetics are made  available through the DNA Learning Center. Using these appropriated bioinformatics tools teachers will be able to more effectively teach complex scientific topics.

  • A Structure Approach to Presenting Theses

    Once you’ve gotten your thesis written, use the advice in this detailed article to go about presenting it. It begins with establishing what a thesis should achieve and detailing every step of the way to its conclusions and implications.

  • It’s a PhD Not a Nobel Prize

    Provides great insight into the process behind the thesis examination process and examiner expectations. Understanding how your thesis will be judged will help you determine what changes to make before you finalize your work.

  • Using Visuals

    Incorporating visuals into your text can be a strong means of communicating certain information. When done properly they contribute greatly to your text.

  • The Science of Scientific Writing

    Hosted by the American Scientist, emphasizes understanding the needs of an audience.  Reader expectations and how to appropriately account for them are discussed.

  • Peer-Review Writing Workshops

    Utilize cloud technology such as Google Docs, allowing for more efficient collaboration. Applying such technologies to your work can be beneficial.

  • Collaborating and Co-Authoring

    Can be great ways of furthering your academic knowledge as well as improving your connections. In addition to the benefits of this approach, the many complications to consider are addressed.

  • How to Get the Mentoring You Want

    Informs readers of how to engage in a meaningful mentor/mentee relationship. Steps to take in order to choose a fitting mentor, mentee responsibilities and changing advisors are explained.

  • How  to Write a Good Report

    The author sets some ground rules for report writing, while also  digging into higher level concerns such as structure and refinement.  Further, some advice for providing feedback to other writers is included.