Is teaching expertise really necessary for an academic career?
Young scientists often get contradictory advice about whether they need teaching expertise to become a professors. Every university will confirm that teaching is the core expertise of a professor;...
View ArticleFree PhD programs versus fully funded PhD programs
What is a free PhD program? What does fully funded mean in the context of a PhD? Is a PhD program an education or a job? Do you get paid, or are you paying for it? The designs of PhD programs differ...
View ArticleWhy professors do not train you for the non-academic job market!
About 97% of all young researchers find a job *outside* academia. However, most professors focus on academic success and scientific excellence. Some professors are afraid to transform young scientists...
View ArticleIs being a professor worth it?
Being a professor is amazing because of the intellectual fulfillment derived from research and teaching, the societal impact, and academic freedom. However, the journey to a professorship may strain...
View ArticleMD-PhD programs – Is the combined degree worth it?
An MD-PhD program allows you to earn both an MD and a PhD in a condensed period, potentially giving you a competitive edge in the job market. It is a long and demanding training that requires a great...
View ArticleAm I good enough for a career in science?
Are you one of the many people who wonder, “Am I good enough for a career in science?” Every young scientist suffers from these negative thoughts. You’ve worked hard to contribute to the scientific...
View ArticleDental school vs medical school vs life sciences – Should I study Medicine,...
Medicine, dentistry, or life sciences may have a similar appeal when deciding on your career path. Your choice will depend massively on your interests, talents, and long-term goals. See below for a...
View ArticleShould I become a professor? Success rate 3% !
When organizing career events for PhD students and postdocs, we realize that most young researchers envision an academic career. They are shocked when we confront them that only 3-5% of them will...
View ArticleAssistant Professor vs Associate Professor: What’s the Difference
Knowing which types of academic positions are available in the academic market is helpful for making good career decisions. There are multiple types of professor jobs in many different disciplines,...
View ArticleWhich scientific meetings should I attend?
Attending a scientific meeting can be very inspiring. It may broaden your network and help you to make yourself and your research visible to a broad audience. Nevertheless, it is also often...
View ArticleOnline interview – the 5 biggest mistakes
Do you want to make a good impression in your online interview? Avoid these mistakes! During the last decade, I have done multiple online interviews with potential PhD students and postdocs. I have...
View ArticleI have no idea where I will be in two years
They always ask in job interviews, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I hear the same reply again and again… “I don’t even know where I see myself in 2 years.” What can you do to get more clarity?...
View ArticleAssistant Professor vs Associate Professor: What’s the Difference
Knowing which types of academic positions are available in the academic market is helpful for making good career decisions. There are multiple types of professor jobs in many different disciplines,...
View ArticlePA vs MD salary – are the differences relevant?
The salary differences between Physician Assistants (PAs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) in the US and Europe are significant, reflecting the disparities in years of medical school, residency programs,...
View ArticleWhat is the best publication strategy in science?
Young scientists often get conflicting advice on how they should publish. Every generation of young scientists has to address similar questions: Should I publish several smaller papers or focus on one...
View ArticleWhat is a Postdoc? The Next Step After Your PhD!
A postdoc, or postdoctoral position, is a key stage in the academic career path for those who have completed a doctoral degree and want to pursue a career in research. It provides an opportunity for...
View ArticleShould I become a professor? Success rate 3% !
When organizing career events for PhD students and postdocs, we realize that most young researchers envision an academic career. They are shocked when we confront them that only 3-5% of them will...
View ArticleShould I become a long-term postdoc?
Becoming a long-term postdoc – isn't this attractive? When discussing career paths in life sciences with postdocs, we hear on a regular basis the wish to escape from the "rat race of the professors" by...
View ArticleHow to ask for a letter of recommendation?
We all know the problem – you need a letter of recommendation – but you do not know whom to ask and how to ask. In many contexts, letters of recommendation are required, such as applications for...
View ArticleBest books on salary negotiation and getting a raise
Negotiating an excellent salary is crucial because it sets the foundation for your long-term career satisfaction and financial security. A well-negotiated salary boosts your morale, leading to greater...
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