Every scientist knows the problem: you’re presenting at a conference or giving a research talk to a mildly interested audience, and you’re just one speaker among dozens—maybe hundreds. How do you stand out? How do you make sure people remember your presentation once the slides blur together? This is where the book Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath becomes surprisingly valuable. While it isn’t written specifically for academics, it offers powerful communication principles that are highly relevant for…
Be Suspicious If You Hear These Three Statements From Your Boss
Starting your first job as a fresh graduate is exciting—but also confusing.Without prior work experience, your boss often becomes your main point of reference for what is “normal” in the workplace. Unfortunately, that can make it hard to tell whether certain statements are supportive guidance or subtle red flags. While no workplace is perfect, you should at least be suspicious if you hear one of the following three statements from your boss—especially if they are repeated often. 1. “You won’t…
Does Academic Education Prepare You for Working Life?
Does academic education really prepare you for working life?This is not an easy question to answer. It strongly depends on your field of study, your university, and the profession you are aiming for. But if you are looking for a short and honest answer—especially if you are currently in a jobsearch—it is this: Don’t expect too much. Academic Education Is the Beginning, Not the Destination Any academic qualification or title is usually just the starting point of your professional journey—not…
Four Career Questions I Never Dared to Ask (and Why They Matter for Your Jobsearch)
As a student or young professional, certain encounters can leave you with burning questions. During my early career, many conversations sparked doubts and curiosity—but I rarely spoke up. Sometimes I was too shy. Sometimes I didn’t want to embarrass anyone. And often, I didn’t feel entitled to ask. Looking back, staying silent cost me valuable insights—especially during my jobsearch. So learn from my mistakes. Here are four career questions I wish I had dared to ask earlier, and why they…
Should You Take Up a Fixed-Term Position? Pros and Cons for Your Job Search
Fixed-term contracts are more common than ever—especially for young professionals and recent graduates entering the job search. When browsing job ads today, temporary or fixed-term positions often seem like the norm rather than the exception. If you’re early in your career, you might be wondering: Should I apply for fixed-term roles, or focus only on permanent positions during my jobsearch? While it’s true that you don’t always get to choose the type of contract you’re offered, understanding the pros and…
Why It’s OK to Be Second Best in Your Job Search
Why is it okay to be second best—especially during a jobsearch? Shouldn’t you always strive to be the best? From an early age, we’re taught to aim for excellence. Being second best often feels like failure, or even worse, like being average. Without a doubt, you should always give your best effort in everything you do. But when it comes to your jobsearch, being second best isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can sometimes work in your favor.…
Smartphone Apps I wish I used earlier
Some smartphone apps make your life easier. Personally, I wish I had started using them earlier. Read here which are these apps are and why they are helpful at work, in life, or at uni. The LinkedIn App The LinkedIn app stands for the app of the professional network of your choice. It does not have to be LinkedIn. Using the app on your smartphone makes it much easier to be active on the professional network on a regular basis.…
Quick formatting hacks for your thesis
If you are in the final stages of writing your thesis right now, the last thing on your mind is the formatting of your thesis. Chances are that you do not have time to fiddle around with your layout for hours. Still, it is important for your thesis to look neat to make a good impression. For this reason, I have compiled for your five Microsoft Word formatting hacks. They will make your thesis look polished and professional instantly: Structure…
How to do a video application to get your next job
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face interview meetings have been reduced a lot. In addition, meeting your future employer on networking events such as job fares is also less likely due to various restrictions. Because of this, a video applications are a great way to allow a possible new employer to get a somehow personal impression of you as a person. Besides, video applications are not very common, yet. That makes your application stand out from the crowed. A video…
The biggest challenges for interdisciplinary research
In recent years, interdisciplinary research was found to be the best approach to solve complex problems. This is why researchers form interdisciplinary teams more often. This is also true in academic research. But despite its importance, interdisciplinary research faces several challenges. Education and training is organized around distinctive subjects In school and in university the different subjects are taught independently of each other. This fact is almost too trivial to spell out here. But it is how we get to…