Too many people spend days crafting the perfect academic CV, only to spend minimal effort on their academic cover letter. But, the truth is, that even the most perfectly crafted CV is nothing without an impactful cover letter. A strategically targeted cover letter which demonstrates your abilities, enthusiasm and suitability…>
Academic
Constructivist Approaches to Teaching and Learning
In my previous article (‘The delivery metaphor of teaching and learning’) I outlined some of the problems of treating knowledge as something to be ‘delivered’ or ‘transmitted’ to students. In this view of teaching and learning, the teacher’s role is to transmit knowledge and information, the learners’ role is simply…>
Working Abroad as an Academic
A career as an academic often comes with the opportunity to spend some, or all, of your career working abroad. But what should you consider before making the big move? Institutional Reputation It is important when considering such a big move that you carry out thorough research, especially when considering…>
Teaching From the Podium
Communication comes in many different formats. In modern society, the physical contact of communication appears to be diminishing. We are often hidden behind screens. Sending messages. Providing feedback. Giving instructions. Completing forms. This virtual world of communication lacks warmth, authenticity, integrity, and emotion. I miss the times of sitting with…>
Balance for a Better Life
Many of us crave a work-life balance. We are inundated by social media, tons of information to take on, staggeringly long to-do lists, and pangs of guilt as we fall hopelessly behind with our commitments. The better job we do in our professional work, the more responsibility we receive. We…>
Liminal Spaces: Finding research funding when working overseas
Let’s say you want to publish a monograph, attend a conference, and fund a research project and other activities to build an international academic profile as a scholar working overseas. These are all astute and indeed necessary endeavours if trying to advance in the academic ranks; nonetheless, they require a…>
Undergraduate Dissertations: Getting the Balance Right
This is the time of year when many final-year undergraduates are grappling with a substantial piece of written work in the form of a dissertation. Despite this usually being a fractional component of the larger degree the dissertation can carry disproportionate weight in the mind of the student, drawing attention…>
What is an Academic CV?
A good CV is vital when applying for academic jobs. An academic CV is different from more generic CVs. This article will explain what you need to include, what employers want to see and how they will use your CV. What should I include? Advice about generic CVs says they…>
Taking the Next Steps in your Career
Many of us change career several times over the course of our working lives. Whether you are early on in your career or have years of experience the guidance below can be applied when considering your next steps. Self-assessment Perhaps you are about to enter or re-enter the workforce. You…>
How to Make a Good Impression in an Interview
Making a good impression during an interview can lead to the next step in your career. But how can you do this? Preparation before interview is essential. The practical steps below are aimed at those of you who have little or no interview experience to individuals who regularly market themselves…>