Regular readers of this blog know that I use this space for focused advice for young academics on overcoming specific pitfalls and challenges in the academic career—how to write an abstract, apply for a grant, deal with a difficult advisor, etc. I … [Read more...] about Memo to Professors: How Useless Are You? Really?
Graduate Student Concerns
Finding Mentors
Today's post is a Special Request post for Lauri, who is a new assistant professor, and wishes to know how to cultivate mentors on campus. Regular readers of this blog will know that I frequently mention the importance of cultivating mentors on … [Read more...] about Finding Mentors
How To Ask A (Famous) Professor to be Your Dissertation Chair
Today is a Special Request post for Meagan, who wishes to know how to approach a famous and influential scholar in her department to be the chair of her dissertation committee. Ideally, you will have arranged to work with your famous dissertation … [Read more...] about How To Ask A (Famous) Professor to be Your Dissertation Chair
How To Fire a Professor
Today's post is a Special Request post. This one is for Jenn, who asks, “how do you replace one professor with another on your committee?” This is a delicate matter, as I'm sure Jenn is aware. There are all kinds of reasons that committee members … [Read more...] about How To Fire a Professor
How to Write an Email to a Potential Ph.D. Advisor/Professor
Please note that I no longer respond to comments/questions to this post! Grad School Application Guidance Package and other help listed below the post. One of the most common points of confusion among undergraduates and new graduate … [Read more...] about How to Write an Email to a Potential Ph.D. Advisor/Professor
How Do You Write an Email or Letter to a Professor?
***Please note that I no longer respond to comments/questions to this post! For additional help, see a list of individualized services to help you in your path to graduate school, and the Guidance Package, both offered below the post*** One of the … [Read more...] about How Do You Write an Email or Letter to a Professor?