At the time I’m writing this post for you, Twitter’s future is nebulous at best. Many people are leaving for other platforms. I hope that it turns around and remains a thriving resource for building community online. But in case it does not, make sure to head over and read these threads before it’s too late! Each of them is full of suggestions to help you attain success in your research and academic career.

Finding and Reading Literature

For those just starting out, sorting through the literature can feel overwhelming. And new papers are being published every day. This thread from Mert R. Sabuncu provides some tips for keeping up with the conversation.

Some advice I give my graduate students about how to keep on top of the literature in their field. A 🧵: 1/

— Mert R. Sabuncu (@mertrory) October 15, 2022

Reading scientific papers is a skill, and one that is not always explicitly taught in our programs. John Gallagher summarizes multiple Twitter threads on the topic into an easy-to-use resource.

I found the best links from that "how to read a scientific paper" and "read for academic purposes" thread and put them together.

"Ten simple rules for reading a scientific paper"https://t.co/7cCP4AW7DF

— John Gallagher (@MereSophistry) September 28, 2022

Writing in Academia

I had a background in writing when I began my graduate program. Some days, though, this felt almost like more of a hindrance than a help. Academic writing is different than the writing I do as a content creator or in my profession. So I love these recommendations from Julien Cayla!

10 academic writing skills I wish I had learned as a PhD student (with updated links) A thread ⬇️ 🧵 for PhD students and junior scholars:

— Julien Cayla (@juliencayla) September 27, 2022

Writing a literature review is an important part of the dissertation process. It is also an ongoing need throughout future research projects. One of my favorite Twitter resources, The PhD Voice, provides some insight on how to rock the lit review.

How To Do A Good Literature Review:

Literature reviews seem complex and difficult. But, once you understand what they’re for, they become very simple.

One common approach is to endeavor to cover all of a field, or as much of it as possible.

But, that doesn’t…👇#PhDVoice

— The PhD Voice (@PhDVoice) October 15, 2022

Make your job application stand out

Every fall, a wave of job opportunities in academia for the following year are announced. If you’re applying, you have a lot of competition, so you want to make sure your application stands out. A strong cover letter can make a big difference. Two threads from Dr. Imran Farooq and Valerie A. Lewis, PhD can get you started.

Do you apply for a job without a cover letter? If the answer is no, then don't submit your manuscript without it as well. Editors are busy, but they do carefully look at the cover letter.

How to make it stand out? A thread 🧵 #AcademicTwitter @OpenAcademics @PhDVoice @PhD_Genie

— Dr. Imran Farooq (@drimran_farooq) September 30, 2022

Quick thread for those on the academic job market on structuring a cover letter. Here's how I do it (take or leave, of course!). Thread/

— Valerie A. Lewis, PhD (@valeriealewis) August 23, 2019

Finding Work Outside of Academia

Finally, some students plan on careers outside of academia, and others who start there decide they want other opportunities to explore. Nicole Betz, PhD, helps people make that transition, and has threads on what jobs to look for using your degree outside of higher education, and how an informational interview can be used as a tool in your search.

“What kind of research-focused jobs exist outside of academia?”

I get this question in 1:1 meetings a lot, so here’s a little thread with my answer:

— Nicole Betz, PhD (@njoybetz) October 1, 2022

I mostly learned about #AltAc job options and decided on a path using *informational interviews*

These are KEY but are only as useful as your info. interviewing skills.

Here is a 🧵 describing info interviews and tips for maximizing their utility.

— Nicole Betz, PhD (@njoybetz) November 17, 2022

Use these threads today to move your research and your career forward!

Sarah Willey

November 2022