Flexibility Working casually as an academic is somewhat flexible, particularly in research work, when hours can be put in around other commitments. ‘It was great at the time … I could work whatever hours fitted in with my family responsibilities. I could leave early to pick my daughter up from…

‘What are we going to do with you?’ said my supervisor, tapping at the table with his pen. ‘There’s no job for you here.’ I stared at my hands. I knew there was no job, nor the likelihood of a future job. In fact, I didn’t know if I even…

Carers returning from maternity leave or other career breaks often need to rebuild their networks, refresh their knowledge and reinvigorate their enthusiasm for their career. Conference attendance is a vital part of a professional career. But caring responsibilities can make it difficult or, at the least, financially very expensive to…

Read, read, read. Find a subject that interests you and work with your supervisor to find a specific and under-researched topic. Writing a thesis is a gradual procedure. You chip away at a thesis, adding content as you plan, research, gather data and analyse results. Thesis structures differ, but generally…

In a recent article, ‘How to Write a Great Introduction: The Basics’, I provided a quick and simple outline of the two main things that an introduction must do in order to be considered a true introduction to an essay. In this article, I’d like to take you a step…

‘It’s 8.15 pm. I’m in bed, exhausted, with pain in all my joints and my ribs. I haven’t been this tired since 26 hours of active labour four years ago. In the last 48 hours, I’ve submitted a grant and a paper, reviewed three manuscripts, and travelled interstate for a…

Hey students … did you know that your potential is limitless? Everything you desire is achievable—believe that! Many people dream of achieving big things and they thrive in their pursuit, despite others around them doubting their abilities. There’s no reason to think that you can’t do the same. But, do…

Ok, we’ve covered why textbooks are so expensive and explained why it’s important for you to buy all your required readings. Here is the good news! It is possible to get hold of all your required readings but still keep your costs down. Here’s how! Make Sure You Only Buy What is Required First,…

It was only so long ago that you were unpacking your bags and sitting through orientation week, and now the time to renew your student accommodation contract is drawing near. Do you want to stay on or are you looking for a change? Here are some considerations that can help…

If you can spot a spelling mistake or grammatical error from a mile away, you might make an excellent proofreader. Proofreading is a flexible and varied way to make a career, but if you want to take the leap, you might be wondering where to start. There is a lot of information…