Week 5 – Navigating in the Academic Space
In the upcoming week, we are stepping confidently into the everyday world of academia. Beyond your skills in writing and presenting, academic success depends on how well you navigate the systems, relationships, and expectations that shape your academic environment. Therefore, you will explore practical strategies to engage with your academic environment that will help you to build credibility and connection in the field. Further, you will gain insight into your current strengths and where you want to grow – Full speed ahead!
Learning goals for this week:
- Build practical strategies for navigating academic environments, including reading scientific literature, writing professional emails, and initiating communication with faculty members.
- Evaluate the principles and habits that support academic success, particularly those that increase confidence, clarity, and connection within the university setting.
- Reflect on personal growth as an academic learner, identify challenges and actionable steps to improve engagement and communication in academic environments.
Your tasks for this week:
- Read on how to navigate the academic space
7 principles to consider when navigating an academic space:
https://www.researchmasterminds.com/blog/76675-principles-academic-journey
A guide on how to approach and read a scientific paper:
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2016/05/09/how-to-read-and-understand-a-scientific-paper-a-guide-for-non-scientists/
- Read on how to write academic emails
How To Write a Professional Email (With Tips and Examples):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-professional-email
How to get what you want by writing great emails:
https://campuslife.london.ac.uk/story/36208771/how-to-get-what-you-want-by-writing-great-emails
- How to approach professors at the University
Read on Tips on how to approach a professor for research: https://medium.com/@rijuldahiya/how-to-approach-a-professor-for-research-05475015c7da
Homework Journal Reflection:
- This week focused on how to confidently move within the academic world, learning how to communicate professionally, connect with professors, and approach academic reading with more clarity. Be honest and reflective – this is your space to check in with yourself about your growth, fears, and goals as an academic learner.
What was the most useful or eye-opening thing you learned this week? (e.g., writing emails, approaching professors, or reading scientific texts)
What challenged you the most?
Did anything feel uncomfortable, confusing, or new, and why?
After reading the “7 Principles” article and the guide on reading scientific papers, how do you see yourself growing as an academic?
Which principle or strategy might help you the most going forward?
How confident do you feel now about contacting professors or reading academic work compared to before this week?
Are there small steps you want to try out as a result of this week’s learning?