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Postdoctoral Fellowships
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Article on Postdoctoral Fellowships
Getting a PhD doesn’t mean an end point to either academic studies or research. In an attempt to continue research in their chosen field a lot of people consider something known as postdoctoral fellowships. Contrary to popular misconception, postdoc fellowships are not restricted to straight sciences. There are fellowships offered in the field of humanities and social sciences as well.
Why go in for Postdoctoral Fellowships?
While it might not be true in all cases, a postdoc is generally a paid position. There are various reasons why students might consider one. Academic interests aside, a lot of people take up fellowships in a college hoping that it will eventually lead to a tenured position in the teaching department. In other cases, students are dedicated towards continuing research in a certain area, but do not have the funding to pursue it. The fellowship offers just the right kind of opportunity.
How to Find Postdoctoral Fellowships
When it comes to the social sciences and the humanities, a lot of postdoc opportunities are published in job lists released by professional associations all through the year. In addition, they can also be found in newspapers. Finally, you could also check out internet forums like H-Net Online. Postdoc fellowships in science, on the other hand, are slightly trickier to come across. While some may be advertised nationally, others are only discovered through networking channels.
Finding Postdoc Fellowships through Networking
As you may have guessed, finding a suitable postdoc for yourself through networking is no cakewalk. There are various strategies, though, which might bring you success. Begin by asking the people associated with your dissertation committee. They might be able to recommend some professors’ name whose work is closely aligned to your goals and research interests. Attend the talk of any researcher associated with your field, if it is hosted on your campus or somewhere nearby. Participate in conferences related to your area of research. These are some of the ways you can broaden the scope of your network and stay abreast of postdoctoral fellowships that may be pertinent to you.
Do your Own Legwork
Rather than sitting back and waiting for postdoctoral fellowships to come your way, be proactive and spring into action. Read extensively and find papers that are most interesting to you. Enquire about laboratories that are in the spotlight for doing exceptional work in your field. Send a mail to these facilities introducing your work along with a CV and explain to them how you can be an asset to them. No doubt, a lot of people are intimidated by this form of networking, but understand that this is not an imposition on a stranger, but getting in touch and exchanging ideas with a fellow intellectual.
Remember, a fellowship is a position of great responsibility that is only going to increase with time. You need to prove that you are capable of handling it and fulfilling any expectations that the lab might require from you. The end result will be a greater advancement to an already impressive education and a clearer understanding of your chosen field and future goals.
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