Trying to build a career in academia in the US can be a tough journey, especially if you're coming from another country. This is something I've experienced firsthand. There are two big hurdles that make this journey even more challenging:
First, there are quite a few rules and regulations in the US that make it hard for people from other countries to join research teams or academic positions. Things like visa restrictions can really limit opportunities for international candidates to work in US research labs.
Second, in other countries, such as in my home country, India, the field of psychology isn't as widely recognized or developed as it is in the US. For a long time, I wasn't even aware that a career in psychology research was an option because there weren't many resources or opportunities available. This lack of awareness and support makes it harder for aspiring researchers to explore and pursue their interests in fields like psychology.
I aim to break down these barriers and make education and research more inclusive and accessible. By sharing resources, offering guidance, and providing mentorship, I hope to help others navigate these hurdles. My goal is to create a more supportive and encouraging environment for everyone.
Resources for Research Assistant (or Lab Manager) Positions:
Reaching out directly to professionals or academics through email was a key step in kick-starting my career! It landed me a research assistant position in Dr. Molly Crockett's lab, thanks to Adam taking a chance on me. There's a handy email template from Yale's Graduate School Bootcamp that's perfect for this. When you write these emails, make sure they’re personalized, straightforward, and friendly.
Also, there's this helpful document filled with job postings (for both full-time research assistants and lab manager positions) and tips for landing these jobs.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of Academic Twitter. Despite its reputation, it's been a valuable resource for staying updated on research and finding job opportunities.
Resources for Ph.D. Applications:
Following are some valuable resources designed to help prospective graduate students at various stages of their application process—from crafting a compelling application to nailing the interview. Each resource offers specific insights and guidance aimed at making the daunting task of applying to graduate programs a bit more manageable.
Mentorship Programs:
Stanford Paths to PhD This program provides guidance and insights into the PhD journey, helping prospective students understand the path ahead.
Application Statement Feedback Program Here, applicants can receive feedback on their application essays or personal statements, which are crucial components of graduate applications.
Application Guidance:
Ben Barres: How to pick a graduate advisor Choosing the right advisor is critical, as this relationship can define your graduate experience. Ben Barres offers advice on selecting someone who will support and challenge you academically.
Jamil Zaki: So, you’re applying for a PhD in psychology… This resource gives specific advice for those interested in pursuing a PhD in psychology, outlining what to expect and how to prepare.
Sokol-Hessner Lab: How applying to graduate school works This breaks down the graduate school application process into manageable steps.
Lucy Lai: All about PhD applications Lucy Lai provides a comprehensive look at the application process, offering tips on how to stand out.
Interview Preparation
June Gruber, Jay Van Bavel: To ace your Ph.D. program interviews, prepare to answer—and ask—these key questions and FAQ for Interview Preparation These resources help candidates prepare for interviews by suggesting important questions to expect and questions to ask.
Reach our for help!
If you're looking for advice or guidance, feel free to get in touch with me at arshiya.aggarwal@gmail.com. I'm always open to a chat, offering mentorship, and supporting you in reaching your dreams, whatever they may be. To help you best, I'll need to know two things: (1) what your goals are, and (2) what kind of help you're looking for from me to achieve those goals.
Over the past couple of years, I've received a lot of emails and messages on LinkedIn asking for advice, especially from Indian students, and I've done my best to help everyone who's reached out. However, due to the increasing volume, I'm considering introducing a small fee for my time, especially if you need my help with writing documents. But of course, you can book a free 30-minute session with me to get a sense of how I work and see if we're a good match. Only if you feel like I could be the right mentor for you, we can talk about moving forward with my services. Many of the people I've helped in the past have successfully moved on to start their master's, PhDs, or new jobs. The small fee is only to ensure that I can manage my time and resources effectively, giving each person the attention and guidance they deserve.