CVs for PhD Students Booklet MJ May 09

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CVs for PhD Students

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CONTENTS Introduction ................................................................................................. 1

The Importance of Marketing Yourself ........................................................ 1

The Format ................................................................................................. 1

How Do You Sell Your PhD? ....................................................................... 3

Sample CVs ................................................................................................ 4

Chronological CV for a Job Related to PhD Subject Area ................ 5

Academic CV .................................................................................... 7

Skills-Based CV – Application for a Job Not Related to PhD ............ 9

Further Help ................................................................................................

1

INTRODUCTION This booklet should always be read in conjunction with the Careers Service booklet “CVs and Covering Letters” which contains a host of vital information on creating a CV from scratch and composing covering letters. This booklet contains specific information useful for PhD students applying for a job in academia, industry or a job not directly related to their subject. The CVs in this booklet have been reproduced with the permission of the University of Manchester and UMIST Careers Service. Don’t forget you can bring your draft CV to the Quick Enquiry Desk where a Career Consultant will look it over and give you some feedback. THE IMPORTANCE OF MARKETING YOURSELF A CV is a marketing document. Successful marketing depends on targeting an audience correctly. It is essential that you have an idea what sort of job you will be applying for when writing a CV because this will influence the content, for example, if you are applying for a research job in academia, you should market your PhD and your experience in a very different way from the way you would market your skills and experience if you wanted to leave academia and apply for a job in industry. Targeting your employer and marketing yourself is vital. The CVs in this booklet should help you to do this, but you should also refer to the “CVs and Covering Letters” booklet for more information. If at this stage you are unclear about your career direction, now is a good time to stop and think. You are also advised to book a guidance interview with your Career Consultant. THE FORMAT ACADEMIC CV • A CV of this nature will necessarily concentrate on your PhD subject. Think

about where this sits well. Should you put it all under Education? How about a section called Research Experience? Would an attached Appendix be better having highlighted the PhD title earlier on in the CV? There is no right way; you need to think about what sells you best.

• It is useful to have different sections highlighting Research Interests, Teaching

and Administration Experience and Publications and Posters.

2

CHRONOLOGICAL CV • This is the traditional CV format. It would work well if applying for jobs outside

academia where a PhD would be useful or essential e.g. a job in industry. • Always write in reverse chronological order. ONE-PAGE CV • Increasingly, it is becoming standard practice to have a short version of an

academic or chronological CV. This one-page CV is easier to read and can be sent out in the first instance.

• A one-page CV should be a brief version of your complete CV, listing major

research, publications and achievements. SKILLS-BASED CV • This CV is excellent if you are looking to change direction after your PhD e.g.

going for a job in accountancy after a PhD in Molecular Biology. The focus here is on selling the transferable skills you have gained from your PhD while playing down the subject specific nature of the research.

• A skills based CV is difficult to do well, but is well worth the effort because it has

the potential to prove to an employer that you have the ability and skills to do a job that you may not have much/any experience in.

REMEMBER Don’t forget to read the accompanying “CVs and Covering Letters”

booklet for detailed points on the language, style and layout of CVs.

3

HOW DO YOU SELL YOUR PhD? A PhD is an excellent achievement, but it doesn’t speak for itself. Think of yourself as a package of skills, knowledge and experience. Your CV has to outline all of these, backed up by evidence. SKILLS • You will have gained many skills from your research degree. Draw up a list of

these. Don’t forget to include skills you have gained outside of your research area too – any work experience, no matter how unrelated it may seem to you, will give you the opportunity to sell yourself.

• The way you market your skills will depend on what sort of job you are applying

for. See the attached CVs for examples. If you are applying for work in academia, for example, evidence from life outside of your PhD is much less important than if you are applying for a job unrelated to your research area.

KNOWLEDGE • Subject specific knowledge and how you market it on a CV will depend on what

you are applying for too. Do you need to have a PhD in your subject in order to apply for this type of work? If so, how do you want to describe it on your CV? If a PhD in your subject is not a prerequisite for the type of job you want to apply for, think about the transferable skills you have gained from your research (there will be lots – analytical, problem solving, communication etc.) rather than the knowledge you have gained from your study. Try and explain your PhD in layman’s terms (ask someone outside of your research area to read your description and see if he/she understands it).

EXPERIENCE

• Again, the way you sell your experience will depend on what you want to apply for. If you want to apply for a lecturing post, for example, your teaching and mentoring experience will be as important as your research interests and bid writing experience; your organisation and budget management skills will also need to be highlighted. The slant on your experience will be very different if you are applying for a post outside of your research area where your teaching and subject specific skills may not be so important. Other experience, such as temping work, business awareness and extra-curricular activities may come into play more in these circumstances.

PUBLICATIONS

• Be sensible about the publications you list. It is sometimes useful to list your publications under headings: books, articles in refereed journals, chapters, conference proceedings, working papers etc.

• Always be clear about your input into publications. If you are a co-author,

state the percentage of your authorship. • List your name in a publication in the order that it appears in print.

4

SAMPLE CVs The following CVs are samples based on the imaginary candidate Martin Dixon. Each CV is focused in a particular way. • A Chronological CV in application for a job in industry. • An Academic CV. • A Skills-Based CV in application for a job unrelated to Martin’s area of research. There is no perfect way to write a CV and the following examples are just that – examples to give you an idea of how to create your document. You are strongly advised to draft a copy and bring it to a Quick Enquiry session and show a Career Consultant who will be able to give you some feedback. It is also advisable to show an academic your draft if you are applying for an academic job or a job that is related to your research area. These CVs have been written by Manchester and UMIST Careers Service and are used with their permission.

CHRONOLOGICAL CV FOR A JOB RELATED TO PhD SUBJECT AREA

MARTIN DIXON Contact Address 45 Radcliffe Way

Fallowfield Manchester 14 7DP

E-mail Address [email protected]

Telephone Nos. 0161 275 3456 (daytime) 0161 273 1234 (evenings)

Date of Birth 22 September 1984 Nationality British EDUCATION 2006 – 2009 PhD “Investigation of Tri-Phasic Fuels for Warp Core Manufacture”

Torres Centre for Dilithium Research, University of Manchester Supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko.

This is an industry-led collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, investigating novel fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores. I have successfully drawn on work from 3 departments in the fields of :

• Propulsion Technology • Quantum Plasma Studies

• Theta Band Radiation Science

Plus our industrial partner’s expertise in commercialising warp core developments to manufacture leading edge products. This has resulted in 3 patent applications, which are currently under review.

2002 – 2006 BSc (Hons) 2:1, Interstellar Sciences, University of Birmingham Modules covered included Propulsion Dynamics, Weapons Modulation Technologies, Astrometrics and Human Factors in Interstellar Exploration. Subsidiary courses in Xenobiology were included in each semester.

Final year dissertation – “Investigation of Electrodynamic Turbulence Effects in Sub-Space” with Dr Reginald Barclay, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley.

2004 – 2005 University of Strasbourg, France (One year exchange programme) Gained inclusion on the Liste D’Honneur for my academic achievements. Attended lectures, and worked on a 9 month research project on Warp Plasma Filters with Dr Jean-Luc Picard. This work resulted in a paper on which I was a named contributor (see publications).

1997 – 2002 Leonard McCoy Upper School, Nottingham A levels : Physics (A), Maths (A), Biology (B), General Studies (B)

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE Summer 2006 Research Assistant, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley

Successfully managed two six-week research projects to refine containment fields for two experimental fuel matrices, under the direction of Senior Research Manager, Dr Anneka Hansen. Skills developed included :

• Project management – delivered required results on time, and within tight budgets (of £39,000 and £16,000 respectively).

• Planning and flexibility – agreed detailed project plan with Dr Hansen, which was reviewed weekly. Used these reviews to modify plan when alternative research strategy was suggested by a colleague, resulting in enhanced results and budget saving of £5000.

• Negotiation – through contacts at the University of Strasbourg, arranged access to warp plasma test rig, avoiding the need to build a new rig at the Institute.

Highlights that he has already had contact with industry.

A brief outline of PhD and BSc in appropriate scientific language aimed at the knowledgeable reader.

Key skills for work in industry brought out

Work Experience split between ‘Relevant’ and ‘Other’. This focuses the reader on the applicant’s suitability

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE 2006 – present Webmaster, Manchester Disabled Pupils Forum (voluntary)

Currently manage 5 volunteers to deliver web-based services to local children. • Developed interactive features to keep the interest of a young audience,

including a discussion forum, quizzes and polls • Regularly meet with groups of school pupils and teachers to receive

feedback and establish future needs • Visit the site at http://www.wickednet.org.uk

Summer 2004 Estate Worker, Chateau du Lac, Ribeauvillé, France Lived and worked with 20 other students on a busy farm – dramatically improved my French and provided an excellent introduction to my year in France.

2002 – 2004 Co-ordinator, Students For Schools Scheme, Birmingham (voluntary) Initiated and co-ordinated this programme to link university students to special needs and regular schools as part of classroom support and local community paired reading schemes (part-time during term, full-time during vacations).

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY Department Rep (4th Year)

Staff/Student Committee for Interstellar Sciences; introduced recycling bins to all labs, lecture theatres and concourses in the Zephran Cochrane Building.

Class President Elected to this position representing overseas students on my course at the University of Strasbourg; organised regular social events with the French students and an end of course Science Fair for local school pupils.

KEY SKILLS IT Skills − Experienced in programming in BASIC, C++, Java, Visual Fox Pro 5, Perl,

Macromedia Flash 4, and using database such as Fox Pro and Microsoft Access. − Proficient in many Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel etc), UNIX and LINUX

operating systems, and in the use of many scientific database packages. People & Project Management

− Supervised the laboratory project of an undergraduate, both in the day-to-day running of the project and its overall planning, which has yielded valuable data.

− Mentor to other postgraduate students, a position I have held for two years.

Problem Solving

- Working across four distinct areas of Interstellar Science, demonstrated independent thought in analysing problems, adopting suitable strategies and developing new techniques. The results are being reviewed for publication, and have been presented to my colleagues in a series of seminars.

Languages - Proficient in French, basic spoken German.

Full driving licence held since 2001. INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES

Running An avid runner, I usually run over 20 miles a week.

Football Regularly play five-a-side with friends and in competitions.

Music Qualified to grade 5 on the violin; also enjoy many genres of contemporary music. REFEREES Dr Benjamin Sisko (Supervisor) University of Manchester Zephran Cochrane Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 5PT Tel: 0161-275-5678 E-mail: [email protected]

Dr Anneka Hansen Senior Research Manager Institute of Propulsion Research Faraday Road Dudley DY4 2TD Tel: 01384 273765 E-mail: [email protected]

All experience is valid if you sell it well. Strong action verbs make the CV easy to read.

Include telephone number and e-mail where possible.

A skills profile is always useful, giving an opportunity to highlight skills specific to the area in which you want to work.

ACADEMIC CV

MARTIN DIXON Home Address 45 Radcliffe Way

Fallowfield Manchester M14 7DP

University Address University of Manchester Zephran Cochrane Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 5PT

E-mail Address [email protected] E-mail Address [email protected] Telephone No. 0161 273 1234 Telephone No. 0161 275 3456

Date of Birth 22 September 1984 Nationality British EDUCATION 2006 – 2009

PhD “Investigation of Tri-Phasic Fuels for Warp Core Manufacture” Torres Centre for Dilithium Research, University of Manchester Supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko.

In collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, my thesis investigates novel fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores. I have successfully drawn on work from 3 departments in the fields of

• Propulsion Technology • Theta Band Radiation Science • Quantum Plasma Studies

Plus our industrial partner’s research expertise in warp core developments.

A synopsis of the work undertaken is attached.

2002 - 2006 BSc (Hons) 2:1, Interstellar Sciences, University of Birmingham Modules covered included Propulsion Dynamics, Weapons Modulation Technologies, Astrometrics and Human Factors in Interstellar Exploration. Subsidiary courses in Xenobiology were included in each semester.

Final year dissertation – “Investigation of Electrodynamic Turbulence Effects in Sub-Space” with Dr Reginald Barclay, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley.

2004 – 2005 University of Strasbourg, France (One year exchange programme) Gained inclusion on the Liste D’Honneur for my academic achievements. Attended lectures, and worked on a 9 month research project on Warp Plasma Filters with Dr Jean-Luc Picard. This work resulted in a paper on which I was a named contributor (see publications).

1997 – 2002 Leonard McCoy Upper School, Nottingham A levels : Physics (A), Maths (A), Biology (B), General Studies (B)

RESEARCH INTERESTS My principal research interests lie in the field of in-flight warp core containment, specifically sub-space distortions and their impact on mono- and tri-phasic organic fuel matrices. I am currently investigating the capacity of wide-band theta radiation to induce multi-phasic anomalies, and the beneficial shielding effects of a range of plasma configurations. My future research plans are to build on the foundations of my PhD to further investigate the fundamental properties of warp-capable propulsion systems, with a view to contributing to second generation quantum drives. In addition, the application of novel propulsion technologies to the process of energy conversion leads to the prospect of a new family of defence protocols, including quantum torpedoes and electrodynamic arrays to alter sub-space properties.

A brief outline of PhD and BSc in appropriate scientific language aimed at the knowledgeable reader.

It is a good idea to attach an Appendix.

This should bear some relation to the specific post for which you are applying.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Summer 2006 Research Assistant, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley

Successfully managed two six-week research projects to refine containment fields for two experimental fuel matrices, under the direction of Senior Research Manager, Dr Anneka Hansen. • Novel approaches – developed a conceptual model from observation of both

systems which led to further research currently being undertaken by Dr Hansen’s group, recently presented as a paper at the Koblensk Congress 2001.

• Research project delivery – delivered required results on time, and within tight budgets (of £39,000 and £16,000 respectively); regularly reviewed detailed project plans with Dr Hansen, leading to major plan modification when an opportunity to pursue an alternative research strategy was suggested by a colleague. This resulted in enhanced results and budget saving of £5000.

• Collaboration – through contacts at the University of Strasbourg, arranged access to warp plasma test rig, avoiding the need to build a new rig at the Institute.

TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE 2007 - present Torres Centre for Dilithium Research, University of Manchester

• Alongside my own postgraduate research, I have supervised the laboratory project of an undergraduate student, both in the day-to-day running of the project and its overall planning, which has yielded valuable data.

• I am also a mentor to 3 other postgraduate students. 2008 Faculty of Space Studies, University of Manchester

• Organised series of lectures and debates as part of the annual Graduate Conference on the topic of “Warp 11 – Will We Ever Travel ‘One Faster’?”

2006 - present Webmaster, Manchester Disabled Pupils Forum (voluntary) Currently manage 5 volunteers to deliver web-based services to local children. • Developed interactive features to keep the interest of a young audience,

including a discussion forum, quizzes and polls. • Regularly meet with groups of school pupils and teachers to receive

feedback and establish future needs. • Visit the site at www.wickednet.org.uk


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS The Institute of Interstellar Scientists – Member. The British Astrometrics Society - Secretary of the North West Branch. PUBLICATIONS 1. Can include journal articles, conference papers and presentations, and work in progress etc. 2. Use the Harvard System. REFEREES (as other examples – academic or research)

Compare this to the description of the same post in the Chronological CV. Different achievements have been highlighted focusing on skills and attributes sought after in academia.

SKILLS-BASED CV – APPLICATION FOR A JOB NOT RELATED TO PhD

MARTIN DIXON 45 Radcliffe Way

Fallowfield Manchester M14 7DP [email protected]

0161 273 1234

Date of Birth: 22nd September 1984 PERSONAL PROFILE Numerate graduate with broad IT knowledge, proven leadership skills and experience of working with demanding external clients seeks a first position in IT Business Consultancy. KEY SKILLS IT – Technical and Client Management Skills Webmaster for community website and forum for local disabled school pupils. This involved: • Learning to programme in BASIC, C++, Java, Visual Fox Pro 5, Perl, Macromedia Flash 4, and

making use of database applications such as Fox Pro and Microsoft Access. • Determining the needs of a demanding group of clients and delivering to high standards. Regularly

meet with groups of school pupils and teachers to receive feedback and establish future needs. • In addition, I am proficient in many Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel etc), UNIX and LINUX

operating systems, and in the use of many scientific database packages. People and Project Management • Alongside my own postgraduate research, I have supervised the laboratory project of an

undergraduate student, both in the day-to-day running of the project and its overall planning, which has yielded valuable data. I am also a mentor to other postgraduate students, a position I have held for two years.

• Worked with a diverse range of people in special needs and regular schools for five years, and three years on a university student counselling service. Successfully managed a group of five volunteers to develop the community website, its success attracting £1500 of funding from a multinational company. A school reading scheme I set up and co-ordinated in Birmingham encompassed four schools and 50 volunteers.

Communication Skills • Lead a range of community projects, including acting as a figurehead for a voluntary organisation,

articulating the aims of the group to other members of the Manchester Disabled Pupils Forum. • Delivered academic lectures to my department on my research and attended schools in France and

Britain as a visiting speaker for 'Global Links' and 'Researchers in Residence' schemes, presenting material on international issues and science respectively.

Problem Solving • My ability to analyse a problem, develop suitable strategies and display independent thought has

allowed me to successfully work in four distinct areas of Interstellar Science. Through my own personal initiative I have developed new techniques in areas novel to our research group. These results are in the process of being reviewed for publication, and have been presented to my colleagues and other students in a series of seminars.

A Personal Profile immediately focuses the reader’s attention

A detailed skills profile outlines evidence of skills essential for a specific job area. Here the candidate is adapting his experience to the skills necessary in IT Consultancy and thus demonstrating his potential

EDUCATION 2006 - 2009 PhD Warp Core Technologies

Torres Centre for Dilithium Research, University of Manchester Supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko.

2002 – 2006 BSc (Hons) 2:1, Interstellar Sciences, University of Birmingham Final year dissertation at the Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley.

2004 – 2005 University of Strasbourg, France (exchange programme) Lived in France for one year, attending lectures, and working on a 9 month research project on Warp Plasma Filters.

1997 – 2002 Leonard McCoy Upper School, Nottingham A levels : Physics (A), Maths (A), Biology (B), General Studies (B) GCSEs : 7 As and 3 Bs, including English, Computer Studies and French

WORK EXPERIENCE 2006 - present Webmaster, Manchester Disabled Pupils Forum (voluntary)

Currently manage 5 volunteers to deliver web-based services to local children.

Summer 2006 Research Assistant, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley Managed two six-week research projects, from initial project plan to successful conclusion. Provided practical laboratory support to senior research manager.

Summer 2004 Estate Worker, Chateau du Lac, Ribeauvillé, France Lived and worked with 20 other students on a busy farm - dramatically improved my French and provided an excellent introduction to my year in France.


OTHER POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY Department Rep (4th Year)

Staff/Student Committee for Interstellar Sciences; introduced recycling bins to all labs, lecture theatres and concourses in the Zephran Cochrane Building.

Class President Elected to this position representing overseas students on my course at the University of Strasbourg; organised regular social events with the French students and an end of course Science Fair for local school pupils.

OTHER SKILLS AND INTERESTS Running An avid runner, I usually run over 20 miles a week. Football Regularly play five-a-side with friends and in competitions. Music Qualified to grade 5 on the violin; also enjoy many genres of contemporary music. Languages Proficient in French, basic spoken German. Full driving licence held since 2001. REFEREES Dr Benjamin Sisko (Supervisor) University of Manchester Zephran Cochrane Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 5PT Tel: 0161-275-5678 E-mail: [email protected]

Ms Deanna Troi Chair, Manchester Disabled Pupils Forum 143 Regent Street Chorlton Manchester M21 9ND Tel: 0161-274-4321 E-mail : [email protected]

R:\General\literature\CVs for PhD Students Booklet MJ May 09.doc

A different referee has been selected. Choose your referee wisely, depending on the type of work for which you wish to apply.

Education given a lower priority than in previous examples. Content of PhD not explained in any detail

FURTHER HELP

If you have found this booklet useful, you may want to pick up or download our other booklets, from:

www.cardiff.ac.uk/carsv The Careers Service also runs a series of workshops in conjunction with these booklets. You can find out more about these on our website. We offer Career Management Skills (CMS) Workshops in many departments. To find out if your department hosts these sessions, contact your Department or School Office.

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CVs for PhD Students Booklet MJ May 09