STEM for Development’s Post

❓How can you make your #STEM graduate application stand out? This weekend, nearly 500 students from 29 different countries signed up for STEM for Development's faculty panel, featuring Dr. Becky Mansfield (The Ohio State University), Ms. Amanda Mendez (Stevens Institute of Technology), and Dr. Chaowei Phil Yang (George Mason University). What did they have to say? 💡Craft a Powerful Statement of Purpose (SOP): All three panelists emphasized that the SOP is more than a formality; it is your narrative. The panelists highlighted the importance of balancing specificity and flexibility. Be clear about your research interests but open to new opportunities. Reflect deeply on past experiences and future goals to articulate a coherent, compelling story. 💡Align with Faculty Interests: Successful applications often hinge on demonstrating alignment with a program’s research focus. Panelists stressed the importance of thoroughly researching potential advisors and their current projects. “Make the connection clear,” one panelist noted, “and show genuine enthusiasm for the work they’re doing.” 💡Leverage Transferable Skills: Many students worry that their background doesn’t perfectly match their desired program. The panelists reassured attendees that transferable skills—like teamwork, project planning, and data analysis—are crucial. “Show how you’ve maximized the opportunities you had,” they advised, “even if they differ from what’s common elsewhere.” 💡Build Strong Networks: Graduate school is more than coursework—it’s about community. Panelists encouraged students to highlight their plans for engaging with support services, networking with peers and faculty, and contributing to campus life. They noted that at many institutions, holistic applications stand out because they reflect not just academic readiness but a commitment to the broader university community. 💡Navigate Differences in Research Experience: For international students, bridging the gap between local research contexts and those abroad can be challenging. The panel recommended reaching out to faculty or admissions officers to discuss these concerns directly. Tailoring your application to highlight how your unique experiences contribute to the program’s diversity and goals can make a strong impression. Interested in our next event? Stay tuned and join the SFD community at t.ly/E9r5 or visit our website: stemfordevelopment.org!

1st round rejected! 2nd round accepted as one of only 8 PhD students in a pool of > 500 applicants; Here is what I did right 1️⃣ Researching Extensively ⌦ Identified programs that align with my research interests and goals. ⌦ Investigated faculty members whose work resonates with your academic aspirations. 2️⃣ Tailored Each Application ⌦ Customized my statement and research interest for each program. ⌦ Highlighted how my interests align with the program's specific strengths and focus areas. 3️⃣ Networked With Faculty ⌦ I reached out to potential advisors early to express my interest. 4️⃣ Strengthen my Academic Record ⌦ Ensured my transcripts and GPA met or exceeded program requirements. ⌦ Highlighted relevant coursework, research experience, and academic achievements. 5️⃣ Secure Strong Recommendations ⌦ Choose recommenders who know me well and can speak to your strengths and potential. ⌦ I provided them with detailed information about my achievements and goals to help them write compelling letters. 6️⃣ Demonstrated Research Experience ⌦ Showcased my research experience in various ways ⌦ Highlighted specific projects and my contributions. 7️⃣ Craft A Compelling Personal Statement ⌦ I clearly articulated my research interests and career goals and am a good fit for the program. ⌦ I used specific examples to illustrate my passion, skills, and readiness for the challenges of a PhD. 8️⃣ Applied To Multiple Programs ⌦ I increased my chances by applying to various programs, including those with varying levels of competitiveness. ⌦ I considered both well-known institutions and lesser-known programs that align with my research interests. 9️⃣ Prepare Thoroughly For Interviews ⌦ Practiced common interview questions ⌦ Demonstrated my knowledge of the program and articulated how I can contribute to the academic community. 📝 Pro Tips: ♳ Start the application process early to allow ample time for preparation and revisions. ♴ Seek feedback on your application materials from mentors, advisors, and peers. ✔︎ Stay informed about funding opportunities and apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships. ✔︎ Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout the application process. ♻️ Repost For Others :) New Here? Follow And Hit The Bell Icon 🔔 Join our upcoming Live Webinar on Graduate School Application Use the code EARLYBIRD10 for a discount. https://lnkd.in/eM7r4vy8 #PhDApplication #GraduateSchool #AcademicSuccess #HigherEducation #ResearchOpportunities

🚀 Top 5 Subjects Chosen by International Students in the US (2023/24) 🇺🇸🎓 The latest IIE Open Doors 2024 report highlights the educational trends shaping the future of global learning. International students in the US continue to gravitate toward programs that not only align with the country's strengths but also offer dynamic career opportunities. Here are the Top 5 subjects being pursued: 1️⃣ STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) 💻🔬 56% of international students are enrolling in STEM programs, with math, computer science, and engineering leading the charge. 2️⃣ Business and Management 💼📊 Business programs, particularly finance, marketing, and management, remain top choices, supported by some of the world’s leading business schools. 3️⃣ Social Sciences 🧠📚 From psychology to economics and political science, students are opting for intellectually enriching fields that offer diverse career pathways. 4️⃣ Health Professions 🏥💉 The US is a hub for medical research, making nursing, public health, and pharmacy popular programs for international students pursuing careers in healthcare. 5️⃣ Arts and Humanities 🎨📖 Despite the rise of STEM, the arts remain a strong area of interest, with students focusing on visual arts, history, and literature. 🔍 Key Insight: The growing demand for STEM professionals reflects a global need for technology and engineering experts. Additionally, business, health, and social sciences continue to shape the educational and professional landscape. 🌍 At Gradzest, we’re committed to supporting students in choosing the best-fit programs to ensure a successful and impactful global education journey! ✨ #Gradzest #StudyAbroad #InternationalStudents #STEM #BusinessManagement #SocialSciences #HealthProfessions #ArtsAndHumanities #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation

In "Joining Hands Across Institutions Makes Light Work," Karena Nguyen, Ph.D., Paola Cepeda, Anne-Sophie BOHRER, and Matthew Warner discuss the benefits of cross-institutional collaborations in higher education. Implementing the PhD Career Ladder Program (PCLP) has successfully enhanced career development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars through a peer-led, cohort-based approach. This initiative highlights the power of communities of practice in expanding bandwidth and addressing implementation challenges. You may read the article at https://bit.ly/4gDFsZ0 to learn more about the program and its impactful results. #HigherEd #Collaboration #Postdoc #GraduateStudents

Have you ever heard of the organization Students 2 Science? They are on a mission to inspire and empower students from communities in need through experiential learning to pursue careers in #STEM to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. I was lucky enough to be invited by Olivia J. Felder, MPA Director of Career Advancement Program to tour the East Hanover Technology Center with President and Co-Founder Paul Winslow and Dan Barnett from his team, an experience that left me feeling giddy about the future. I saw students from diverse backgrounds in action, working together, learning from each other and their instructors. I got to see and hear about some of the students’ projects from making windmills to generate power to using red cabbage to identify if a substance is an acid, base or neutral. They're creating and having fun while doing it. Paul and Dan stressed that their goal was to give the students an authentic experience. In fact, the labs they work in are cGMP-grade with equipment you would see in an analytical lab in life sciences. "Impressed" doesn't quite capture my sentiment - watching these young minds at work reminds me of the power of community engagement in shaping the minds of our youth. STEM education not only creates opportunities for individual success, but also builds a stronger, more innovative society. We need to nurture and inspire a passion for careers in science for the next generation. Science is ever evolving and it will take bright, curious minds to continue pushing boundaries and finding solutions to some of our world's most pressing issues. By exposing students to the wonders of science and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are setting the stage for a better tomorrow. Bravo to these motivated, science-loving young people! I look forward to our paths crossing again soon. #FutureScientists #CommunityImpact #STEMEducation #NJSTEM

Happy Friday Dispatch and National STEM Day! Today is meant to highlight the rising need for skilled professionals in STEM fields, which are essential for tackling challenges and fostering problem-solving skills; driving economic growth and innovation. National STEM Day reminds us that STEM is a mindset of curiosity and learning. It inspires a lifelong interest in science and innovation, keeping curiosity central to education. Engaging students’ early nurtures future leaders poised to drive scientific and technological progress. Fun fact: a classroom project in FIFTH GRADE is what set in motion for me the next 17 years - which included a B.S. in Forensic & Investigative Science and 6 years in that field! Let today serve as a reminder of the crucial role that science, technology, engineering, and math play in our daily lives, as well as be an opportunity to inspire and engage students in these fields. If you’re currently looking for a new role, we have a lot of STEM opportunities across all our locations. Check out this link for these. https://lnkd.in/emEKGiaU If you’re an employer, our candidate pool of those within the STEM field is vast. Check out this link to search for an individual that would be a great addition to your organization. https://lnkd.in/ebRFtWu2

#PhD decision day has come and gone. If you weren’t admitted to your dream program this year, don’t lose heart 💙.   Gaining admission (and funding) to a PhD program is a numbers game – we have so many more qualified applicants each year than funding and space available.   So don’t lose hope.   But if you want to change the odds, there are a few proactive steps you need to take to make sure your application rises to the top of next year’s pool. (Submitting the same packet is NOT a good strategy.)   🙋🏻♀️ First, ask for feedback. Reach out to the graduate coordinator or potential advisor you spoke with at schools where you were rejected and ask “what about my application could be strengthened?” You can’t fix what you don’t know is wrong. DO NOT be accusatory. You may want to reapply here!   🤦🏻♀️ Next, as difficult as it is, look critically at that feedback and your application. What was missing? What was weak? What needs improvement?   🙇🏻♀️ If you were not competitive for admission, recognize that there are some things that you cannot change (e.g. your past performance in school).   To increase competitiveness, focus on the things you can change, such as: 👩🏻🏫 No prior #teaching experience? What about volunteering as a tutor for high school students in your community? 👩🏻🔬 No prior #research experience and no access to labs? Can you intern at a local company and learn to solve problems? Or what about a community project that builds your skills? 👩🏻💻  Poor letters of recommendation? (See points 1 and 2 – not all letters need to be from former faculty!) 📕  No specifics in your research statement (no clear goal)? Start reading. NOW. Learn the field you want to enter – what does current research say, what do the top voices say is missing?     Next, look at the schools to which you applied. Reach out to students here on #LinkedIn at those schools. Ask them: 💡 What prepared you for graduate school. What was your GPA? Prior experience? ⭐️ What do you think made your application stand out? What does your cohort look like? What did they do prior to coming to this #university? 🧐 What would they have done differently throughout this process?   💔 This will be difficult, but then ask yourself: Am I competitive with these students? If the answer is no, why? If there are things you can change to improve your odds, work on those. If not, reconsider the schools to which you’re applying. Maybe your dream school is out of reach. But that doesn’t mean your dream #career is. Where else can you do great research that won’t be as competitive to gain admission?

The universe sends us little signs and synchronicities all the time - take this as yours to reach out! Maybe we're meant to be 🌟 Pursue a career in STEM so you can inspire, change and develop our futures. What is “STEM” and why is It Important? If you follow the news, chances are you’ve heard educators, politicians, parents or business leaders talking about “STEM” and its importance. So what is it and why should you consider a STEM career? STEM is an acronym referring to the academic studies of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and is usually brought up during discussions about education policy and curriculum. STEM-related fields have gotten more attention in recent years as essential components of today’s competitive global economy. Current students’ future success in STEM fields is necessary to ensure America’s leading role as a global innovator. If you are seeking information about STEM careers for yourself or your child, please take a look at these five reasons to consider a career in STEM.

Purdue Polytechnic IN-MaC supported a research publication in the Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research titled "Exploring the Influence of Industry STEM Outreach on Career Perceptions Toward Manufacturing." You'll be able to learn more about the findings below. 🔽 🔽 🔽 🔽 This research examined how industry-led #STEM outreach affects children's perceptions of careers in manufacturing. ▶️ The results suggest that children have a #limited understanding of manufacturing, which may be due to their #associated learning experiences. ▶️ There appears to be a #disconnect between industry needs and educational activities. ▶️ However, the data indicate that the outreach likely #improved the participants' understanding and #perception of #manufacturing. Thanks to Greg Strimel, Liesl Krause-Klein, Ph.D., Sydney Serban, and Jackson Otto for their contributions. This research was also supported by the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN).