Making the Most of Summer Schools
How to Benefit from Academic and Research Opportunities Outside Your Institution
Summer schools can be a game-changer in your academic journey. These short, intensive learning programs, typically lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks, offer a deep dive into specific topics or themes. Here’s how you can make the most of these opportunities, drawing from my personal experience — and trust me, I have attended quite many!
Why Should You Attend a Summer School? (or why have I)
There are many reasons to attend a summer school. Here are a few from my own experience:
1. Filling Gaps in Education:
As part of my PhD journey, I had to pass a qualifying exam before moving on to writing my thesis.
Not only did I fill those gaps, but I also wrote a paper during the program that I later submitted for publication — a happy ending indeed!
2. Gaining Expertise:
If there are areas where you would like to improve or gain expertise, summer schools provide excellent opportunities. They bring together scholars from various fields. It was during one such program that I decided on my PhD dissertation topic. The exposure to diverse ideas and vibrant academic discussions played a crucial role in shaping my research direction.
3. Feedback and Insights:
Some summer schools are designed specifically for PhD students, where you can share your research and receive feedback from scholars and other PhD candidates. This offers valuable insights and perspectives and helps you understand the kind of research expected in different parts of the world.
4. International Recognition:
Attending summer schools in different countries, offered by prestigious universities, not only looks great on your resume but also speaks to your international efforts, ambition to improve yourself, and ability to integrate into diverse populations and institutions.
How Else Can It Benefit You?
Networking Opportunities:
Summer schools are fantastic for networking. You meet scholars and PhD candidates from around the world, offering you insights and perspectives that can enrich your own research.
Practical Experience:
Whether it’s presenting your research or just preparing an application, summer schools give you valuable experience and perspective about yourself and your work.
Tips to Make the Most of Summer Schools
1. Take Applications Seriously:
When applying to summer schools, treat it like you would any important academic opportunity. Write a compelling application that clearly outlines why you want to attend, how it fits with your academic goals, and what you hope to gain. Tailor your statement to show your genuine interest and commitment to the program. Highlight any relevant experience or knowledge that makes you a strong candidate.
2. Ask for Scholarships:
Financial constraints can be a barrier, but many summer schools offer scholarships or financial aid. These opportunities might not always be advertised, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizers and ask. Craft a thoughtful request explaining your financial need and how attending the summer school would benefit your academic journey. Sometimes, a simple inquiry can open doors to available funding.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time:
Before the summer school begins, familiarize yourself with the schedule, topics, and speakers. Reflect on your existing knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve or gain more insight. Reading up on the key themes and preparing questions in advance can help you engage more effectively during the sessions. Preparation will also boost your confidence and enable you to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
4. Engage Actively:
During the summer school, be proactive in your participation. Ask questions, join discussions, and interact with both instructors and peers. Take advantage of workshops and applied tasks to deepen your understanding. The more actively you engage, the more you’ll benefit from the experience. If there are opportunities for extra credit, such as writing a paper, seize them. A tangible research-based output is always a huge plus and can open doors to conferences, publications, or even a research position offered by an impressed supervisor.
5. Seek Feedback:
Use the opportunity to present your research and seek feedback from experts and peers. Constructive criticism can provide new insights, highlight areas for improvement, and offer different perspectives on your work. Be open to suggestions and use the feedback to refine and enhance your research. This is a valuable chance to receive input that can shape the direction of your studies.
6. Document Your Experience:
Keep a detailed record of your experiences, including notes from lectures, workshops, and informal conversations. Take photos, jot down ideas, and collect materials. Consider sharing highlights on social media platforms like Twitter to broaden your reach and engage with a wider audience. And lastly, organise any certificates or proof of credits diligently for future reference.
7. Follow Up:
Networking doesn’t end when the summer school does. Reconnect with the people you met by adding them on LinkedIn, Academia.edu, or Twitter. Send personal emails thanking them for the valuable interactions and feedback. Maintaining these connections can lead to future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and lasting professional relationships. I also make a point to follow the institution that offered the summer school. This helps me stay informed about their future endeavours and upcoming programs. There are often later versions of summer school programs, and who knows — you might return as an expert in the coming years.
8. Reflect on the Experience:
Once the summer school is over, take time to reflect on how the experience enhances your academic and professional profile. Ask yourself if there are elements of the program that you can incorporate into your work. Can you develop a paper or an article based on what you learned? Consider whether the new knowledge and skills can be integrated into a course you might teach. It is also a good idea to look for relevant organizations or associations that align with the topics covered during the summer school.
Summer schools offer a unique blend of learning, networking, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps in your education, find new research directions, or gain international experience, they are an invaluable part of the PhD journey. So, take the plunge and make the most of these incredible opportunities!
