As a student, there are certain subjects that come up naturally in class, such as avoiding Wikipedia as a source and utilizing library resources. Other topics are assumed at times and students may be left wondering what to do. Each student should know what a literature review is, conduct research, and the difference between a CV and a resume.
1. Literature Reviews
Professors will require literature reviews in longer essays. These are necessary to demonstrate similar studies and findings by academics. The goal is to show your professor that you took the time to research your topic thoroughly and prove how your essay is different from previous studies.
While quotes can be useful, do not overload the literature review with them. The goal is to synthesize the information so that the reader has a basic understanding of the previous pieces. If the reader wants more information, they can take the time to research the writer and article, it is not your job as the writer to give them every single tidbit of information.
2. Research
When writing your literature review, utilize the databases available to you. LexisNexis scans newspapers for the key terms, years, and locations of your choosing. If your paper is on an academic subject, try using Project Muse or JSTOR. Take the time to go online and type in key word searches. There are databases dedicated to each subject matter, film studies, gender studies, political science, and more. Georgetown students can access the databases here: http://guides.library.georgetown.edu/az.php.
Also, research tip, use quotes for key terms. For instance, if you are inputting uncivil journalism into a search bar, input it as “uncivil journalism.” The quotes will force the database to search the words as a pair, whereas not using quotes will yield a lot more unspecific results. Any piece with the words uncivil and journalism will be listed, which may not be the goal of your research.
3. Resume versus CV
Some professors may reference their CV or crafting a CV, without explaining what that is. If someone wants to pursue a career directly after earning their bachelor’s degree, they will need a resume, while another student who desires a career in academia will require a CV, properly known as a Curriculum Vitae. Resumes are limited to one or two pages, while CVs can be much longer, providing a more comprehensive breakdown of one’s accomplishments. Resumes and CVs vary in format, usage, and information.
For CV advice, visit Purdue’s https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/1/. Also, for resume tips, visit LiveCareer’s https://www.livecareer.com/resume-tips/how-to/write-your-first-resume.
10 Bonus Recommendations:
1. Create a study schedule.
2. Learn what time of day you are most productive.
3. Determine what location you thrive in.
4. Be wary of too much caffeine and high calorie foods. You can only study if you are healthy.
5. Keep up with the research in your field.
6. Read the latest news. Subscribe to The New York Times or another newspaper outlet.
7. Periodically review your class notes.
8. Take advantage of your professor’s office hours.
9. Create a study group.
10. Exchange contact information with at least two of your classmates, in order to always have someone to reach out to in case of questions.
There are a lot of ways to be successful in school, these are just a few. Keep studying and good luck with your classes this semester!