by Kareem Carr

Bottom line:  This is a strategy for rapidly aggregating and analyzing a large number of research papers on a particular topic using online resources.

Beginning the research process can sometimes seem daunting and for this reason we often put it off.  It can seem like it ought to take months.  Frequently, when we do apply ourselves, we approach it in a more awkward and disorganized way that we should.  However, this need not be the case.  The 100-paper strategy is simply a strategy that I have found for aggregating and summarizing 100 papers in a week or less.

Organization is key.  The strategy draws almost all of its power from doing this in an organized way.  To this end, we must be able to execute actions quickly.  In order to execute actions quickly, we must have clear simple goals at each stage and do one thing at a time.  We must be ruthless in cutting away the little inefficiencies that cost us seconds or stretch into minutes or hours of indecision. Continue reading →

by Brian Katz

In high school, we had guidance counselors to help us make a plan; in  college, we had a mentor or dean to make sure we were on the path to our  goals. But who fills the role of career guide during graduate school? The most natural answer is the thesis advisor. The problem with this is that  most research faculty who produce students only have experience getting research jobs. So what part of their advice should those of us interested in jobs that balance teaching and research take? Over this past year, while applying for jobs, I have realized that the spirit of their advice is exactly right, though some of the details are a little different: as a graduate student, you are a bit of an unknown quantity, and the mark of a strong application is one that makes it clear what kind of peer, coworker, and faculty member you will be. In the end, you will be measured by the evidence that you can provide to support your CV and the quality of impressions that you have made on other people.  Continue reading →