Career Readiness

LinkedIn is more than a job-search platform. For undergraduate students interested in research, it can become a space to explore opportunities, connect with researchers and organisations, and start building a professional identity early in your career.

Through LinkedIn, you can:

• • Discover research assistant roles, internships, conferences, and scholarships

  • Connect with academics, researchers, postgraduate students, and organisations

  • Showcase your interests, coursework, projects, and experiences

  • Learn about research pathways, honours, and postgraduate opportunities

Many opportunities are shared informally through networks, being active online can help you stay informed and connected. 

The “About” Section

Use this section to provide a short introduction about your interests and goals. Think of it as a quick snapshot of your academic and professional direction. 

Include things like:

• • what you study

  • what topics interest you

  • what skills you are developing

  • what opportunities you are currently exploring

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• • Leaving your profile incomplete

  • Using no profile photo or an unclear photo

  • Only listing jobs and forgetting academic experiences

  • Waiting until final year to start networking

  • Trying to sound overly formal or “perfect” 

Your profile should feel authentic, clear, and reflective of your interests.

1. 1. Update your LinkedIn headline

   2. Add or revise your “About” section

   3. Follow 5 researchers or organisations in your field

   4. Connect with 3 people related to your interests

   5. Share or engage with 1 post

   6. Add one academic or extracurricular experience to your profile

A research resume is a short summary (usually 1-2 pages) of your background, research experience, lab work, and relevant skills that helps programs or supervisors quickly understand what you have accomplished. Think of it like a personal highlight reel where you showcase the projects you worked on, the methods you used, and the knowledge and skills you have developed along the way.

A research-focused resume is usually organised into clear sections that highlight your academic background, research experience, and key strengths. Unlike a standard resume, it places greater emphasis on your previous research projects, lab or fieldwork, and research-specific skills.

Here’s what a basic structure can look like:

• • Header (Name and contact information)

  • Education

  • Research or Lab Experience

  • Research Skills

  • Projects/Publications

  • Leadership/Activities

  • Awards and Achievements

Key research skills include a mix of professional, ethical, and interpersonal abilities that support safe, effective, and collaborative work in research and practice settings. These are highly valued by supervisors because they reflect how well you can work within teams, follow ethical and safety standards, and apply evidence-based practice in real-world settings.

Recruiters, supervisors, and online recruitment systems may look for specific research-related words when reviewing applications. Including relevant keywords can help make your experience and suitability easier to identify. 

Common research-related keywords may include: 

• Literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, research design, participant recruitment, survey design, interviewing, qualitative research, quantitative research, mixed methods, academic writing, referencing, research ethics, confidentiality, informed consent, critical thinking, project management, teamwork, and communication. 

Only include skills that you genuinely have and can support with an example. 

Don’ts: 

• • Long and passive bullet points

  • Outdated or unrelated experiences 

  • Generic statements (e.g., “hard working”) without evidence

  • Listing responsibilities without explaining your specific role or contribution

One more thing! Don’t forget to ALWAYS adjust your resume for each role or program so it clearly matches what they’re looking for.

• • Highlight the most relevant research experience, skills, and projects for that specific opportunity

  • Reorder or emphasise sections depending on what matters most (e.g., lab skills, projects, or clinical experience)

  • Use keywords from the job or program description to show clear alignment with what they are looking for

Autonomy means feeling in control of your own actions and decisions.

• • Take ownership: Complete tasks responsibly without constant supervision

  • Work independently: Manage time, priorities, and workload effectively

  • Show initiative: Identify what needs to be done and take appropriate action

  • Make confident decisions: Trust your judgement and solve problems independently

  • Stay self-motivated: Use personal agency and responsibility to remain engaged

Analytical thinking means examining information carefully to understand problems and make logical decisions.

• • Break down complexity: Separate difficult problems into manageable parts

  • Make informed decisions: Use evidence, logic, and relevant information

  • Recognise patterns: Identify trends, connections, and potential risks

  • Anticipate challenges: Consider possible outcomes before taking action

  • Develop effective solutions: Compare options and solve problems efficiently

Emotional intelligence means understanding and managing your own emotions while recognising the emotions of others.

• • Build self-awareness: Recognise how emotions influence behaviour and decisions

  • Manage emotions: Respond calmly and professionally under pressure

  • Show empathy: Understand and respect other people’s perspectives

  • Build strong relationships: Communicate respectfully and support effective teamwork

  • Handle challenges constructively: Manage conflict, feedback, and setbacks positively

Communication means sharing and receiving information clearly and appropriately.

• • Listen actively: Pay attention, ask questions, and clarify understanding

  • Express ideas clearly: Communicate confidently in speaking and writing

  • Adapt your approach: Adjust tone and language for different audiences

  • Use professional communication: Apply appropriate verbal, written, and non-verbal skills

  • Communicate across cultures: Recognise and respect different communication styles

Leadership and global citizenship means guiding others responsibly while working ethically and respectfully across cultures.

• • Contribute responsibly: Support team goals, values, and organisational success

  • Take initiative: Identify opportunities and guide action when needed

  • Work across cultures: Collaborate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds

  • Value different perspectives: Use diverse ideas to strengthen creativity and problem-solving

  • Act ethically and inclusively: Make responsible decisions that positively affect others