Post Doc Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our post doc application essay expert and has been helping people write their postdoctoral personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
Securing a postdoctoral position, often referred to simply as a postdoc, is like embarking on an advanced stage of academic exploration and specialization. It requires a blend of robust research experience, academic achievements, and a clear vision for your scholarly journey. Here’s a typical roadmap for aspiring postdocs:
The foundational step is completing a doctoral degree. Your PhD demonstrates not just your expertise in a specific field, but also your ability to conduct independent, original research. Excelling in your doctoral program is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for your postdoc applications.
The heart of a postdoc application is your research experience and publications. Having a strong research portfolio, including publications in reputable journals, presentations at conferences, and contributions to significant projects, is essential. This body of work showcases your expertise and potential to contribute meaningful research in your field.
Networking plays a critical role. Many postdoc positions are found through academic connections, mentors, and colleagues. Building a strong professional network during your PhD can open doors to postdoc opportunities.
The application process typically includes a research proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation. Your research proposal should outline what you plan to explore during your postdoc and how it aligns with the research interests of the institution or your potential mentor. Recommendation letters should come from academic advisors or collaborators who can vouch for your research capabilities and potential as a postdoc.
Interviews, if part of the process, are an opportunity to discuss your research in depth, demonstrate your critical thinking, and show how your work can contribute to the broader goals of the research group or department.
Taking initiative in seeking out funding opportunities, such as fellowships or grants, can also be a significant part of the postdoc experience. Securing your own funding not only makes you an attractive candidate but also provides greater flexibility in your research pursuits.
In summary, securing a postdoctoral position involves demonstrating a strong track record in research, building a professional network, articulating a clear research plan, and showcasing your potential to contribute to and benefit from the postdoc experience. It’s a path for those who are deeply committed to advancing their research expertise and making significant contributions to their academic field.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
- Fellowships and Grants personal statements