Beginning doctoral or postdoctoral studies signifies a professional and personal transformation. During this journey, a key factor in the growth and strengthening of academic and intellectual prestige, and in how one projects their image through communication and expression to others, is the development of trust and the opening of new paths to intellectual authority.
Projecting professionalism involves establishing fluid relationships with your thesis supervisor and colleagues, as well as having a professionally formatted email address, clearly defining the objectives of meetings, and always expressing gratitude at the end of a feedback session.
The challenge when starting a PhD or postdoctoral program really lies in what you want to present, in this case, based on your aspirations and how you communicate your goals. However, at this stage, it is important not only to focus on your studies and carry out major projects, but also to combine this with projecting an image of what you want to be or achieve in your career.
Communication will always be a key point to highlight. According to a study conducted in 2024, the International Council for Open and Distance Education indicated that more than 68% of online doctoral applicants claimed that the way they expressed themselves helped them greatly, motivating them to pursue this academic phase in order to be admitted. It is an indispensable tool for conveying any emotion or even perception of how others see you.
Therefore, it is advisable to consciously evaluate what you want to communicate about your experiences, goals, values, and research process before beginning your application. You can even practice by writing a letter of motivation in which you explain in a professional, confident, and clear tone why you are there and what challenges you most to continue with this new phase of learning.
To achieve these goals, you must have three well-defined skills, which are fundamental in doctoral or postdoctoral research:
Good written expression
This is your main means of communication, in which you must develop a formal language with a research style, without resorting to excessive technical terms that can detract from understandable research.
Research written in clear language is 40% more likely to be cited in the first two years after publication. Based on a study by Springer Nature, in 2024.
Good image and academic presence online
Your digital image is your calling card as a professional who combines online studies with work. You can maintain constant interaction, participate in virtual events and seminars, and demonstrate your commitment to contributing to academic networks. You will see
how a doctorate helps you evolve and change the world.
Nonverbal expression in video calls says a lot about you, so it is vital that you maintain your posture and gaze with a tone of voice that communicates as if it were words. Forbes Education, 2023, points out that 55% of professional perception in virtual communications is conditioned by appearance and body language.
Effective communication as a way to manage setbacks
Knowing how to manage setbacks in moments of frustration, due to in-depth and complicated reviews and strict deadlines. In this case, communication must be clear and assertive in order to find solutions, projecting a serious and collaborative image.
Receiving your doctoral or postdoctoral degree marks the beginning of a new horizon where knowledge is shared through a network built on academic and professional influence. Below are some of the things you should do once you graduate.
Humility and purpose when communicating achievements Communication is key, so that research work adds value and inspires others. Publish your research by giving it visibility at conferences or conventions. In 2024, the Latin American Science and Higher Education Network conducted a study that found that 32% of PhDs publish continuously after graduation due to a lack of time and strategies to make themselves visible.
The solution to this problem is to plan a personal communication agenda. You can set aside time to update your academic profile, publish your knowledge, or participate in different forums, because your voice will propel you forward.
Maintain contact with the academic network
Staying in touch with your university, colleagues, and mentors opens doors to opportunities for collaboration and shared projects. It also strengthens your sense of belonging to a global knowledge network.
When you receive your doctoral or postdoctoral degree, the image you project generates knowledge, consistency in communication, and academic values that strengthen your authority and intellectual leadership. Communication evolves, shares experience, and inspires other colleagues who seek unlimited professional growth.
In the doctoral process, there are many gestures, words, and publications that allow you to define your professional and personal role. In advanced studies, image projection is generated from shared knowledge. The commitment is to cultivate professional, clear, comprehensive, and supportive communication, with the aim of improving your academic trajectory and expanding the impact of your work in the community.
Similarly, it is important that you build a clear, academic, and consistent digital presence to establish valuable relationships with colleagues, mentors, and the scientific community. It is about creating a professional image with a strategy for success and establishing leadership that leaves a mark on your academic environment and life in general.