Hello everyone!
Currently in the process of writing my cover letter for a PhD competition (for context: on a cognitive neuroscience field). I have just graduated with a 2:1 and was not feeling ready for a postgrad since well, my imposter syndrome is huge and feel a 2:1 is not good enough. However! I a currently working as a RA in a lab and the main investigator asked me if I would like to do a PhD with her since she thinks I have the potential to do it. So, I just wanted to ask for advice mostly one DO’S and DONT’S for a cover letter.
I have had 2 research assistant roles during my undergrad and have had about 5 jobs during my undergrad too although in unrelated fields (customer service for example), is it worth mentioning these? I was thinking all these jobs although gave me resilience, I felt the tiredness I had affected my grades, so not sure if I should mention this struggle and what I learned form it (?).
I am also going to be starting soon some data science course, I was wondering, since they ask us to outline academic achievement and it looks past-based, is it good to mention what I will be doing in the near future and before starting my PhD (?)
Lastly, my background has not been very science based due as I did a joint major, so half was science, half was not. I was thinking of being completely honest and mentioned that although my interest when I started my undergrad were not neuroscience as such, this has changed completely as I learned more about the topic, bla bla, is that good? or do they prefer a interest that has been always there?
I would appreciate any advice you have, as fresh water in the desert.
Many thanks,
Mell
Thank you Sabrina !