Nothing to put on C.V.?

[Rupert Pupkin]

Most of the schools I am looking at ask for a CV or Resume. What do you do if you are fresh out of undergrad with no field-related publications (I am a published music writer), no teaching experience, no conference presentations, and no jobs related to academia? Surely the prestigious universities I plan on applying to don't care about my summer jobs and my volunteer work. Does the fact that I have none of these things imply that I am not ready for a PhD program?

[Ninevah]

The fact that you are literally considering a PhD in literature is indicative of not "being ready" for a phd program.

The trolls are back.

[Two Espressos]

The fact that you are literally considering a PhD in literature is indicative of not "being ready" for a phd program.

The fact that you are literally considering trolling these literature boards is indicative of not "being ready" for any PhD program.

[ZeeMore21]

The fact that you are literally considering a PhD in literature is indicative of not "being ready" for a phd program.

This post makes absolutely no sense.

Anyway, zwat, I suggest that if you really want to apply to a doctorate program, you dedicate most of your time writing an excellent personal statement and writing sample. I wouldn't focus on what you don't have, because that won't get you anywhere. I would focus on what you do have, and find a way to connect them to your academic goals. Being a published music writer will count for something, definitely.

[Two Espressos]

Most of the schools I am looking at ask for a CV or Resume. What do you do if you are fresh out of undergrad with no field-related publications (I am a published music writer), no teaching experience, no conference presentations, and no jobs related to academia? Surely the prestigious universities I plan on applying to don't care about my summer jobs and my volunteer work. Does the fact that I have none of these things imply that I am not ready for a PhD program?

I agree with ZeeMore21. Conference publications, teaching experience, and field-related publications might help an applicant, but not having them is not going to break the deal for you. Having those things certainly isn't a prerequisite. What's most important is your writing sample and statement of purpose, followed by GPA and GRE scores. If you can devise an impressive writing sample and SOP, you'll be a competitive applicant for the prestigious universities to which you are applying.

[lyonessrampant]

As for submitting a CV, do you have relevant academic awards and honors? Departmental awards? Membership in organizations like Sigma Tau Delta or MLA or other literary organizations? You can put that kind of info on a CV as well. Did you tutor, guest lecture for any of your classes, or help a prof with grading/research/etc.? Lots of things can go on a CV, but you have to be a bit creative about how to frame them. These types of things are all relevant and show your involvement in the field and your ability to do academic work. Even if it is short, I think a CV is a good idea to submit. Lots of people applying don't have publications, conference presentations, or teaching experience, but you do have academic experience; showcase that. Best of luck!

[Rupert Pupkin]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I am having a hard time figuring out where I could insert some of my positive traits into my applications. I am both a published music writer and an accomplished musician. As these things are not completely relevant to an English education, I don't know how to include them in my applications without seeming like I am boasting. My current SOP draft has no place where mention of these things would feel natural. Although having some musical success isn't very relevant to my English studies, I believe it does help portray me as a well-rounded individual. I am thinking that one of my LOR writers could attest to these talents as a way to objectively inject them into my applications.

[ZeeMore21]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I am having a hard time figuring out where I could insert some of my positive traits into my applications. I am both a published music writer and an accomplished musician. As these things are not completely relevant to an English education, I don't know how to include them in my applications without seeming like I am boasting. My current SOP draft has no place where mention of these things would feel natural. Although having some musical success isn't very relevant to my English studies, I believe it does help portray me as a well-rounded individual. I am thinking that one of my LOR writers could attest to these talents as a way to objectively inject them into my applications.

Maybe you could be more specific about what field you want to go into? Perhaps, we could help you figure out how best to frame your qualifications. For example, your experience as a music writer would definitely support reasons why you would want to go into a sub-field like Poetics. Just an example though since I don't know what your sub-field is.

[Rupert Pupkin]

Maybe you could be more specific about what field you want to go into? Perhaps, we could help you figure out how best to frame your qualifications. For example, your experience as a music writer would definitely support reasons why you would want to go into a sub-field like Poetics. Just an example though since I don't know what your sub-field is.

Thanks for your help. My sub-field is Jewish Studies.

With the 300-500 word SOP requirements I'm encountering, I would have to sacrifice some elucidation of my research interests to include some form of music related anecdote in my SOP. I'm not sure that'd be the best idea.

Would music publications be completely out of place on my C.V.?

Edited July 4, 2011 by zwat

[ZeeMore21]

Thanks for your help. My sub-field is Jewish Studies.

With the 300-500 word SOP requirements I'm encountering, I would have to sacrifice some elucidation of my research interests to include some form of music related anecdote in my SOP. I'm not sure that'd be the best idea.

Would music publications be completely out of place on my C.V.?

Could you maybe be a little more specific about what you would be looking at within Jewish Studies? Lol, sorry about being picky! Music publications definitely could be included on your CV...it is a publication plain and simple. Plus, you deserve to have your accomplishment be commended and recognized!

[Rupert Pupkin]

Could you maybe be a little more specific about what you would be looking at within Jewish Studies? Lol, sorry about being picky! Music publications definitely could be included on your CV...it is a publication plain and simple. Plus, you deserve to have your accomplishment be commended and recognized!

I've sent you a PM, ZeeMore.

[runonsentence]

I've seen some applicants put "conferences attended" on a CV before, if they haven't yet broken into presenting and publishing. If you have time this summer or early fall, you could try to attend a conference near you to get a feel for what conferences are like and show that you're proactive about getting a sense of current conversations in the field.

I'm not sure if anyone else has covered this with you over PM, but you can also spin some of your music pubs/experience under "related experience" or the like. After all, your music experience shows that you're capable of getting yourself published and know what kind of work that entails.

Last, if you have any English-related projects under development, or more informal projects than publications (e.g., a research blog, a digital portfolio, a manuscript in progress, etc.) it's also appropriate to list these on a CV.