Academia
Blog posts tailored to academics, individuals considering an academic career, and graduate students.
Beyond Academic Success: Cultivating Purpose-Driven Learning in Higher Education
In the quiet moments after the academic year comes to an end, I take time to reflect on the past term and contemplate the true meaning of education. Beyond the syllabi, assignments, and exams, what are we really preparing our students for? This question has followed...
From Abstract to Applause: A Strategic Handbook for Academic Conference Success
Photo by Asia Culture Center on Pexels.com Welcome back to Brilliantly Ivy, your online destination for navigating the academic landscape with purpose and style! As the current research and conference season kicks into high gear, many of us in the Canadian and US...
Finding Purpose in Academic Research: Making a Meaningful Impact
Academic research is often viewed as a solitary endeavour, filled with data analysis, peer reviews, and endless revisions. Yet, beneath this serious exterior lies the incredible potential to transform lives, influence policies, champion new ideas, and spark meaningful...
What Your PhD Program Didn’t Teach You About Landing a Tenure-Track Job
The path to securing a tenure-track position can feel daunting, but with the right strategies and insights, you can navigate this competitive landscape successfully. As someone who has successfully secured a tenure-track position and mentored graduate students, I’m...
The Power of Networking: Building Lasting Academic Connections
Imagine this: You’re at a conference, armed with business cards and a smile that screams, “I’m totally comfortable right now!” (Spoiler alert: You’re not.) But fear not, fellow academic adventurer! Your journey through the wilderness of professional networking is...
Investing in Choices: A Young Person’s Guide to Thriving in Academia
Investing in choices refers to the idea of making deliberate and thoughtful decisions that contribute positively to your life and future. As you embark on your academic journey—whether as an undergraduate or a graduate student—you’ll soon realize that the...
Deck the Halls with Books and Holly: A Professor’s Christmas Reflections
As I sit in my office, the soft glow of fairy lights twinkling among stacks of research papers, I can't help but marvel at how quickly another academic year has flown by. The campus is quieter now, with most students heading home for the holidays. It's the perfect...
Embracing Self-Compassion at Work: Your Secret Weapon for Success and Well-being
Hey! Let's talk about something that's been gaining much attention lately: self-compassion at work. Now, I know what you might be thinking – "Isn't work supposed to be all about pushing yourself, being tough, publish or perish, etc.?" Well, hold onto your journal...
From Mumbles to Mastery: A Guide to Becoming a Confident Presenter
Ah, the academic presentation! That special time when we professors get to strut our stuff in front of colleagues who are equally impressed and itching to poke holes in our research. After years of witnessing (and, let’s be honest, committing) every presentation faux...
Saying No in Academia: Mastering the Delicate Dance
Picture this: It's 2 PM on a Tuesday, and I'm staring at my inbox, overwhelmed by the sheer number of requests, invitations, and "quick favours" piling up. Sound familiar? As academics, we're often caught in a perpetual tug-of-war between our passion for knowledge and...

Hi, I’m Ivy.
Associate Professor by day and Luxury everything enthusiast by weekend.
I created Brilliantly Ivy to share my experiences and insights as a university professor through my academic career blog. This space allows me to express my thoughts on teaching, research, and maintaining a meaningful academic career. Additionally, my lifestyle blog reflects my love for showcasing simple and classic style—think well-curated closets, luxury handbags, and a good coffee. On Brilliantly Ivy, you’ll find posts about journal rejections, beauty favorites, handbag wish lists, wellness practices, and tips on achieving work-life harmony. I believe that academia is a fulfilling career choice, especially when guided by the right mentors and staying true to oneself.
Get ready to embark on a journey filled with academic wisdom, lifestyle musings, and the occasional farm adventure.
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