Dear Graduate Student,

If you’re reading this message, chances are you’re considering stepping into the world of graduate research competitions (GRCs)—perhaps the Three Minute Thesis (3MT), FameLab, or Falling Walls. As you reflect on the decision, you’re likely fueled by a mix of curiosity, ambition, and yes, the desire to win.

Take First: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Winning Graduate Research Competitions (going forward I will refer to it as Take First) is filled with strategies, tools, and insights designed to help you share your research in a way that resonates far beyond your field. Whether you’re presenting to fellow scholars, business professionals, or friends over dinner, Take First will help you translate your complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that your audiences can remember. 

Speaking of stories...

Not too long ago, I was talking to a friend and colleague from Poland about the Take First program. She asked me how I had come up with the title, Take First. This was one of those moments when the light bulb goes off in your head as a communicator: I sensed something was not right. I explained that when you are talking about a competitive situation in English, you might hear someone ask "How did she do in the event?" The reply might be "She took third place." 

If you decide to compete in a GRC, one of your goals will likely be to TAKE FIRST.

To me, this title is aspirational - it clearly states what I want to do. I also love the fact it is very short. 

Winning a competition like a GRC takes more than great data—it calls for persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking. It’s about pushing boundaries and opening up your work to broader conversations. It’s about connecting the dots between your research and the world. Take First contains not only best practices of communicating your research, but it also includes real stories of failure, growth, and breakthrough. This program will challenge you, but if you commit, you will become a better communicator, a sharper thinker, and a more confident scholar.

One logistical comment on using the website: Everything is organized by Week. Under "Take First Program", you will find strategic guidance on your GRC talk, your slides, your physical delivery, rehearsals, and much, much more. The concepts build on each other, so I strongly recommend starting at Week 1. Under "Weekly Exercises", you will find several tasks to assist you in preparing to win your GRC competition. These tasks are not busy-work: Each one is designed to advance your preparation. Finally, the "Weekly Checklists" are an at-a-glance view of what you should have accomplished that week along with a couple of reflection questions.   

Whether your goal is to take home a trophy or to simply do justice to the work you care about, know that entering a GRC is itself a bold step. You’re not just competing—you’re growing, learning, and making your research more accessible to the world. Thank you!

Let's get started.  

Warmly,

marlit