Chris Thompson, Author at The PhD Place

The stress and all-consuming nature of pursuing an academic career is often detailed in social media posts and anecdotal tales. Whilst it is useful for PhD students to understand the perils of careers in academia, this article provides further context for some of the issues surrounding progression in the academic profession. It runs through five factors that impact on how all-consuming academic careers can be, ultimately advising you to progress in academia at your own pace.

Six Ways To Prepare For Your Upcoming PhD

Dr Chris Thompson offers six ways to prepare for a PhD. Alongside finding rest, students should reach out to current PhD students or experienced academics to absorb their wisdom, research their new surroundings, and connect with future colleagues to create a network before starting.

“Step Back And Do The Basics Well”. A Short Guide On Increasing Your Chances Of Securing A PhD Scholarship

Learn how to increase your chances of getting a PhD scholarship by reading the tips and experiences shared by Chris Thompson. This article covers important areas such as personalizing your application, creating a positive social media presence, and more.

“We Regret To Inform You That Your PhD Application Has Been Successful…” A Short Story On The Challenges Of Finding A PhD Scholarship

Dr Chris Thompson shares his experience of pursuing a PhD scholarship which was more challenging than doing a PhD itself. He talks about the emotional impact of rejection letters and the moments when he hit rock bottom.

Is The Grass Always Greener On The Other Side? The Pros And Cons Of Completing A PhD Abroad

Dr. Chris Thompson discusses the pros and cons of completing a PhD abroad based on his experiences in Germany and Australia. While working with professional footballers and embracing new cultures were highlights, he also discusses the challenges of culture shock, loneliness, and personal struggles with mental health.

from our Community

3 Tips for Applying to PhD Programs

Applying to PhD programs can be confusing, and there is little advice about how to go about applying for them. This article offers three top tips for navigating the PhD application process and making yourself a strong applicant.

Why Publishing a Paper Feels So Hard (and How to Make It Easier)

Publishing feels impossible sometimes. You’ve already got research, teaching, maybe conferences, and then you’re told you need to publish too. The problem is that nobody

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!

Your Academic Journey

Applications and Funding

Career and Networking

Thesis and Dissertation

Chris Thompson

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Your Academic Journey

Applications and Funding

Career and Networking

Thesis and Dissertation

Articles by

Chris Thompson

Death by a Thousand Semesters: Are Academic Careers as All-Consuming as People Say?

Six Ways To Prepare For Your Upcoming PhD

“Step Back And Do The Basics Well”. A Short Guide On Increasing Your Chances Of Securing A PhD Scholarship

“We Regret To Inform You That Your PhD Application Has Been Successful…” A Short Story On The Challenges Of Finding A PhD Scholarship

Is The Grass Always Greener On The Other Side? The Pros And Cons Of Completing A PhD Abroad

Related Articles

from our Community

3 Tips for Applying to PhD Programs

Why Publishing a Paper Feels So Hard (and How to Make It Easier)

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

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Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson

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