Holly (she/her) is currently the Careers Adviser for Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Birmingham (UK) and author of the PhD Careers blog ‘PostGradual.’ She completed her PhD in English Literature at the University of Birmingham in 2011. Since completing her PhD, she gained four years experience in postgraduate student recruitment before moving over to postgraduate careers support. To aid this move, between 2014-16 she went back to studying part-time for a professional career guidance qualification. Holly lives with a rare eye condition called AZOOR which causes visual field defects/loss, and outside of work she is a volunteer content writer for UK sight loss charity RNIB. Follow Holly on Twitter: @holby83 and check her Academic profile in: www.phd-careers.co.uk

PhD Abroad: How to Navigate Intercultural Interactions 

Are you studying for a PhD abroad? Are you worried about integrating meaningfully into your PhD life in a different country? In this article, Dai Wenqi explores how to socialise and adapt to a new culture during your PhD abroad, providing advice from her lived experiences to help you enjoy your doctoral life to the fullest. This includes respecting and engaging with the culture of your host country, learning the language (but forgo the pressure of perfect fluency), and leaning into your unique personal charm.

Read More »

Office 216

Discover how a graduate student’s temporary office space serves as a metaphor for their sense of unbelonging throughout their academic journey, and how they find solace in making the most of the temporary joys that come their way.

Read More »

Solidarity In The Collective

It’s important to find community and support while undertaking a PhD. For Kathryn, forming a decolonisation collective held potential for friendship. In this article she reflects on the valuable lessons learned from being part of a collective, including the need for solidarity, sharing resources, and supporting one another emotionally and mentally.

Read More »
Your contribution to our PhD Stories helps us disseminate valuable support to researchers worldwide.
Update cookies preferences