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

The Week Before My Viva

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

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