Kieron (he/him) is a first year PhD student at the Distributed Algorithms CDT, part of the University of Liverpool. In this article he reflects on his own journey prior to joining the CDT, and gives his advice to others searching for the right PhD project. During the thesis writing stage of my Master’s in Physics, I began exploring what lay beyond undergraduate degrees, both in academia and in the world of employment. I decided on a PhD as I had been considering a move to Computer Science for some time, and this was a good opportunity to hone my skillset instead of trying to dive in without a good background in the area. I still benefit from my Physics background, and have found that having experience in both is opening a lot of doors for the future. Currently I am working on using machine learning techniques to improve the functionality of augmented reality displays in cars. I am lucky to have a group that is placed on the boundary of academia and industry, since it provides opportunities for placements, collaborations, and other projects in the future. One thing that can sometimes go unmentioned with PhDs is how rewarding it can be to see something you have worked on or helped with come to fruition

Preparing For Your PhD Interview

Ready to take the next step in your academic career with a PhD? Don’t miss out on these top tips for acing your PhD interview, from finding the right project to researching your supervisors and preparing for presentations.

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Academic Job Interviews: 5 Questions You Should Be Ready For

Regardless of your PhD stage, you can help your future self by getting interview-ready now. This article goes through five interview questions based on your research that are commonly asked at academic job interviews, with advice on what you can do now during your time as a PhD student to be more prepared in the future!

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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.

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Changing Degrees and Pursuing My Own Passions: My Journey to a Fulfilling PhD 

Ever spent years in a degree you were not happy with? This PhD student has, and she advocates for being brave enough to choose personal fulfilment over societal expectations and conventional timelines. In this article, she shares her breakthrough in changing academic direction to a path that better aligns with her passions, and offers empowering words to others who may be in a similar situation.

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