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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Spare Me the Lecture: A Short Guide On How to Excel In Your First Teaching Role

If you are reading this, it is assumed that you are about to embark on an exciting new journey in teaching at university level. Congratulations! You are about to enter a highly rewarding area of academia where each day is different and full of opportunity to inspire those around you. This blogpost goes through five key considerations to help you prepare for success before entering the classroom.

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 Why Being a Distinctly Average PhD Student is Extraordinarily Fine

PhD survivor Hannah Broadbent shares her personal account of persevering through her PhD, detailing her struggle with imposter syndrome and mental health. Upon self-reflection, she shifted from academia to an industry job that best matched her preferences. Her story emphasises the importance of personal satisfaction over conforming to the perfect PhD student stereotype.

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