Category: Your Academic Journey

Explore the world of doctoral research and academia with insights, tips, and guidance for prospective and current PhD students. Navigate the challenges and rewards of the doctoral journey.

Academic Careers

PhD Wisdom from ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Inger Mewburn: Working Sustainably, AI Panic, and Careers Hope

Inger ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Mewburn is something of a superhero to PhD students around the world, dedicated to improving doctoral experiences and post-PhD employability. In this interview, our Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Marino is delighted to share Inger’s wisdom on everything from careers advice to the moral panic around AI – all the while advocating for a kinder, more inclusive academia.

Job Hunting Beyond Academia: Getting Your ‘Story Straight’

My PhD Journey As An International Student

“Look Right, Look Left”

They Said I Was ‘Too Old’ – My PhD Journey

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

The Secret Power Of Blogging

Floundering First Steps: The First Month Of Starting A PhD

Is There Life After A PhD?

How My Faith In God Convinced Me To Never Give Up And To Pursue Further Education

It’s Time To Find Your Team – Advice For PhD Students During Those Lonely Times

Featured Academic

Holly Prescott

Read Articles

Experiences

How to Deal with Boredom During the PhD

This article discusses the dark cloud of boredom that doctoral students may experience during the long PhD journey. It explores some possible causes of boredom, such as social media leading to comparison and disinterest in our own lives, and provides tips on how to handle it – aiming to inspire and encourage you to have a wonderful research journey ahead!

ADHD

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

This article details the experience of a Professional Doctorate student (and full-time working parent) suddenly becoming aware that she has ADHD – being given a new, neurodivergent lens through which to see herself, and the additional challenges (and solutions) that it brings to a PhD journey. The article offers solutions for coping with a neurodivergent brain in a world generally designed for neurotypical ways of functioning.

Experiences

Motherhood and Doctoral Studies: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Navigating motherhood and academia can be overwhelming, especially when they happen simultaneously. I discuss my experiences, struggles, and successes as an emerging researcher and new mother, and suggestions for universities to further support these populations moving forward.

Experiences

The H in PhD Stands for Hope: Remaining Hopeful in a PhD Journey

The PhD journey can make us lose hope, feeling trapped in the melancholy that often befriends the doctoral journey. But this empowering and uplifting article, written from a South African perspective, explores the idea of hope being an important friend to PhD candidates, helping us reach the finish line to graduation. Alongside the author’s personal journey with mental health, the article emphasises the importance of prioritising wellbeing, changing strategy when things aren’t working, and always remaining hopeful for the future.

Experiences

Is Time Running Out? Time Anxiety in the PhD Student

Time anxiety is an underestimated and significant mental challenge for many PhD students. It refers to the worry, tension, or stress regarding the passage of time. This article offers some advice to help handle time anxiety.

First Year Student

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

In this reflective article, Gemma Rides shares her PhD experience so far and provides advice for new PhD students. She discusses the importance of talking to supervisors and other students, getting into a routine, celebrating small achievements, and remembering that a PhD is more than just writing a thesis.

After accepting an offer

What I Wish I Knew Before I Started My PhD

From the importance of taking breaks, finding a supportive group, to valuing yourself and networking, these tips will help you get through the rough times and make the most of your PhD experience.

Productivity

The #1 Reason Papers Get Rejected (and How to Avoid It)

Rejection stings. You put months into a paper, edit it until you can’t stand to look at it anymore, hit submit, and then a few

Your Academic Journey

Applications and Funding

Career and Networking

Thesis and Dissertation

Category: Your Academic Journey

PhD Wisdom from ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Inger Mewburn: Working Sustainably, AI Panic, and Careers Hope

Most recent

Job Hunting Beyond Academia: Getting Your ‘Story Straight’

My PhD Journey As An International Student

“Look Right, Look Left”

They Said I Was ‘Too Old’ – My PhD Journey

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

The Secret Power Of Blogging

Floundering First Steps: The First Month Of Starting A PhD

Is There Life After A PhD?

How My Faith In God Convinced Me To Never Give Up And To Pursue Further Education

It’s Time To Find Your Team – Advice For PhD Students During Those Lonely Times

Holly Prescott

How to Deal with Boredom During the PhD

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

Motherhood and Doctoral Studies: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

The H in PhD Stands for Hope: Remaining Hopeful in a PhD Journey

Is Time Running Out? Time Anxiety in the PhD Student

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

What I Wish I Knew Before I Started My PhD

The #1 Reason Papers Get Rejected (and How to Avoid It)

Most recent

Holly Prescott

Stay Connected with The PhD Place

Thank you!