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.

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

15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Coping with Bereavement During a PhD: Grow Around the Grief

Full-Circle Journey of a Doctoral Student: Applications, Interviews, and Mentoring Others

Navigating Reflexivity: A Guided Example to Move Beyond Reflection

Panic! at the PhD: Where to Begin and How to Make It Your Own

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

Featured Academic

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

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COVID-19

Travelling, Working, And Returning To Academia

A former history MA graduate, Jim Hulbert, recounts how he went from traveling to working, and returning to academia. After some years of working, he decided to pursue a PhD, a journey that was jumpstarted during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was furloughed from work.

Experiences

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!

After accepting an offer

What to do after accepting your PhD offer: Celebrate, Rest, and Plan

This article suggests a number of places to start, such as building a good relationship with your supervisor, networking with your peers, planning your move and checking out any additional course requirements.

Experiences

Who Am I? The Role Of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Within My Doctoral Journey So Far.

Jess Wythe talks about her experience with imposter syndrome, an issue that many in academia can relate to but is not often discussed. She discusses her feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy and how she learned to cope with them.

Getting started

The PhD Roadmap: Key Checkpoints for a Strong Start

From selecting the right program and advisor to managing stress and staying motivated, this article offers a comprehensive guide to support future PhD students with insights and tips to navigate each phase of the doctoral process. With an engaging and supportive tone, this roadmap aims to inspire confidence and enthusiasm, equipping students with the tools they need to embark on this exciting and challenging adventure.

Experiences

10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My PhD

Pillalamarri Srikrishnarka shares 10 tips he wish he knew before starting his STEM-based PhD program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. A final year scholar, Pillalamarri emphasizes networking and time management, he provides useful links to other resources.

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.

COVID-19

The Art Of Working From Home: Studying During The Pandemic And Beyond

COVID-19 changed the world of academia, making it even more isolating than before. Clarke shares tips and tricks for students and researchers to improve their work-life balance while working from home, including setting boundaries, sticking to routines, separating work from home, taking breaks, and keeping in touch with others.

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

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

15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Coping with Bereavement During a PhD: Grow Around the Grief

Full-Circle Journey of a Doctoral Student: Applications, Interviews, and Mentoring Others

Navigating Reflexivity: A Guided Example to Move Beyond Reflection

Panic! at the PhD: Where to Begin and How to Make It Your Own

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

Travelling, Working, And Returning To Academia

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

What to do after accepting your PhD offer: Celebrate, Rest, and Plan

Who Am I? The Role Of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Within My Doctoral Journey So Far.

The PhD Roadmap: Key Checkpoints for a Strong Start

10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My PhD

Is Time Running Out? Time Anxiety in the PhD Student

The Art Of Working From Home: Studying During The Pandemic And Beyond

Most recent

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

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