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.
Adapting to changes in research plans is an important skill for all researchers. Karl Miller writes about the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including working from home, the inability to access equipment, and the need to redesign studies. However, online data collection provided new opportunities for learning and developing new skills.
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This insightful article highlights how young Gen Z academics can make the most of their unique skills and attributes cultivated by their generational upbringing, and propel themselves towards achieving triumph in their PhD programme and beyond.
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.
Not all doctoral degrees are earned in your 30s and 40s. While many pursue doctoral degrees during those years to attain professional gains and financial security, this article shows how enrolling in a PhD program in your 50s can bring a fresh lens due to entering a new season of life and finally having a window of opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.
Max Portman shares his experience of doing a PhD with a chronic illness in this personal essay. He talks about the challenges he faced due to his illness, including fatigue and the inability to travel, and how his PhD helped him stay focused during tough times.
Are you a new PhD student looking to make connections before your programs starts? Kristin shares two big tips to help you hit the ground running at the start of your doctoral studies.
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.
This article provides strategies and considerations for PhD students with ADHD to manage life beyond coursework and dissertation writing. The article suggests reflecting on how busy you need to be, talking to supervisors and committee members about ADHD, proactively managing rejection sensitivity, and streamlining life outside of doctoral studies.
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!
