
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.
Explore essential tips and proven methodologies to excel in your academic writing, research, and presentation skills. We’ll help you navigate the path to academic success and guide you through the intricacies of composing your thesis.

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.
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Need guidance writing the reflexivity section of your thesis (or indeed writing reflexively throughout the thesis)? This article defines reflexivity as going beyond reflection to consider the influence of our positionality on our work. It covers three main types of reflexivity – personal reflexivity, methodological reflexivity and philosophical reflexivity – and includes some working examples to illustrate the thought processes and questions that facilitate transparency and rigor in research.

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

Get insights into preparing for the transfer viva, an important step in your research journey, from someone who has gone through it. Learn how to focus on your contributions to knowledge, practice your presentation without overdoing it, and trust that you know your research better than anyone else.

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

Dr Nicolai Due-Gundersen shares advice for turning your thesis into a book.

In this article, Jennie Riley shares what she learned about publishing from her PhD experience. She provides tips on why she decided to publish solo-authored articles instead of turning her thesis into a book, the difference between submitting a chapter and an article, the importance of resilience, and reframing feedback.

In this article, Melissa Vasi shares her experience of having a supportive and understanding supervisor during her PhD journey. She explains how being a supervisor is not just limited to correcting a thesis, but also being a mentor and friend.

Mentorship is key to success in non-academic careers. Matteo Tardelli shares how you can seek guidance from industry experts and alumni outside of academia. With dedication and persistence, anyone can find the right mentor to thrive in their chosen field.
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