Been there, done that – Time to move on Arttu Mykkänen Ph.D Student, University of Oulu, Faculty of Education Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit (LET)

My studies Started in 2011 as a PhD. Student. Worked as a research assistant before that while doing my master’s thesis. Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit. Dissertation defence in 29th of April.

My thesis

Tips for PhD studies

Find yourself a group Thesis might be your own product, but the research is done in groups. Find yourself someone who co-authors your articles. Importance of post doc colleagues / more experienced researchers. Professors have limited time and resources. Find yourself someone to talk with.

Find money Money -> publications You can concentrate to your research.

Divide the thesis in sub tasks / goals Articles work as a sub goals. When you have smaller approachaple goals, the thesis doesn’t feel such as huge task. Helps you to focus and tackle one problem at a time. Short term deadlines. Plan what part of the data you’re going to use for which article. This is usually included in the research plan / funding applications. Gives you a backbone for you dissertation. Helps you when writing the summary.

Go to conferences Do not go to any conference. Important to notice the most important conferences and networks in your field. Networking and finding a right audience for your research.

Make a trip abroad I spent 6 months in University of British Columbia, Vancouver in Network with other research groups. You’ll learn different ways of working, methods etc. Influential ideas from someone outside of your own research group.

Educate yourself Try to find and participate summer school courses, PhD. Student meetings, methodological courses etc. that would somehow be relevant for your theoretical understanding, methodological understanding or current phase of your studies.

Planning the Post doc (Leino- Kilpi 2016, phase) 1. Decision of having an academic career. 2. Good quality thesis. 3. Own ideas about how to continue research – ideas derived from the discussion chapter of the thesis. 4. Brainstorming with your supervisor– ideas need to connect with earlier research orientation 5. Planning the Post doc phase. 6. Make a funding plan. 7. And a plan B if you don’t get funded. 8. Publication plan. 9. Plan for international collaboration. 10. Plan for starting your own research group.