By Esraa Karam and Lewis Hill What We Wish We’d Known By Esraa Karam and Lewis Hill

Who are we? Esraa Karam (Business School) Lewis Hill (Faculty of Science) - Final year of PhD in Marketing - BSc and MSc degrees in ‘Marketing’ from Cairo University - Final year of PhD in Physics - BSc degrees in ‘Mathematics’ and ‘Theoretical and Computational Physics’ from Cardiff University

So many opportunities… … but how do you find them?

Grants and Scholarships - Large number available, diverse eligibility and rewards - Used to fund conferences or external research visits - Local or international, short or extended visits Benefits: - Help you stand out, boost your CV - Supplement your research - Great Networking opportunities - Chance to travel (Lots of free time!) University of Auckland - New Zealand Check your emails!!

Social Communities Widen your network!! Students social groups: Doctoral Researchers Group (DRG); Student Union and PG Society Represent your department or your faculty! Attend social events and get along with your peers Widen your network!! DRG Coffee Morning

PGR Induction Volunteers 2018/2019 Students Activities Organising events and conferences Departmental committees (i.e. equality and diversity committee) Peer reviewing activities Teaching experience - AFHEA Accreditation And many more…. PGR Induction Volunteers 2018/2019

Public Engagement and Outreach - Increase your general understanding of research topic and background - Improve your public speaking - Interact with people from all walks of life - Free publicity - Fun! - Win-Win-Win: Good for community, good for university, good for you! Orkney International Science Festival

Huge amount of support available… … but who do you turn to for what?

Careers Services Choosing Your Career CV/Cover Letter Check Looking for a Job Making Applications Calendar of Events Meet the team today at lunch

Disability & Wellbeing Service Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Disability Support General Health Support - Counselling - Cognitive behaviour therapy - One-to-one mental health and wellbeing assessments - Group therapy - Online support program - Stress reduction program Support students with a range of disabilities - Specific learning difficulties - Sensory and physical impairments - Asperger's Syndrome - Unseen disabilities and other medical conditions - Confidential service - Assistance to access other professionals. - Help with accessing GP and dental services. - Advice on healthcare for overseas students.

International Student Support Team International advisor drop-in sessions Accommodation Guidance Guidance for visa extensions International welcome program International Families Support Tours and Sightseeing

Study Skills Service and Library Support Courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students Study Skills Service Library Sessions Organisation and self-management Reading and note taking Academic writing Critical analysis and evaluation Editing and reviewing Searching for books and using SUPrimo Academic references Software courses on EndNote and Mendeley Here today in the foyer!

General Tips and Tricks Build your support network early Don’t hesitate to ask for help PG Cert. is not as tough as it seems Start writing from the beginning Be engaged with your supervisor Be open to criticism and feedback Reflect on the bad AND the good Work-life balance is key All PhD journeys are different!

Useful Links Academic year key dates: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/keydates2018-19/keydates2019-20/ Student Lifecycle: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studentlifecycle/ International Student Support Team: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/whileyourehere/internationalstudentsupportteam/ International Welcome Program: https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/sees/informationandadviceteam/International_Welcome_Programme_2019.pdf Library Services: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/library/ Skills Boost Drop-in Sessions: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/is/help/skillsboost/ Mental Health & Well-being Support: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/disabilityandwellbeing/mentalhealthwellbeingsupport/ Disability Support: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/disabilityandwellbeing/disabilitysupport/ General Health Support: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/disabilityandwellbeing/generalhealthsupport/

Useful Links Study Skills Services: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studyskills/ Career Services: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/careers/ Careers Events: https://careers.strath.ac.uk/events Choosing your career: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/careers/choose/ Making Applications: https://www.strath.ac.uk/professionalservices/careers/studgrad/apply/ Funding and Financial Support: https://www.strath.ac.uk/studentfinancialsupport/ Strath Union: https://www.strathunion.com/ DRG: https://www.strath.ac.uk/theresearcherdevelopmentprogramme/doctoralresearchersgroup/ Booking System: https://bookings.strath.ac.uk/ AFHEA information session for PGRs who Teach: https://bookings.strath.ac.uk/Home/Course/4239

If you have any questions, come and find us! Have fun! If you have any questions, come and find us!