PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Reflections on being a balanced (PhD) researcher Andrew Kythreotis Centre for Adaptive Science & Sustainability, University of Hull The PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, Tuesday 8 th February, 2011

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Contents 1.What is a balanced (PhD) researcher? 2.Defining your PhD journey (self-empowerment) 3.Networking- Development - Being prepared - At the event 4.Time management 5.Conclusion

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? A pandemic virus (Paglieri, 2011) is amongst all of us researchers… We are all procrastinators! (Perry, 2011)

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? Going from this…

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? To this...

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? Culminating in this!

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? Not this...

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? Or this...

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, What is a balanced researcher? Its certainly not this...

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Each PhD is different – highly subjective, personal process Self-empowerment is key. Ask yourself... What is the easiest way to achieve my overall goal?

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Be realistic about your research Ask yourself... Why am I doing this particular task?

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Be pragmatic: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are (Theodore Teddy Roosevelt, 26 th US President )

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Dont let your supervisor mould you too much – but benefit from their experience and knowledge (they have a stake in your success!) You develop your research, they advise, suggest and guide! Contentious issues during my PhD: - Publish during v publishing after PhD - Taking PGTS diploma What do you think?

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Always keep a pen and paper handy!

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Defining your PhD journey Write, write, write, and when in doubt... Write some more!

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Networking Networking and research are not mutually exclusive Finding your networks in everything you do

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Networking - development Hold a conference Get your research out there: - outside conferences -generic and subject specific - Consider journal articles (with your supervisor first!) Cold call and s Keep in touch with your contacts, just to say hi so you are in the forefront of their mind Name drop

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Networking – being prepared Ask focused and informed questions Be polite and courteous when networking Networking is not a one way street! Honest flattery – agreement and disagreement (academic debate!) Informal meeting – coffee Always carry a business card

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Networking – at the event At conferences and workshops take summary of your research and any published work Try to have conversations with guest speakers Networks are not just academic – importance of support staff/facilities – technical support

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Time Management

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Time Management Plan ahead and never commit yourself to everyone and everything. You usually have 4 years to submit! Ask yourself... 1.Do it now? 2.Decide when 3.Defer? 4.Dump it! Dont feel guilty for taking a break once in while!

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, Conclusion Please enjoy your PhD research! Once in a lifetime experience Teaches you essential transferrable skills Time management Networking Self-empowerment Self-reflection

PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, THANK YOU! References Cartoon Stock. At: Paglieri, F (2011) Confessions of a Procrastinator. Nature, 469, p.435. At: Perry, J (2011) Structured procrastination. At: Piled Higher and Deeper. At: My