1. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 1 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

2. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 2 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

3. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 3 1. What is a balanced researcher? A pandemic virus (Paglieri, 2011) is amongst all of us researchers… We are all procrastinators! http://structuredprocrastination.com/http://structuredprocrastination.com/ (Perry, 2011)

4. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 4 1. What is a balanced researcher? Going from this…

5. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 5 1. What is a balanced researcher? To this...

6. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 6 1. What is a balanced researcher? Culminating in this!

7. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 7 1. What is a balanced researcher? Not this...

8. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 8 1. What is a balanced researcher? Or this...

9. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 9 1. What is a balanced researcher? Its certainly not this...

10. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 10 2. 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?

11. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 11 2. Defining your PhD journey Be realistic about your research Ask yourself... Why am I doing this particular task?

12. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 12 2. Defining your PhD journey Be pragmatic: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are (Theodore Teddy Roosevelt, 26 th US President 1858-1919)

13. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 13 2. 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?

14. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 14 2. Defining your PhD journey Always keep a pen and paper handy!

15. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 15 2. Defining your PhD journey Write, write, write, and when in doubt... Write some more!

16. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 16 3. Networking Networking and research are not mutually exclusive Finding your networks in everything you do

17. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 17 3. 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 emails Keep in touch with your contacts, just to say hi so you are in the forefront of their mind Name drop

18. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 18 3. 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

19. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 19 3. 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

20. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 20 4. Time Management

21. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 21 4. 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!

22. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 22 5. Conclusion Please enjoy your PhD research! Once in a lifetime experience Teaches you essential transferrable skills Time management Networking Self-empowerment Self-reflection

23. PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, 8 th February, 2011 23 THANK YOU! References Cartoon Stock. At: http://www.CartoonStock.com Paglieri, F (2011) Confessions of a Procrastinator. Nature, 469, p.435. At: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/2011/110120/full/nj7330-435a.html Perry, J (2011) Structured procrastination. At: http://structuredprocrastination.com/ Piled Higher and Deeper. At: http://www.phdcomics.com/ My Email: A.Kythreotis@hull.ac.uk