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The PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, Tuesday 8 th February, 2011

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. Contents. What is a balanced (PhD) researcher?

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The PhD Experience Conference, University of Hull, Tuesday 8 th February, 2011

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  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 8th February, 2011

  2. Contents • What is a balanced (PhD) researcher? • Defining your PhD journey (self-empowerment) • Networking - Development - Being prepared - At the event 4. Time management • Conclusion

  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/ (Perry, 2011)

  4. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • Going from this…

  5. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • To this...

  6. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • Culminating in this!

  7. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • Not this...

  8. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • Or this...

  9. 1. What is a balanced researcher? • It’s certainly not this...

  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. 2. Defining your PhD journey • Be realistic about your research • Ask yourself... Why am I doing this particular task?

  12. 2. Defining your PhD journey • Be pragmatic: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” (Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, 26th US President 1858-1919)

  13. 2. Defining your PhD journey • Don’t 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. 2. Defining your PhD journey • Always keep a pen and paper handy!

  15. 2. Defining your PhD journey • Write, write, write, and when in doubt... Write some more!

  16. 3. Networking • Networking and research are not mutually exclusive • Finding your networks in everything you do

  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. 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. 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. 4. Time Management

  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! • Don’t feel guilty for taking a break once in while!

  22. 5. Conclusion • Please enjoy your PhD research! • Once in a lifetime experience • Teaches you essential transferrable skills Networking Self-reflection Self-empowerment Time management

  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

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