Continuing the strategic planning theme this webinar builds on the last, this time covering environmental scanning. We often talk about strategy and strategic planning? But what does it actually mean? In this webinar I’ll give a brief introduction to strategic planning and then cover one of its key components – environmental scanning. I’ll provide a […]
Growing up, my next door neighbour was into gardening. He kept a huge vegetable garden covering half their backyard. Back in those days blocks were a quarter and houses we covered less than a quarter of that. I was reminded of his gardening exploits when I recently shared the same excitement that he did – […]
We often talk about strategy and strategic planning? But what does it actually mean? In this webinar I’ll give a brief introduction to strategic planning and then cover one of its key components – SWOT analysis (also known as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).
1. Tenacity: Perseverance through adversity. Not many people stick with one project for a year, let alone three years or more. The ability to stay focused for that long on one thing. On answering one question. That is immensely valuable to potential employers. For some, this could also extend to specific examples within your PhD. […]
Average completion times for a PhD vary, but most data suggests at least four years (full time) as an average. In some cases, the average completion time is more than seven years! So, how can we reduce that time. Short of doing more work or more hours (which I do not recommend), or being more […]
We are told we need to be resilient and that we need to develop our resilience, but how? Here I cover 6 strategies: 1. Catch your thoughts. 2. Analyse your thoughts. 3. Be mindful. 4. Be grateful. 5. Have a diverse life. 6. Know your values and live in alignment with them.
1. Problem solving: this should be the number one reason you do a PhD (not to get a job in research, but). You PhD should be all about developing your ability to identify a problem and then subsequently, develop and refine your ability to solve it. Be careful that your PhD does not cover the […]
It is no longer enough to offer “just a PhD program”. Universities and their faculties, colleges, schools and departments all need to prepare PhD graduates for the workforce. And not just the research or academic workforce, but the wider workforce. We know that 50% of PhD graduates will immediately go onto a non-academic career, and […]
Building a website is easy – but there’s lots that might confuse so… In six steps: 1. Choose a domain name (your name is easiest). 2. Register with an all-in-one provider (they’ll register the name, host the website and provide a content management system). 3. Decide on what you will cover/focus on. Just research? Or […]
There are often cries in research “you should have a mentor” but what does that mean, and how do you even get one? IMHO a mentor is someone who has been through some of the things you are going through and can provide advice, guidance, and suggestions on the types of actions and approaches you […]