As a PhD student you should always be thinking about what next. In this video I cover four things that helped me beyond my PhD. For me they were: (1) the PhD itself. My line of work means I need to have empathy with researchers. My PhD helps me do that. (2) Mentors. From across […]
What Does It Take to Become an Academic Researcher?
I guess the first question to ask and answer is what is an academic researcher? To me an academic researcher – or just an academic – is someone employed at a university who uses specific investigative techniques in order to improve their (and therefore humanity’s) understanding of the world. It is possible to be an […]
Skills for Beyond My PhD
There are many skills that I developed during my PhD that have been useful beyond it. In this video I go through several, as well as suggest some things you could do to prepare for your life beyond your PhD or current role.
A Further 17 Reasons to Do a PhD
There are many reasons to do a PhD. Here are further 17. No judgment. Just a list. With an explanation for each. This adds to the 24 already published.
Two Things to Help Write Your Thesis Faster
On this 30 second video Richard give 2 tips on writing thesis faster.
Twenty-Four Reasons to Do a PhD
1. Avoid looking for work – Looking for work is a long process. Especially when you are first joining the workforce. Building your CV is hard. It has to be a short document, but you’re struggling to think of what to include and what to take out. Regardless your CV feels inadequate. So, you complete […]
Ten Questions for Your (STEM) Career
Here are some questions I got asked at a recent careers event. It was aimed at those in third year science. They were considering all of their options – further study in science or research, changing tack and joining the workforce. They were a VERY well prepared group. I thought the questions (and my thoughts) […]
PhD Program Failure – Lack of Students
One of the biggest problems in a PhD program is lack of students. More students means greater peer support. More students also means many events and activities are more cost effective (or less dollars per student).
What to Do to Set Up an Industry-Focused PhD Program from Scratch
In an earlier blog I wrote about the important parts of a CRC PhD Program. Some of you might be reading this and in the process of applying for or setting up a newly awarded centre or institute. Bearing that information in mind, when designing or implementing a supplementary or industry-focused PhD program consider the […]
Are You in the 1%?
Are you in the 1% of PhD graduates? That is, are you likely to become a professor? Only 1% of all PhD graduates become professors, or go on to have a long term academic career.