1 / 21

Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net

Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net. Theresa Mercer Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability, University of Hull. Transitions. Student. Researcher. My Background. Education BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA)

stacey
Download Presentation

Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net Theresa Mercer Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability, University of Hull

  2. Transitions Student Researcher Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 2

  3. My Background Education • BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA) • MSc Environmental Management (Sunderland) • PhD Environmental Geochemistry (Hull) Work Experience • PhD – research assistant – HYDRALAB • Postdoc research assistant - CASS Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 3

  4. Rollercoaster of EmotionsPhilips and Pugh (1998) - PhD 3. Interest Independence 1. Enthusiasm 6. Euphoria 5. A job to be Finished 2. Isolation 4. Boredom Frustration Safety Net = Supervisor Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 4

  5. Rollercoasters do not suit me!! Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 5

  6. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 6

  7. 1. Euphoria Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 7

  8. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 8

  9. 2. Tiredness Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 9

  10. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 10

  11. 3. Job Hunting • Suddenly realise that you are all alone in the big wide world and it’s time to get a job! • The world may be your oyster but you still have to go after the opportunities and this can be a scary and difficult journey • Use your networks (PhD) • Apply for related jobs – tailor your work and get good at selling your work Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 11

  12. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 12

  13. 4. First Post-doc Job • Started at the end of the PhD • Short-term contracts (post-doc) • Independence Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 13

  14. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 14

  15. 5. Insecurities/Rejections • What Really Counts: • Funding grants • Publications • Collaboration • Invited presentations • Do I deserve title of ‘Dr’? • Similar insecurities as with PhD • new skills/knowledge • Supervisor • Rejections Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 15

  16. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 16

  17. 6. Moving On • Move onto next job/project • On your way • Not at this stage yet • Nature Careers (3rd, February 2011) • ‘Taking The Plunge’ • Laura Bonetta • Many life scientists complete more than one postdoc before finding a permanent position. • Career position • Additional training • Interests • Lack of funding (project money) Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 17

  18. Theresa’s Top Tips 1 • Start job applications early • Start the publishing process early • Develop a thick skin • Keep in touch with your contacts from your PhD and expand on this network • Try and get involved in all you can • Keep your independence Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 18

  19. Theresa’s Top Tips 2 • Get involved in a mentoring scheme • Attend training events – research/development (continuing skills) MOST IMPORTANTLY • Enjoy your experience and the transition • You will miss being a PhD student • Reflect on your journey Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 19

  20. Useful Websites for Researchers • Vitae (section for researchers) http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1269/Research-staff.html • UK Research Staff Association • Postgraduate Toolbox (http://www.postgraduatetoolbox.net/site/index) • Postgraduate Forum (http://www.postgraduateforum.com/home.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1) • Graduate Junction (http://www.graduatejunction.net/) • Post Doc Career Initiative (http://www.pcdi.nl/) • UK MentorSET (http://www.mentorset.org.uk/) Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 20

  21. Any questions? Email: T.Mercer@hull.ac.uk

More Related