Walking the tightrope: Background brief on parents’ work ...
Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net
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Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net
Theresa Mercer
Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability,
University of Hull
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Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 2
Student Researcher
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My Background
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Education
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA)
• MSc Environmental Management (Sunderland)
• PhD Environmental Geochemistry (Hull)
Work Experience
• PhD – research assistant – HYDRALAB
• Postdoc research assistant - CASS
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsPhilips and Pugh (1998) - PhD
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1. Enthusiasm
2. Isolation
3. InterestIndependence
4. BoredomFrustration
5. A job to be Finished
6. Euphoria
Safety Net = Supervisor
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Rollercoasters do not suit me!!
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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1. Euphoria
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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2. Tiredness
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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3. Job Hunting
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• 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
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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4. First Post-doc Job
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• Started at the end of the PhD• Short-term contracts (post-doc)• Independence
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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5. Insecurities/Rejections
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• Do I deserve title of ‘Dr’?
• Similar insecurities as with PhD
– new skills/knowledge
• Supervisor
• Rejections
What Really Counts:
• Funding grants• Publications• Collaboration• Invited presentations
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Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
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1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
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6. Moving On
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• 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)
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Theresa’s Top Tips 1
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• 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
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Theresa’s Top Tips 2
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• 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
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Useful Websites for Researchers
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• 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/)