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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. Transitions. Student. Researcher. My Background. Education BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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
Transitions
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 2
Student Researcher
My Background
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 3
Education
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA)
• MSc Environmental Management (Sunderland)
• PhD Environmental Geochemistry (Hull)
Work Experience
• PhD – research assistant – HYDRALAB
• Postdoc research assistant - CASS
Rollercoaster of EmotionsPhilips and Pugh (1998) - PhD
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 4
1. Enthusiasm
2. Isolation
3. InterestIndependence
4. BoredomFrustration
5. A job to be Finished
6. Euphoria
Safety Net = Supervisor
Rollercoasters do not suit me!!
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 5
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 6
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
1. Euphoria
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 7
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 8
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
2. Tiredness
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 9
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 10
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
3. Job Hunting
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 11
• 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
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 12
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
4. First Post-doc Job
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 13
• Started at the end of the PhD• Short-term contracts (post-doc)• Independence
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 14
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
5. Insecurities/Rejections
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 15
• 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
Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 16
1. Euphoria
2. Tiredness
3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection
6. Moving On4. First Job
6. Moving On
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 17
• 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)
Theresa’s Top Tips 1
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 18
• 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
Theresa’s Top Tips 2
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 19
• 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
Useful Websites for Researchers
Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 20
• 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/)
Any questions?
Email: [email protected]