Motivations for Completing a PhD: Looking Back from Third Year

#1 Spend time studying something you are interested in

I was once told that doing a PhD is the most selfish thing that you can do: at the time it didn’t make sense but I now see what they mean. When else in your life do you get to spend four years exclusively focusing on one topic for the sole reason that you find it interesting? You get to read all about the subject, contribute to new knowledge within the area, write and distribute your thoughts, and meet other like-minded individuals and discuss your passions at conferences across the world. It is a selfish undertaking where you get to follow your interests, however niche they may be!

Personally, I was interested in the impact of nutritional choices on the ageing process. On a good day (!), I feel like I get paid to learn more about something I’m interested in. It’s a long four years so finding something that genuinely excites you will keep you motivated during the PhD.

A word of advice I was given when deciding on a PhD topic was to read an article published by your potential supervisor – if you struggle to finish it, it might not be an area you want to spend the next 3-4 years looking at. Although some papers are just hard to read, so take it with a pinch of salt!

#2 Chance to do research and contribute

In addition to finding a topic you are interested in, a PhD is a chance to actually contribute to the understanding of that topic and to develop new ideas. This really excited me as everything we know in science was new at one point and the opportunity to be able to add my own ideas to that space was amazing. Research is a rollercoaster of emotions but it’s an opportunity to see if your hypotheses are correct. Your research project is niche and focused – for example mine is whey protein-associated mouthdrying for older adults (catchy, I know) – but that means within your teeny tiny research space you actually know what you are talking about!

I attended my first conference at the start of my PhD and was amazed by the other students presenting their research. I am now in a position to do this at conferences and it shows you how much you learn and develop during the course of your studies to the point where you can not only be part of the conversation but can start to lead it.

#3 Develop a large range of specific and transferable skills

A PhD is a training programme, where you get to develop a range of skills both specific to your discipline (scientific techniques, methods, etc) and transferrable ones (writing, public speaking, time management, organisation, etc). Being able to spend four years specifically focused on skill development is a real privilege. Before starting my PhD I didn’t know what area of science I wanted to go into for my career so I deliberately chose an inter-disciplinary project that included lots of different methodologies, research techniques and focuses. This has allowed me to try different areas of food science and nutrition which has a given me a better idea of what I am looking for in a job. This try-before-you-buy option is really helpful in developing your career ideas and making you a more rounded applicant.

Starting the final study of my PhD, I have been discussing with my supervisors what skills I still want to develop during my research and we have shaped the project to include these areas. Start thinking when you apply about what you are hoping to learn during your research and how you could add this into your work. It can also help to start looking at the jobs you are interested in at the end of your PhD and what skills they require. Most supervisors are open to assisting your development goals so being brave and having this conversation is very helpful.

#4 You will be a doctor!

Whilst I don’t think being motivated solely by the qualification at the end will keep you going through the four years, it definitely is a tasty carrot at the end of that long stick. When it gets tough in your third and fourth year, reminding yourself that you will soon be a doctor can definitely help you stay focused. Only 1% of the UK population are estimated to hold a PhD: it’s a massive achievement that anyone should be really proud of. I’m ready to collect my post every morning with the phrase “ah just what the doctor ordered” and will keep doing so throughout my family’s eye-rolls as I will have earned it!

Going into the start of my third year and drowning in statistics, being asked to look back at the reasons for starting my PhD has been a really enjoyable experience. Doing a PhD is a privilege that we often forget in the mundanity of research and the stresses that come along for the ride. I would encourage all students to take a step back and remember why you started. I’m sure it wasn’t just to tick the “Dr” box when booking flights! Just me?

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