Returning to University and Embracing New Challenges - PhD Study as a Mature Student

After fifteen years working as a nurse, Rachel King returned to university to pursue a PhD in Health Research at the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR). In this series of posts, she’s recorded her experiences of PhD study as a mature student.

At the start of my PhD journey the thought of standing in front of an audience made me break out in a cold sweat, while blushing at the same time!

I was very experienced in one-to-one and small group communication from my professional background as a nurse, and had no problems communicating with patients and colleagues. However, I had little experience of giving presentations, and the rare experiences I did have had been painful!

I knew this was one of the challenges I’d face during a PhD. In fact, I’ve since found myself giving multiple types of presentation as I’ve developed my project. I’ve also had the chance to benefit from training that focusses on some of the key skills PhD students need.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to present at an international conference in North Wales. There was a prize for the most innovative description of a PhD study! I had recently attended a Presentation Skills course at The University of Sheffield and this was my first chance to try out some of my newly acquired skills.

My PhD subject is quite theoretical and involves exploring processes of knowledge-use in decision-making. After considering different presentation styles I decided to use drama to act out the processes that I plan to explore in my study: using a few balloons and a couple of volunteers to illustrate my PhD proposal.

I think I got the message across and was over the moon to be awarded the prize for the most innovative presentation. This hugely increased my confidence; maybe I do understand my subject, and maybe I can talk about it effectively to an audience.

On reflection whilst the thought of presenting was a little overwhelming, ultimately I really enjoyed learning new presentation skills and having the opportunity to put them into practice.

Having had my first experience of conference presentation, the next step was to focus on other practical skills.

Thankfully I was given a great opportunity to do this by my funders, the Yorkshire and Humber Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC YH). With their support I was able to attend a recent National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Training Camp.

The aim of the camp was to develop the necessary skills to apply for funding bids. We were put into teams and given 24 hours to design a study that would improve public health. This involved consulting experts, writing the mixed research methods, involving patients, and outlining the predicted costs.

Although there were some initial disagreements in the group, we arrived at a study topic (to increase physical activity in teenagers) and divided the different parts of the funding application between us. The application was submitted to a panel and the following day we presented the study to an audience of 100 and were asked some difficult questions.

Out of 10 teams our group won the funding bid, which was another boost to my confidence. This was not only a great opportunity to present in a group, but also to experience answering difficult questions following a presentation.

I felt my background in nursing was invaluable in this task as it gave me a wealth of experience in health problems and health promotion interventions. Also I have gained valuable experience of developing and submitting a funding bid; something that may well come in useful post PhD.

Another aspect of communicating PhD research, particularly in the sciences, is a ‘poster presentation’. This involves putting together a visual outline of your research and discussing it with conference delegates. It’s an important way of communicating what you’re doing and having the opportunity to discuss that work in a bit more detail with smaller groups.

My first abstract for a poster presentation was accepted a few weeks after the NIHR training camp. I was surprised to find I was no longer filled with dread at the prospect of presenting, but I actually looked forward to designing the poster and discussing it with conference delegates.

During the conference there were presentations every 30 mins. I was spoilt for choice as I was interested in so many areas; related to my PhD subject, research methods and my clinical interests. As a member of the seminar audience I felt insecure asking questions about social theory as a novice researcher, however, in light of my clinical experience I felt passionate about the clinical content of many of the studies.

Presenting a poster was a great informal way to discuss my research and gain feedback from experts; especially with a glass of wine in hand (provided by a journal sponsoring the evening). This really suited my skills in chatting to individuals and small groups. During this experience I appreciated the value of my previous clinical experience in making sense of my own research and that of others.

These presentation and training experiences have been great for my development as a scholar. At the same time, they’ve also posed additional challenges for someone managing PhD study as a mature student, with a separate family life.

In planning to present at conferences I faced 2 main challenges. Firstly, planning the presentation or poster. Secondly, sorting out childcare. More planning went into the childcare than the presentations!

I am constantly grateful for the community of family and friends who regularly step in to take and pick up my kids from school (and occasionally feed them!!). I missed my family, but it was such a valuable experience, both in terms of presenting and also learning from experts in my area.

The PhD has provided opportunities to travel and network that would not have been possible in my clinical role. My professional career has given me valuable experience in understanding and contributing to research in my area. The more I read about ‘knowledge’ the more I recognize the value of past professional experience in understanding and contributing to relevant research. I look forward to the next conference!

Acknowledgements: My PhD is funded by the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Yorkshire and Humber (NIHR CLAHRC YH). The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the University of Sheffield.

You may also like...