Getting involved in your department during your PhD

#1 Mentoring a new student

Most schools have a mentoring system in place for new PhD students. This is a great way to pass on what you've learnt during your project and what you wish you’d known earlier. If you’re feeling nervous, departments usually provide training on how to be a mentor as well as a suggested format for your meetings. These are usually quite informal (and in my experience take place over a coffee!) but can be a source of help for new students. It may also give you a chance to reflect on your progress and develop communication skills, all key attributes for your CV. It’s also possible to become a mentor for undergraduate students if you are passionate about mentoring.

#2 Supervise undergraduate or Masters students

During your PhD you will probably be asked to supervise an undergraduate or Masters student’s research project. I was lucky enough to supervise two Masters students over the summer and I’m overseeing a final year undergraduate student this term. I learnt so much for my students both in the questions they asked me and my communication, demonstration and organisation skills. Supervising another project takes time and balancing your student’s needs with your own work develops your time-management and organisation skills. For anyone who thinks they might be interested in staying in higher education, supervising students is an amazing attribute to add to your portfolio and in my experience it can be great fun.

#3 Be a committee member for a seminar/webinar for PhD students

A key part of the PhD experience is giving presentations. Most schools have a regular internal seminar to allow students to practice presenting in a friendly environment. In my department we have weekly seminars with each student presenting once per year. I also have a monthly cohort seminar as part of my DTP with students from different universities regularly demonstrating their progress. This year I have been on the committee for the DTP webinar. It has been a great way to meet people outside my department. Chairing sessions has also helped my time-management, public speaking skills and confidence. If you have a particularly busy term, getting involved in organising one of these sessions is an easy way to meet people and give back to your community, without giving up too much time.

#4 Organise a conference or annual event in your department

If you do have more time to spare, and are open to a bigger commitment, you may be able to get involved in planning an event. This point was my inspiration for this blog post as I’m currently on a committee organising our annual department symposium. This is a two day event with over 150 attendees where every PhD student in the department presents their research. I had no previous experience of running events but have now worked with catering teams, venue hiring and event planning. This has been a really fun experience so far, getting to know the other committee members and bringing our vision for the event to life. It’s a bigger commitment than other volunteering roles but I think the reward is bigger too (or at least I hope it will be when we get there!!).

#5 Run a social club for other PhD students

A PhD can be a lonely experience so having a chance to meet other students socially builds a sense of community. One of the highlights in my department is Cake Club, with a different student bringing cake in each week. This helped me get to know people in my first year and made Monday mornings much more enjoyable! We also have a monthly trip to the pub on campus for each cohort, allowing us to share what we are struggling with as well as our successes in a less formal setting. Find out what groups there are in your department, and if there isn’t what you’re looking for then consider starting your own!

Taking part in some of the items I’ve listed above will not only enhance your PhD experience but also mean you will never be stuck for an answer to the dreaded interview questions that start with “Tell me about a time when you…”. I’ve really enjoyed being on a committee during my first year and have to got to know more of my cohort as a result. I’d encourage you to get involved and see the benefits for yourself.