My PhD LIVE Experience

I attended the PhD LIVE Study Fair as I am in the final year of a three-year Masters and wanted to prepare my research topic which I am hoping to continue to a PhD. The event hosted a research proposal masterclass, and as someone piecing together my Masters research proposal, I thought where better to get some sound advice. It was a train ride to Oxford, really well placed for travelling and not starting at the crack of dawn – and it was free! All good reasons to find out what was going on. I arrived early and was lucky enough to get a place on the talk even though it was fully booked. These events are popular, so book early and get onto the talks: the tips and tricks of the trade are well worth it.

The first slot, “How to Write a Research Proposal” by Dr Alex Conner from the University of Birmingham, was excellent. It was clear, concise and delivered with a “no frills” approach. Just what I needed. I got that this is not your time to show off. No convoluted language, clarity at all cost and call upon the sales skills of fitting myself into the research project. PhD research is a competitive environment and Dr Conner emphasised the importance of finding the right supervisor.

Although a three or four year timeframe seems generous, I learnt to be realistic in what can be achieved in this actually quite short timeframe. I will not be able to change the world. Think about the place that I want to do a PhD and be prepared to move. Don’t measure myself by the number of refusals I may receive. It is not a reflection of myself or my ability. How comforting is that? It is just a competitive field. I understood also that the proposal is seen by many staff prior to the supervisor who just need the basics in order to then guide me to the relevant person. Speak in layman’s terms.

I found out from another talk all the details of funding and specifically details about arts as well as sciences. This was useful because the approach is different and the speaker, Dr Mark Bennett, was as positive about both areas of funding.

Listening to Bethan Rogoyski, the PhD student of the year, I realised the importance of being social media savvy, not just for fun but as a really important aspect of career enhancement. LinkedIn, Researchgate and Twitter are on my to do list and will become aspects of my toolbox in order to get my research out there and to remain updated about the views of others.

The conference staff as well as university representatives were so helpful and approachable, the stands were groaning with literature.

One of the essentials in a conference is time-keeping, getting the hordes of people to the right place at the right time and keeping speakers strictly to time is paramount for a successful day. I was mindful when talking to others that they had arrived to hear one particular speaker and I have to say the organisational team behind the conference were excellent in producing a clean and efficient machine whilst up holding excellent customer service. No mean feat.

My main piece of advice is come prepared with concrete questions, think about what, where, how and why you would like to become a PhD student. It’s a commitment but PhD LIVE Study Fair is a great first port of call. I was able to talk to some of the decision makers as well as information people. What an opportunity to place the cornerstones of the relationships that will inform your next few years of study. Finding out who is the best person to speak to who may be researching in your area. Getting those valuable links. PhDs are about relationships, the ones you build with researchers, your supervisors, the city in which you decide to study and the contribution you wish to make to the future of your field. This conference offers you a one-stop shop to all that essential information.

The great water bottle I received from the conference states:

Myth: You’ve got to be a genius to do a PhD.

Busted: Diligence is just as importance as intelligence.

Really well said, what a fantastic, literal “take home” message. The bottle sits on my desk every day as reminder of my next goal. I left feeling that actually I could do a PhD. It is not always something available to a certain sector of society. There is a possibility for all people on an academic pathway to access this wonderful opportunity and I want to be one of them.

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