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What happen to me now??
If your University regulations state you have to register for a further somester, I'm afraid that's what you have to do. As regards money, does your University not have a hardship fund or will they let you defer fees payment?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
To do a PhD or not
======= Date Modified 19 Feb 2012 20:35:52 =======
======= Date Modified 19 Feb 2012 19:59:34 =======
To be honest, I would be a bit weary of this supervisor's motivations. Has she mentioned funding possibilities for you? Or is her department simply after your fees. No-one should try to convince you to do something of this scale. You need to be the one driving the process. Her promising you her students never fail is a very negative place to begin the discussion.
Your reasons for doing a PhD have to be strong enough to get you through the difficult times. If you don't want to stay in academia and if it isn't a requirement for the work you want to do in the future, then I imagine doing it simply for the prestige is not going to be reason enough.
Lughna,
Fair comment. I've sat in a pub and watched as a potential supervisor has tried to persuade a potential candidate to do a PhD and bought him a few beers in the process. Clearly, he thought the lad was capable as I know the academic concerned and he would not try to get a candidate to try for a PhD if he wasn't capable.
That said, it was all about the project and I doubt I heard a single word in the conversation mentioning finding. The potential candidate when I think back was bright, but naive.
Mohammed,
I posted a link to my blog in an earlier post ( http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net ) and in that blog, I've done my best to address the key issues a potential PhD candidate has to face. These range from what exactly a PhD is, the funding issues and the pressures you may face during the years you are doing it. There's also the repsected http://www.findaphd.com/student/ page that also gives you a run down on what to face. I disagree with your potential supervisor in that there are sources of information on the internet that can help you understand what is happening.
Additionally, you might want to sit down with a careers advisor in your university careers office and talk through with they exactly what you want to do in the future. In academia, a PhD in some areas is almost obligatory. If you are seeking a real world position in your field after you finish, you should look at whether a PhD is going to be a help or a hinderance. It's a big undertaking and you need to know now whether or not you'll be any further forward after the three to five years it's going to take.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Upcoming Queen Mary Drama PHD interview
======= Date Modified 19 Feb 2012 20:20:05 =======
I can't be specific as I wasn't humanities. I can make general comments though.
You need to treat it as a job interview. I suggest you play safe and dress in standard formal business attire for starters (though you should have figured that already). It may turn out that you're better dressed than the interviewers, however, that does show you're serious about the project as soon as you walk in the room.
At the interview, expect standard interview questions and ensure you've prepared accordingly and read any background information that may show you have a genuine interest in the project. What can you bring to this project (position)? What do you expect out of it (you need to go beyond just getting a PhD)? What are your career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in five years time?
When you talk to them, project a positive image of yourself but don't overdo the sales pitch (avoid oozing as that can put people off).
When it comes to asking questions, try to gain an appreciation of the aims of the project and use those questions to find out a little more than they would normally tell you. Use the questions to open up a conversation about the project that shows genuine interest from your point of view.
I was against another candidate when I went for interview and made sure I prepared before I went in. I think that may have given me an edge as I actually started having an open discussion about the project and was able to display a knowledge of the core material during the interview.
Anyone help with more humanities-related specifics?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Corrections mentioned during viva and examiners' report
marasp, you've a fantastic attitude and this will help you through. I've no intention to publish at the minute as I've other priorities but maybe in due course.
My corrections have been approved, Ian, but I don't like the idea that supervisors want PhD students but don't offer good supervision, don't provide feedback on most chapters and it takes months upon months to get any kind of feedback. To actually be told I had done something right (specifically when I asked directly if it was as I had reservations) and only to be told by my examiners that it wasn't was embarrassing to say the least.They get paid for supervising and so they should follow through. My examiners provided much better supervision than my supervisors and that's not even part of their job. On a positive note, I'll not need to go shopping for a thank you gift:-)
Therin lies a big problem Delta and it's good the examiners came through for you when your supervisors didn't. I would, however, stay onside with your supervisors if only to obtain an employment reference for other positions.
The whole process is not perfect and it alarms me that people can be so laid back about what eventually are other people's futures and livelihoods. In both your cases, you deserved better.
I understand that many questions have been raised about workloads of potential supervisors or examiners that might affect their ability to supervise or examine. That said, there's also those that either don't understand or care about their responsibilities to others.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
To do a PhD or not
Time to bung up that link to my blog again. Have a read and see what you think but bear in mind I don't pull any punches. It is a big undertaking, but a doable one provided you have a structured approach and good support.
The fact she has picked you out and made this recommendation to me shows she has faith in you to see the process through. However, as Delta says it's about what YOU want to do.
http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net/
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Leave of Absence
I have experienced a total nervous breakdown. I am doing a science phd and created a bad situation for myself in my work environment. I developed romantic feelings for this girl in my lab and she did not feel the same way. Needless to say it has created tension between us. (Never fall for co-workers.) I can not seem to get any of my experiments to work. I understand the literature and have a good theoretical knowledge but my lab skills are not that good. I am currently in my 3rd year of study and have completely fallen apart. I am completely afraid of failure and afraid of working with other people.
I am currently on leave to address these issues. I am getting professional help. Does anyone have any advice for me to get over my fear of working with others and my fear of failure? Also, how do I get over this girl?
Thank you.
This never fall for co-workers thing never works. You sometimes can't help falling for people. You ask her out, you get knocked back, you move on, that's life.
I can't believe that making a play for a girl has led to a situation like this. Did she take it badly and kick up a fuss?
It does get better and time will heal the wounds. However, when you're ready to restart, it does sound like arrangements will have to be made so contact between you is kept to a minimum to prevent further friction. In a University, that is difficult.
One possibility is if she is near finishing, if she is not staying on you could resume when she disappears.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Corrections mentioned during viva and examiners' report
======= Date Modified 17 Feb 2012 17:58:25 =======
I'll add to the below in saying that no, at times the entire thesis will not be read. I'll recount a comment way back for M.Sc. when my project supervisor said at congregation "Do you think we really read right through these dissertations?"
I suspect also that my PhD thesis wasn't fully read by either my internal or external examiners and only key points were looked at. However, I ended up with minor corrections so am not complaining. I found three glaring typographical errors they missed in the final copy too.
Basically, the inference is there's not enough time in the day to read right through all the literature to be assessed. It's annoying to you, especially if an external examiner DOES take it upon themselves to go right through and finds things wrong the supervisors have missed or doesn't and picks up errors that aren't there.
Do you feel you could approach your internal examiner to voice your concerns and gain greater clarity? After that, stick to the corrections you've been given and don't create extra work for yourself.
Delta, you only had minor corrections. You must be near sorted by now.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
The last hurdle
This is more of a cathartic "rant" than a question...I'm supposed to have my VIVA soon, but don't have a date because my committee is incomplete. There has been a lot of back and forth between professors about who should be on the committee, and I'm off to the side waiting...and waiting...and waiting. The extra time to prepare is just making me more anxious. I even considered the idea of quitting.
I guess my question is: How do you stay the course when that last hurdle (the VIVA) keeps moving further away?
A committee? I assume you're a United States candidate. The UK is one internal, one external, possibly a second internal or external if specific expertise is needed and your supervisor if you want as a theoretically non-participatory presence.
My supervisor was responsible for the delays in my case as he wanted to be present (and I also wanted this). However, he was also to be present at a workshop and hence it was two and a half months after submission I finally got my viva (most people seemed to wait one month). All I can say was it was frustrating and you must be ready to throttle certain people because of the delay. However, once I accepted the situation I ensured I used the time to be fully prepared. I ensured I knew and understood my thesis / dissertation as thoroughly as possible, plus the extra time was used to revise other material outside the thesis / dissertation I was expected to know (peripheral subjects and related theory, equipment use, operation, principles and theory, and general subject theory, etc.).
I also prepared a log of errors in the submitted thesis / dissertation (i.e. picked up on typographical errors that could be removed from the final hardbound copy plus gain an awareness of any potentially serious problems), however, I wouldn't present this unless asked for it as it might lead to major rather than minor corrections being asked for. This way, if an error was pointed out in viva, then I could state an awareness of it and what the intended rectification was (i.e. be a step ahead of the examiners and reduce the risk of major corrections). However, consult with you supervisor / advisor beforehand.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Publishing after PhD
======= Date Modified 17 Feb 2012 09:50:56 =======
Delta's suddenly aged about 50 years, Sneaks has her mortar board on but I don't feel ready for that yet. A first year student called me >>>Dr. Ady<<< this morning and stuttered over his words through nerves as he asked me a question - I found it most unnerving!!
Submitting publication without institutional afflication anybody?? I'm only part time where I am at and will most likely be finito come the summer - can I submit something for publication without being part of a uni or institution?
An Indian student I was informally looking after, persistently called me 'Dr. Beefy' after I initially passed. As I had daily contact with him, I just said "Call me Ian." I wish I hadn't. It was 'Dr. Ian' after that. Ugh!!! I hated being called 'Dr.' (still do, which my friends have unfortunately picked up on).
Indians have this sense of formality and proper address (probably relating to their caste system) that was being lost in the English speaking west 20 to 30 years ago and that could not be easily changed.
On the flip side, I saw a Libyan lad start wear suits and ties as soon as he qualified and I guess he felt he had to live up to the image of his new title. Me? The day after viva I was back in jeans and trainers (actually within 20 minutes of the viva ending - plus Sunderland top - as I had a footy match to go to). B*ll*cks to that crap!!!
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Publishing after PhD
Delta's suddenly aged about 50 years, Sneaks has her mortar board on but I don't feel ready for that yet. A first year student called me Dr. Ady this morning and stuttered over his words through nerves as he asked me a question - I found it most unnerving!!
Submitting publication without institutional afflication anybody?? I'm only part time where I am at and will most likely be finito come the summer - can I submit something for publication without being part of a uni or institution?
Yes you can. If though you'd prefer to submit with an institutional affiliation, then ask your doctoral and/or current institution if you can maintain an honorary affiliation (many places are only to happy to help on this as it costs them nothing). It can also be mildly helpful to maintain a university email address.
To add to this, I had no real affiliation for the last three of my papers. I still listed my PhD University as the institution as a basic courtesy, however, along with my primary supervisor's name.
As regards e-mail addresses, the uni. one was cancelled after I left and could not be maintained. Others have given out private e-mails in such cases, however, when proofs have come through that would publically state that e-mail address I've ensured an old defunct e-mail address is shown instead. I don't want my current e-mail address splattered all over the internet, simply because of the amount of spam that could eventually swamp my e-mail account (spammers have access to automatic data collection programs to 'harvest' published e-mails). Elsevier put the contact e-mail address on the web page linking to the paper as well as the paper itself, for example.
I'll add that one of the key authors in my field had no affiliation for many of his papers. A private address was listed somewhere in English Midlands and the rumour was the data for his papers was being generated using an experimental rig in his car garage beside his house as some sort of hobby. I certainly wouldn't want to do the work I was doing as a hobby, believe me!!!
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Publishing after PhD
======= Date Modified 17 Feb 2012 09:27:31 =======
Thanks, I thought that but wasn't sure.
Yes, you should. 10 papers and one chapter were put out from my work, of which I basically wrote 6 and did most of the work on the book chapter.
The early papers had a range of collaberating people including my first and second supervisors. With the later papers, I narrowed this down to my primary supervisor and my immediate predecessor. The last 3 papers, only me and my primary supervisor were listed.
I guess if your supervisors decide to retire, you might be tempted to be a sole author. However, if your supervisor or immediate predecessor and made a genuine, helpful contribution, it's a basic courtesy to list them. But if you do most of the work, you should be first author (I know of one lad who did most of the work and wasn't even listed by his supervisor) and by making sure you're corresponding / submitting author you can guarantee this.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Part-time PhD
======= Date Modified 05 Feb 2012 22:49:09 =======
Hi Alan,
How is the part-time PhD coming along? It's a long process but you'll get there eventually...
Old post - October 2002. Streuth, I was six months into write-up then, with still 14 months of hell ahead of me!!! :-(
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Possible to finish a PhD in 2 - 2.5 years?
Thanks Bewildered. I hope he got something lined up eventually. I'd find academia in itself OK, but not thrilling, but the pressure to find a way in and once in to stay there just wouldn't be for me.
Add to that the short term contracts you face unless you become tenured (difficult), it's easy to see how people become disillusioned with academia as you cannot plan financially long term (mortgages, family, etc.). Post-doc to most can only be a two year breather to earn money whilst writing up and later to find a longer term job.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Possible to finish a PhD in 2 - 2.5 years?
I've heard mutterings of one 2 year PhD when I was an undergraduate years ago. I think you'd have to be a certified genius or be the type of person to be able to exist without sleep or a life outside the PhD. I think one person on here said with very good planning and due to the nature of their project (regular reports to sponsor), they managed in 2.5 years.
I know my second supervisor was supposed to have done it in 3 years, but normal is to see out the whole three years and expect to overrun by up to a year or more trying to write the thing up. For the sake of your own sanity, don't even try it.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Friend named as author and asked to present a paper they had nothing to do with
The one thing I'll add to this is she should have been asked rather than have been put upon. I'd be tempted to bow out of this one by saying I had other arrangements for that period I couldn't get out of (wedding, job interview, etc.). You could suggest this I suppose.
I witnessed a conference presentation some years ago where the girl had no idea about what she was presenting. When it came to the questions at the end, she repeatedly said "I don't know." I actually intervened and tried to help her out with some leading questions as I knew a little bit about her area. I actually made it worse as she didn't pick up I was trying to help. In the end, I just said "It doesn't matter" and shut my mouth.
She'll probably have plenty work of her own to do without her supervisor imposing this on her and it will probably be necessary for her to do some other background reading as well as trying to understand the paper. Yes, ask but to impose?
However, there's the proverbial can of worms as Delta says and it's probably better to back off and let her deal with this herself. The nature of academia is such that bad practices lie this will keep happening, as the tendency of academics not to interfere and close ranks means there is no accountability when things go wrong.
I'll observe that being listed as first author whilst on face value is a consolation (i.e. CV, publication record, etc.), also means if all goes wrong it's her name that will be remembered (I'm thinking future job applications, etc. - less of a problem if she intends to return to the real world though). Can she not make a remark that it's her supervisors that have done all the work and therefore their names should go first (i.e. butter them up)? She can then put across a stronger argument that she was brought in to cover rather than being centre stage and perhaps be lost in the 'et al' nomenclature that appears in many reference listings.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
