I agree with rewt about PhDs generally (I know nothing about engineering PhDs), but I would add that the option of doing a PhD doesn't disappear. What I mean is, entering the world of work doesn't mean that you can't do a PhD later. In fact, it could fuel your research and would certainly tell you more about what areas you are or aren't interested in. Personally, I'd only start a PhD if /when I *really* wanted to, and if it was a pathway to a chosen career, as it ends up being a hard slog for most even when that is the case!

Hi Simm

Welcome to the forum. Your situation sounds quite normal (as in it happens). I mean, coming up with ideas and questions can be tough when you are constrained by the data that you have. And if you're just trying really hard to "come up with questions" it can end up being like a rut / round in circles kind of thing. It strikes me that your supervisor could offer some support here. Especially as you are 6 months in now. Do you have more than one supervisor? I am just thinking that maybe organising a meeting with one or all your supervisors to discuss research questions for your project would be really helpful at this stage. Just be open, as you are here. Prepare some different ideas and questions and ask for their feedback on them - if they are not appropriate, how can they be tweaked? Is the scope big enough for a PhD project, too big? Etc. Those sorts of questions should help them to help you if they aren't already doing so!

Also - aren't you able to collect new data as part of your PhD? This could give you more scope with questions you can ask - you could even change topic to something more interesting in the same area. I don't know what research area you are in or what your topic is so it is not possible for me to try and give more specific advice.

Hope this helps in some way.

Tudor

What is your career goal? It's hard to advise without knowing this. Is it to teach a specific subject at a specific level? I may have misunderstood what you are asking for advice about though. If it is to know whether you can do a PGCE in an unrelated field after a PhD, probably the best bet is to check the PGCE application criteria and maybe even contact some departments to get their take.

Yes, ask them now and let them know when the deadline for the references - then they'll ensure they get to them on time (and you can always send a polite reminder a week beforehand to be on the safe side). Good luck for your PhD application!

Personally I'd drop an email just to know where things stand. I don't think it would affect the outcome positively or negatively, but might just give you an idea of whether it's been cancelled or postponed or what. Difficult times at the moment. Good luck!

Hi Maemae

Sorry to hear about your current situation and how you've been feeling.

Regarding the error - I know it must feel terrible right now, but the main thing is that you now have the correct results that really reflect what is going on with the data. That is more important than it being significant. I've made errors before and fixed them too, and it does make you feel pretty rubbish. But as I say, the main thing is that you found it and fixed it (and before publishing it in a journal). Your supervisor might have more empathy than you expect.

Regarding the anxiety - could you make a simple list of things you can do that will help you cope during this time? Maybe calling an old friend or family member, watching a good movie, that kind of thing. I know that really small things can help. And just living for one moment at a time is also helpful - maybe write that down on a postik note as a reminder for when your mind starts racing here there and everywhere. Could that help, or are there some other strategies you've used before and found to be helpful?

I hope it helps to read this. You're not a failure academically or socially. You'll get your PhD done and move on to the next thing in life having that under your belt. Happy to correspond if you want someone to talk to.

Take care

This doesn't sound good. Are you based in the UK? Is he actually shouting at you? :-/ Do you have a second advisor or is he the only one?

Totally agree with Eng and congrats! Try not to turn anything down / withdraw from anything (or give any indication that you will do so) until you really have the other one officially confirmed.

Actually, my meaning was that it sounds like quite a confusing situation for you, not for me. I mean, you are three years in but still not clear on what you are doing. And your supervisor seems to be abandoning you but you aren't sure. And your new supervisor has no knowledge in the area. I'd definitely be seeking some reassurance from someone at this stage about whether they thought I was on track and if not then what I needed to do to try and get on track. Can't see any other logical way forward.

Hi, this sounds like a rather confusing situation. I would say the best thing to do is to try and speak to a few people who do know the area well and who can take a look at what you have done and give you good and honest advice. I say a few people because it is always good to get more than one opinion. Hope this helps.

Thanks all for taking time to reply. Most research jobs I've applied for have asked for references before or at time of interview, bar one where I was interviewed before references were checked. I decided not to tick the box this time and will see what happens. I figure if they really want to hire me then they will be happy to wait till after the interview to get the references. On the other hand, they might want to review references before inviting candidates interview. But in that case, they should say so and not give the option. Just to explain - I'm not too bothered about this job but thought I'd try applying and just see. I didn't want to bother my referees unless it comes to me being offered and wanting the job. If it was one I really really wanted I wouldn't risk not ticking the box.

Congratulations and all the best!

The "no good research problems or personal problems" sounds odd to me. But that aside, if one of them sees you as their potential research student, then ask them when you would be able to start realistically. I would think about doing something useful / relevant in the meantime and aim to start the PhD when they are able to take on students (maybe next year?). Or else it seems you might need to make plans to move to a different (but potentially very closely related) research area and seek out other supervisors in my country. Or you could look more closely at the option of moving abroad - this would mean looking for possible scholarships that you might be eligible for. Good luck!

Does anyone have any insight as to how much it matters whether or not I tick this box? I would prefer for references to be got after any interviews rather than before (once they know they want to hire me). Would it be a hindrance / potentially affect my chances if I don't tick this box?

Thanks!