It seems like the poor supervision issue is pervasive. I realize now how lucky I have been, as I know of some candidates who quit because of it. Wondering what can be done to help people in such situations.

Did it! Good luck!

Of course, one shouldn't live in the past...but if you could go back and do ONE thing differently in your PhD program, what would it be?

Good luck this Friday! (up)(up)

Look forward to hearing how it went!

Perhaps you should look at how well they offer job and career support. Does the school have an office dedicated to helping graduates find jobs? What is their track record? What corporations are hiring from that school? Is there an alumni mentoring program? Do they offer support with writing a curriculum vitae? How often do they hold job fairs? Do they send out new job posts via email? Are there mailing lists that students can join? Do they help international students acquire internships while studying, and after graduation? Is there an office dedicated to support services for international students?

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Hi Laime! Unfortunately, no, your problem isn't only relevant to people studying in the UK. Jealousy is a universal phenomenon, and that seems to be what's going on: your boss is jealous of you. In addition to that, it's not in his best interest to make it easy for you, because you're just going to move on once you graduate.

I had a similar experience when I started my Masters degree and briefly worked as an office temp. Everything was fine until the secretary I worked with found out. She became very catty, and suddenly I couldn't leave on time much less leave early. Once I got a job closer to my field, I left and never looked back.

It's not so easy to advise someone to find another job in this economy, but as a start, it would be a good idea to let your professors and other students in your department know that you're looking. You never know what might turn up.

Congratulations! It's a great feeling to get that done.

Thanks for the advice! On the positive side, it does give me more time to prepare, which is fortunate since I also work full-time.

I've prepared a list of weaknesses in the research, but you make a good point about demonstrating awareness of weaknesses without creating more work for myself. I've also started working on presentation skills so that my voice doesn't start cracking from nerves.

You're correct - I'm a United States candidate so there are five busy committee members who need to assemble in one room, at the same time.

You must have been so very relieved when your supervisor returned from the workshop, and you could get on with it!

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When I started, I was returning to school after being in the work force, and my uni had all the latest technology. I was already sort of tech savvy, but there was suddenly a lot more available to me. I spent a lot of time in the computer lab learning new software (SPSS, etc.), and later, this proved invaluable.

Congrats and good luck!

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The external examiners.

I already have my internal examiners. It's the advisor and Chair who choose the external examiners. They ask my opinion, but at this point, my opinion is "anyone is fine."

The externals are supposed to be unaffiliated with the PhD candidate, so it's not as though I can move things along by making suggestions.

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?

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I happen to be a depressed, dislocated wood elf and can confirm that this area is indeed under-researched.

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It sounds like you're naturally very good with people, which is a skill that can't be taught even by the best PhD program. I'm wondering whether overseas work is a possibility for you. There are a lot of overseas non-governmental organizations desperate for good people - not just the post-graduate credentials, but people who know how to relate to the public. On top of that, the public health and biomedical background would be a huge advantage.

Of course, it all depends on your ability to travel, or even relocate to another country. Is this a possibility for you?

I realize you mentioned that you're "tied to the region" you're in, but sometimes you just have to pursue the path that's best for you.

Yikes! Sorry to hear things went so awry.

Just a thought: job hunting "experts" recommend interviewing as much as possible just for the practice, even if you're not at all interested in a job. In your situation, is it possible to apply for a couple easy jobs and use those interviews as practice for THE JOB interview? (Sure, it's a little unethical to waste someone's time, but I don't know how else you can practice.)