Overview of incognito on PostgraduateForum.com

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Signup date: 07 Mar 2013 at 8:14am

Last login: 22 May 2014 at 1:14am

Post count: 229

incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Quote From TreeofLife:
Hello,

I'm sure the people in the lab have no problem with you; they are probably just busy with their own work and that's why they didn't speak to you.

I think that you will still be expected to give the talk... You still have three days to prepare which should be plenty of time. It's probably better to do a bad talk, using your illness as an excuse if you need to, rather than not do it at all. Honestly - sometimes in life we have to do things when we are feeling below par. It's difficult, but we have to just get on with it.

Agree with that, and sorry to hear about what you're going through. Hope you feel better soon. I'm sure your partners were not avoiding you as such as there is nothing that would warrant such behaviour. Like TreeofLife said, it could be that they were busy or that they thought you were sick and did not want to involve you in what's going on until you get better.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Thanks Janine- I'm feeling much better now (fingers crossed). There are different kinds of stye infection some are chronic some are minor. The way to know is if it subsides after using antibiotics (which means it's bacterial and not as serious as the viral ones). That's what the doc says. I am not going to go into panic mode so whilst I thank you for the info, I'd rather not think about these nightmare scenarios like retinal scarring just yet.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Quote From JanineG:
Here is the PhD I am applying for

I have had experience in working with complex molecules and have an active interest in obtaining compounds from natural sources and it would interest me viewing and interpreting the spectra from these amazing compounds. I have worked with Indole Alkaloids (My favourites) and Quinolines (malaria compounds) in the past and have been fascinated by their complex structure and to be honest, quite awed by them.

What would I take to the PhD? I am more a biological chemist than a straight organic chemist or a pharmaceutical chemist. I have also done herbalism so I am familiar with a lot of the structures to be expected with plants as I can look into the plant source it came from as a certain plant family will have a certain type of compounds which are accessory to the main active compound.

http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=48496&LID=447

First section: few suggestions:
1. Instead of saying "I have had experience" perhaps you can illuminate on that by saying something like "Over x years I have honed my interest and skill set in working with complex…."- asserts the extent and nature of your experience.
2. Perhaps show how you are interested in obtaining the compounds; say something like "by doing bla bla bla (not actually bla bla bla lol but u know what I mean) I have developed a distinct interest in obtaining.
3. Last sentence sounds literary- make it more objective: how did u work with Alkaloids and what did u learn that u'd take to u in the Phd?

Second section:
Not an expert in your field but I would simply list the qualities directly and succinctly: for example, "I worked with a lot of structures, I developed (they love this word) an interest in looking at plant sources, I am analytical by nature, I have the skill set for research work".

Hope my advice is useful and good luck Janine

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Thanks ladies- HazyJane it wasn't conjunctivitis- just stye infection in my left eye. Had it checked and everything else was normal. I was worried it would be conjunctivitis or blepharitis but doc just prescribed antibiotic ointment. Hopefully gets better will be on it for 7 days. Had to wear sunglasses all day everywhere so people don't see the droopy eye lol. Fingers crossed I get the University of Ottawa job I applied for now that the UK uni postdoc fellowship app was rejected.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Just woke up earlier today and realised I cannot open my left eye completely; my eyelid is red and probably infected. I look like a cartoon character that's winking at the world. On top of that, rejected from another postdoc fellowship :(:( so pi*sed. Trying to find a doctor to resolve my eyelid problem asap….wish me luck :(:( I really need it.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

I'm one of those who submitted within the three years and like HazyJane my uni does not accept submissions after the 4 year mark unless there are extenuating circumstances (which usually means serious health issues/death in family). It doesn't matter to be honest I'm the only one who finished within 3 and most submit closer to 4 years. I wouldn't say this matters as much as the outcome of the viva/ quality of your work.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Sorry to hear about your problem charliebrown. S*it happens in life- I've had a bit of an issue lately but probably not as serious as yours (just guessing). Remember you're not alone and that so many other ppl out there go through leaves of absences for so many issues so it's nothing extraordinary whatsoever. Focus on your health first then worry about your submission.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Manuel
Here lies your problem: we cannot give you your PhD topic!!! You have to start reading the literature on whatever field you are keen on (and by the way, just saying macro or development economics is not enough as these are HUGE fields). Once you decide on a field, then go more specific (by region, theory, etc…) and start reading what's been written on this field lately. You don't need to be in a university library- the Internet could be your first place of research. Also, what's the point of contacting supervisors if you don't have a topic???? Time to do some online research/reading I'm afraid before doing anything else.

PhD Economist.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

To be a consultant is not just about doing research and getting a PhD: it's about practical experience (and many years of it). You're right in that experience is a constructed idea- but most of the time if you want to act as a consultant especially to private-sector companies they'll ask for your work experience in the field.

If I were you, if you want to become a consultant, I'd apply for a major consultancy firm that has a desk specialising in your field (for ex: McKinsey, Bain and Co., etc…), get two-three years experience there, and then start your own consultancy. Without knowing what your field it's very hard to give you concrete advice. I've also been thinking about it, and I worked as an economist in the private sector for 4 years. Only caveat in my case is networking- you also need to effectively network if you're going down the consultancy route, which is why working for a company like the ones I mentioned would help you generate a client base that you can then use when you start your own consultancy.

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Just applied to a job in Ottawa that is well-suited for me (although it's a temporary one). Wish me luck guys and girls!

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Congrats in order then Dr. Ginga :):) seems like your situation went a lot more smoothly than mine! Now it's time to celebrate!

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Quote From TreeofLife:

Bluntly; are you sure about that? The requirements for PhD positions are frustratingly difficult to find anywhere, and the total lack of feedback means that I got absolutely nowhere. I initially thought that the basic requirement was either a 2:1 or a 2:2+masters, but I've got a 2:1 and a masters, but didn't get squat.

I'm positive. Most of the UK PhD students I know don't even have a MSc, They mainly just have a 2.1. I guess it depends on your area and the institution to which you are applying though, as always. It's also the people you know of course - and by extension, the people your referees know. If the interviewers respect the opinion of your referees you're in with a much better chance of getting the PhD/job.

In my experience of interviews, making the interviewer like you is most important. You don't have to be the most qualified or experienced candidate to get the job or PhD if you can get them to like you as so much of the process is subjective.

Asking your uni for help is good. See what advice they can give you about CVs and the interview process.

Wow Are you sure about that TreeofLife? Don't know what your field is but in my field NOBODY can proceed to a PhD without getting a Masters and a grade close to Distinction or a Distinction (high merit).

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

I'm starting to feel worthless as well Janine and even though I'm getting some experience it is hardly what I deserve in light of my qualifications :(:(- so far no luck with postdocs in the UK or jobs overseas :(

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Good luck jinio! What matters is that you finished it so many congratulations!

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incognito 229 posts
11 years ago

Quote From Dont_Run_On_Time:
Hmm...

It is possible that 'Supervisor A' was not being entirely honest with you. Perhaps they had an ulterior motive to trying to persuade you not to apply for a PhD with them? Perhaps it doesn't interest them. That doesn't mean that it's not doable or could even make a seminal contribution to mankind...

As to whether or not to mention 'Supervisor A' to 'Supervisor B' I'm not too sure. But by the sounds of things 'Supervisor B' is supportive of your ideas and so perhaps he is a keeper!

Agree with this as a possibility. I wouldn't feel too discouraged especially since another supervisor felt the project is doable. If I were you and given your situation I'd go with supervisor B and forget about revisions and rereading the literature. Don't mention A to B!!!!!! Maybe B doesn't think these are major issues that warrant not doing the project altogether. Go with B!

Overview of incognito

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