Overview of Mackem_Beefy
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My viva, I passed!
Congratualtions Dr. Ady!!! And thanks for the paper downloads!!!
8-)8-)8-)
Why do you most want to be a Dr?
======= Date Modified 12 Jan 2012 10:24:58 =======
Quote From lindalou83:
Hi,
The first time I can remember thinking I wanted to do a PhD was about year 2 of my BSc. We had some very glamorous PhD students who used to walk around in a pack, they used to teach our stats classes and lead seminars etc. One of them was very cool and used to DJ at one of my favourite bars! I remember thinking what a great job, getting paid to research something you're interested in and teach at the same time, as well as have time to have a social life (how wrong was I!)
However, I gave up after applying a few times and getting interviews but not offers because I have no MSc and I didn't have relevant work experience at the time, so I went off and pursued a career elsewhere. I think it was during this time it really cemented my wish to do a PhD, I wanted to elevate myself above the jobs I was doing, especially as I was unlucky enough to work for people who had a chip on their shoulder from their own life experiences. But I've definitely changed from my original career plan. I don't intend to stay in academia once I finish.
I've given you a life story rather than the things I'm excited about! I was excited about applying for the level of job that you need a PhD for but there seems to be a definite lack of those at the moment! >>>So I'm just excited about telling people I'm a doctor, like Ross off've friends!<<<
Hi,
The first time I can remember thinking I wanted to do a PhD was about year 2 of my BSc. We had some very glamorous PhD students who used to walk around in a pack, they used to teach our stats classes and lead seminars etc. One of them was very cool and used to DJ at one of my favourite bars! I remember thinking what a great job, getting paid to research something you're interested in and teach at the same time, as well as have time to have a social life (how wrong was I!)
However, I gave up after applying a few times and getting interviews but not offers because I have no MSc and I didn't have relevant work experience at the time, so I went off and pursued a career elsewhere. I think it was during this time it really cemented my wish to do a PhD, I wanted to elevate myself above the jobs I was doing, especially as I was unlucky enough to work for people who had a chip on their shoulder from their own life experiences. But I've definitely changed from my original career plan. I don't intend to stay in academia once I finish.
I've given you a life story rather than the things I'm excited about! I was excited about applying for the level of job that you need a PhD for but there seems to be a definite lack of those at the moment! >>>So I'm just excited about telling people I'm a doctor, like Ross off've friends!<<<
Fair enough. I know it's a great feeling when you get through after months of hard work and enjoy the moment for all it's worth, but take it from experience not to overdo the Dr. thing. People do get tired of hearing it (see comments on Dr. / Mrs. thread).
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Co-authors who have made minimal contributions
======= Date Modified 12 Jan 2012 09:35:54 =======
Quote From delta:
I once did ALL the work and research for a project and wrote the book chapter (which didn't need corrected) but being wet behind the ears put only my supervisors name on the chapter, just prior to submission. He saw it and said something like, 'You helped with this and so you should get a mention' and put me down as second author. He had done absolutely nothing! But just starting out and him being my employer I thought it was the norm and was delighted that I even got a mention. He was a fantastic employer though, but now I know why his publication record was so high. You live and learn...
I once did ALL the work and research for a project and wrote the book chapter (which didn't need corrected) but being wet behind the ears put only my supervisors name on the chapter, just prior to submission. He saw it and said something like, 'You helped with this and so you should get a mention' and put me down as second author. He had done absolutely nothing! But just starting out and him being my employer I thought it was the norm and was delighted that I even got a mention. He was a fantastic employer though, but now I know why his publication record was so high. You live and learn...
If you were submitting yourself as corresponding author, you should have put your own name first then supervisor's and other's names after. Once in print, there's nothing they can do. I did exactly this with my later papers.
If they query why you've done this, you plead ignorance of any set practices. ;-)
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Why do you most want to be a Dr?
Quote From BilboBaggins:
Totally trivial thing: I'm a Doctor Who fan. Have been since 1978. Being a Dr is quite nice for that reason :p But I didn't start the PhD (well either PhD: I had to leave an earlier one due to falling seriously ill) to become a Dr. I started it for love of the research topic, which I discovered and defined myself, and then applied for and won funding.
Being confused for a medical doctor can be embarrassing. My Mum was critically ill in hospital last year, far away from us, and must have told the nurses - in her brief lucid moments at that time - that I was a Dr, as was my husband. So when I phoned up at one point, the head nurse gave me a run-down on Mum's latest medical situation, in full medic-speak, assuming I was a medic. I had to explain I was actually an academic doctor, and apologise for the confusion. Though it had a plus point: I found out more about Mum's situation than they would probably have told me otherwise. And I managed to decode everything they were telling me.
Totally trivial thing: I'm a Doctor Who fan. Have been since 1978. Being a Dr is quite nice for that reason :p But I didn't start the PhD (well either PhD: I had to leave an earlier one due to falling seriously ill) to become a Dr. I started it for love of the research topic, which I discovered and defined myself, and then applied for and won funding.
Being confused for a medical doctor can be embarrassing. My Mum was critically ill in hospital last year, far away from us, and must have told the nurses - in her brief lucid moments at that time - that I was a Dr, as was my husband. So when I phoned up at one point, the head nurse gave me a run-down on Mum's latest medical situation, in full medic-speak, assuming I was a medic. I had to explain I was actually an academic doctor, and apologise for the confusion. Though it had a plus point: I found out more about Mum's situation than they would probably have told me otherwise. And I managed to decode everything they were telling me.
Hmm, tricky but useful!!! And a quick browse of the Internet helps with the decoding. ;-)
How's your own health Bilbo? Just dropped by here as (real world) work is doing my head in.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Why do you most want to be a Dr?
I wasn't after the title as such. I just wanted to take on a challenging research project and push myself as far as I could. A PhD at the time seemed (and was) the best way of doing that.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Dr, Mrs or both?
======= Date Modified 12 Jan 2012 09:23:09 =======
You might want to read the following old thread on this. Choice varies from person to person.
http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=17642
My own view now is Dr. in the correct professional setting and Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms otherwise. Quite frankly people couldn't give two hoots if you're a Dr. or not unless they need to know your professional competencies. If anything, the Dr. title can actually create a barrier, either because people feel (wrongly) they are somehow inferior or because people see you as trying to portray yourself as something special (i.e. push it in people's faces). Never, ever, change your title at your GP to Dr., as this can be dangerously confusing.
As regards using your last name, how about 'Mrs. Married Name' and Dr 'Maiden Name'? This keeps work and home separate. Also looking at this practically, should your marriage not work out (and I hope this never happens) OR you already have publications using your maiden name, you would have continuity of identity if you stuck to your maiden name professionally and thus traceability of any publications and work to just the one name. This avoids any complications for people looking for your work.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Where can I get the access to free online thesis?
For recent theses, check the author's University's Online Open Repository.
Unemployed
======= Date Modified 13 Dec 2011 19:07:33 =======
Quote From starshine:
Sorry to gatecrash again, I was just wondering if/when people who's funding had finished signed up for job seekers allowance, did you have to take any evidence to show that your funding had finished, like an official university letter or something? I have the dreaded task of doing this in the New Year (something to look forward to! Or not!) and I just want to be prepared.
Thanks again.
Quote From Mackem_Beefy:
I'm afraid you're correct as you'll be cohabiting. You would be okay on your own or living with your parents. The rules for claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in the UK are clear on that.
Sorry!!!
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Quote From starshine:
Sorry to gatecrash your thread Delta, I hope you dont mind. I was just wondering; my 3 years of funding is due to finish in January by which time I am hoping to have finished my lab work and have written the majority of my first draft. I am intending to start looking for a job straight away as I have no savings to survive on. Therefore I was planning on claiming JSA from January as I have a loan that I am paying off. I am living with my boyfriend at the moment in a flat we share, and he is happy for at least a few months to pay the rent and bills while I finish and get a job, but we think at the most we could manage for 3-6 months on his one income and (hopefully) my JSA. However, from some of the threads I have read it seems that my boyfriend's income will prevent me from claiming JSA, can someone confirm that this is correct? If so, I'm guessing my only option will be to move back in with my parents, and hopefully claim JSA untill I find a job? Can anyone confirm that this is correct?
Thanks guys
Sorry to gatecrash your thread Delta, I hope you dont mind. I was just wondering; my 3 years of funding is due to finish in January by which time I am hoping to have finished my lab work and have written the majority of my first draft. I am intending to start looking for a job straight away as I have no savings to survive on. Therefore I was planning on claiming JSA from January as I have a loan that I am paying off. I am living with my boyfriend at the moment in a flat we share, and he is happy for at least a few months to pay the rent and bills while I finish and get a job, but we think at the most we could manage for 3-6 months on his one income and (hopefully) my JSA. However, from some of the threads I have read it seems that my boyfriend's income will prevent me from claiming JSA, can someone confirm that this is correct? If so, I'm guessing my only option will be to move back in with my parents, and hopefully claim JSA untill I find a job? Can anyone confirm that this is correct?
Thanks guys
I'm afraid you're correct as you'll be cohabiting. You would be okay on your own or living with your parents. The rules for claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in the UK are clear on that.
Sorry!!!
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Sorry to gatecrash again, I was just wondering if/when people who's funding had finished signed up for job seekers allowance, did you have to take any evidence to show that your funding had finished, like an official university letter or something? I have the dreaded task of doing this in the New Year (something to look forward to! Or not!) and I just want to be prepared.
Thanks again.
I was never asked for any evidence that my funding had finished. However, you may want to take the paperwork along explaining you're funding arrangements (if you still have this from the beginning of you're PhD) just in case you're asked.
I signed on briefly after my studentship expired and before I took up my first post-doc.
Is there age limit for PhD?
Quote From Alex_P:
Hi,
am 27 and i want to apply for PhD in the area of biological engineering. What do you think: is it not late for me?
Will my age be a barrier to taking a scholarship?
thank you!
Hi,
am 27 and i want to apply for PhD in the area of biological engineering. What do you think: is it not late for me?
Will my age be a barrier to taking a scholarship?
thank you!
Not at all. I started mine when I was 30 and got extra money as I was a mature student returning. In fact, the extra money may have made a difference as to whether or not a PhD was financially viable.
I'd had a break from education of some five years and feel that was a help, as I was fairly fresh (without study fatigue) and a little more mature than some of the early 20s people entering a PhD straight from first degree or masters. That difference allowed me to develop some sort of structure as time went on.
A PhD was more like a job than study to me, another big help at least in the early stages.
Boredom after PhD
Quote From cakeeater:
I had put this in the wrong forum before. But I've completed my PhD and never need to do anymore work on it. But I'm feeling quite bored now that I'm not doing it any more when i come home from work in the evenings. I wanted to give myself a break because i was quite exhausted by it but I think im suffering from PhD withdrawal symptoms. Anyone else have this issue??
I had put this in the wrong forum before. But I've completed my PhD and never need to do anymore work on it. But I'm feeling quite bored now that I'm not doing it any more when i come home from work in the evenings. I wanted to give myself a break because i was quite exhausted by it but I think im suffering from PhD withdrawal symptoms. Anyone else have this issue??
Know how you feel mate. I'm surprised anyone picked you up on the wrong forum post.
I found myself realising some two weeks after viva and one week after final hardbond copy submission I had nothing to do. It's then I realised I had to decide what to do next and plenty time on my hands to do nothing. Welcome to the withdrawal (healing) period, where after working months and years on end in hyper mode and for seriously long hours you have to adjust to being a normal person again.
Eventually, everyday life will fill that space and the chance to collapse in front of the television or sink a few pints when you'd have otherwise worked on the thesis wil take over. That said if you want to convert some of your thesis into papers now, that's one way of 1) slowly withdrawing from the 'thesis is everything' mentality, 2) getting your work noticed by journal publication and 3) giving yourself a portfolio you could mention in your CV that may allow you to continue post-doc in research if you wish to do so (depending upon subject and opportunity).
However, do you really want your evenings filled with all that research stuff you've now probably put behind you? I did decide to publish my work and produced enough data (both included and excluded from the thesis) to strangle 10 papers out of it. That said, my tendencies during PhD did tend on workaholic, hence the masses of data - not a healthy situation!!! You can gather what happened to my spare time after the PhD when I decided to write the papers - I'd say not quite back to square one but a good way there.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
xmas....
======= Date Modified 09 Dec 2011 21:02:58 =======
Quote From Cornflower:
It has just occurred to me that the xmas break is just around the corner. I don't have plans and can't cope with the thought of going back home to my family (Bridget Jones meets Nightmare on Elm Street). I'd intended to volunteer but my local volunteer centre rather sneeringly informed me this morning that ALL volunteer places had filled up weeks ago. I might be intelligent, highly motivated and well qualified, but so is half the city.
I'm not sure what to do. I definitely don't want to visit the relatives, and would rather not spend xmas day alone in my flat trying to make turkey-flavoured tofu burgers.
does anyone know of any voluntary programs, in the UK or abroad, who might take last-minute volunteers? Or... anything? Now I'm thinking about it, the idea of doing nothing all xmas is not great. Yes I have some great friends, but they'll be spending xmas day with their families and partners.
This has really sneaked up on me! Any ideas?
It has just occurred to me that the xmas break is just around the corner. I don't have plans and can't cope with the thought of going back home to my family (Bridget Jones meets Nightmare on Elm Street). I'd intended to volunteer but my local volunteer centre rather sneeringly informed me this morning that ALL volunteer places had filled up weeks ago. I might be intelligent, highly motivated and well qualified, but so is half the city.
I'm not sure what to do. I definitely don't want to visit the relatives, and would rather not spend xmas day alone in my flat trying to make turkey-flavoured tofu burgers.
does anyone know of any voluntary programs, in the UK or abroad, who might take last-minute volunteers? Or... anything? Now I'm thinking about it, the idea of doing nothing all xmas is not great. Yes I have some great friends, but they'll be spending xmas day with their families and partners.
This has really sneaked up on me! Any ideas?
You could go on holiday over the Christmas, depending on what kind of holiday you like.
If you're into more adventurous stuff (depending on your budget), you might want to look at availablity on various trips with the following companies:
http://www.exodus.co.uk
http://www.explore.co.uk
Just a thought. The former is the better IMHO. Lots of people on their own go with these companies and just make friends with people when they arrive.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
A little something for the weekend...
======= Date Modified 04 Dec 2011 22:08:41 =======
Congratulations Delta!!!
I know you felt no real attachment to your project, however, I'm sure in the weeks to come you'll actually look back and see what you've achieved.
Hope you can now move on to something you really want to do now.
All the best,
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Failed PhD after corrections, funding possibilities?
Quote From Glenn_Goodall:
Hi,
I'm a current PhD student and my subject is polymer / organic chemistry.
I had major corrections after my viva and after resubmitting the examiner said he still didn't be believe my thesis and so failed me. I should point out the this guy too 6 months to book in the initial viva and then 6 months to come to his final decision, post corrections.
I now have to work in order to pay off debts / bills and to stay close to my University. I worked out what I need to do and a solid 5-6 months should be enough to resubmit. Unfortunately, I need to work full-time and so don't have very much time to finish my PhD.
Does any one have any advice or know of any funding I could apply for to finish this off?
Cheers
Hi,
I'm a current PhD student and my subject is polymer / organic chemistry.
I had major corrections after my viva and after resubmitting the examiner said he still didn't be believe my thesis and so failed me. I should point out the this guy too 6 months to book in the initial viva and then 6 months to come to his final decision, post corrections.
I now have to work in order to pay off debts / bills and to stay close to my University. I worked out what I need to do and a solid 5-6 months should be enough to resubmit. Unfortunately, I need to work full-time and so don't have very much time to finish my PhD.
Does any one have any advice or know of any funding I could apply for to finish this off?
Cheers
Glenn,
What are you trying to say?
1) Your resubmission has been failed? If that is the case, you would not normally get a further (third) chance and it would be the end of the road.
OR:
2) You resubmitted after 6 months (and were probably given 12 months), he's said not good enough and said you have the remaining 6 months of your allotted period to get it sorted out.
How does he not believe your thesis?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Fight or Retreat??
======= Date Modified 22 Nov 2011 11:22:02 =======
Quote From tea4two:
Maybe I didn't explained it clearly, even if I move to another university, I still need to start from very begining (i.e doing Master), my supervisor didn't allowed me to use the data and project and bring it to another place. So now, either way, I need to start over. Since in my current university, the new sem are approaching, I need to write a withdrawal letter if not, I need to pay the fees. The only good side is, my Dean are willing to be a referee for me.
Maybe I didn't explained it clearly, even if I move to another university, I still need to start from very begining (i.e doing Master), my supervisor didn't allowed me to use the data and project and bring it to another place. So now, either way, I need to start over. Since in my current university, the new sem are approaching, I need to write a withdrawal letter if not, I need to pay the fees. The only good side is, my Dean are willing to be a referee for me.
Bl**dy hell!!! He / they really do sound as if they want rid of you. When I read your message, I thought you meant you could continue with your PhD (with data) as long as you moved Uni. If that had been the case, then that might have been the way to go.
If you would have to start from scratch regardless (without data), you really do have nothing to lose and I now suggest you take Lindalau's advice and put up a fight. Go back to the Dean first and say that the offer of an M.Sc or starting from scratch is not good enough. Then move up the chain and take your complaint higher with the possibility of going to the University Ombudsman (if you're in the UK) and also taking legal action. Such a threat may be enough to make your University to have a rethink.
The UK University Ombudsman website is here:
http://www.oiahe.org.uk/default.aspx
There's also the student union (or equivalent university student welfare group outside the UK) and they will be able to point you in the right direction to take your fight further. They will be well aware of 'problem' staff that students have repeated problems with.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Fight or Retreat??
======= Date Modified 21 Nov 2011 09:33:29 =======
Quote From tea4two:
HI,
After trying all the solutions that I can think of, I still failed to negotiate with my supervisor.
To summarize up, here's what happened for the past few weeks/month:
1. My supervisor refused to see me even when the Dean asked him to do it. He still refused.
2. The school can't take any action against him because they said I'm the 1st one to complaint and this kind of thing never happened before.
3.They gave me 2 options : 1) change supervisor but you need to start over again and end-up with Msc. only (and all your hard work for 2 yrs not counted) 2) continue at another university
what do you guys think? if I choose no. 2, what should I wrote in the withdrawal letter? They're trying to make me wrote something I withdraw because of the stress and not well. I've met 2 potential supervisor in another university. One of them know my supervisor. Should I be honest with them?
HI,
After trying all the solutions that I can think of, I still failed to negotiate with my supervisor.
To summarize up, here's what happened for the past few weeks/month:
1. My supervisor refused to see me even when the Dean asked him to do it. He still refused.
2. The school can't take any action against him because they said I'm the 1st one to complaint and this kind of thing never happened before.
3.They gave me 2 options : 1) change supervisor but you need to start over again and end-up with Msc. only (and all your hard work for 2 yrs not counted) 2) continue at another university
what do you guys think? if I choose no. 2, what should I wrote in the withdrawal letter? They're trying to make me wrote something I withdraw because of the stress and not well. I've met 2 potential supervisor in another university. One of them know my supervisor. Should I be honest with them?
Hmm, you've rocked the boat so they want rid of you. If you can continue at another University, do so as I think the damage is done at you're current Uni. Universities close ranks and don't like dirty laundry on their turf, as you're discovering and they're trying to make the problem disappear.
However, you've a second problem now in that one of your potential supervisors knows your original supervisor. It looks like you'll have to be honest as your new supervisor may approach him for a reference.
That may in itself cause a few problems and I don't think there's an easy answer. You'll just have to hope that the new supervisor is understanding of the situation and you can produce a couple of good references from pre-PhD to counteract any poor reference your old supervisor gives.
Staying at your current Uni. and accepting only a Masters is allowing them to wash their hands of the situation, seemingly punishing you for having the audacity to stand up to them over poor supervision. I know I said tread lightly in my earlier post, however, the time for that has passed.
So firstly try to transfer to the new Uni., and if successful knuckle down and finish your PhD. Once you've successfully completed it (fingers crossed), then complain firstly to your original Uni. over this man's behaviour then to the University Ombudsman.
But make sure you've everything wrapped up first, as the new Uni. (and supervisors - especially the one who knows your old supervisor) will probably not want a continuing dispute from your old Uni. rumbling on whilst you're on their books. Wait until after before you act. If asked by you're new Uni., just say for the time being you're putting the whole thing behind you.
From my second post-doc and my relationship with my supervisor then, I can relate to your problem only too well. A few years later and my career path is still damaged because of it.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
