hi wowzers, this is good news indeed! thanks for sharing.
For presentations, I like it when the speaker goes quickly (but not too quickly that the content is lost)--and better if the speaker himself is enthusiastic about the findings :-)

One tip is not to be overly critical of your research. Better yet, don't say anything critical about it---just accept the challenge and answer to your best ability--- if they ask you anything :-)

best of luck---and remember to post back here with the even BETTER news

SUCCESS!!!!
love satchi

hi mummy17,
may I suggest that you don't talk about the "couple of weaknesses" that you spotted although you have very good intentions :-)

From my experience, people who have been very honest during interview (both phd AND job) and have spoken about "weaknesses" have lower chances of securing the phd (or job). I am one of them. I have since learnt from that mistake.

Now my perogative is not being dishonest--but rather do not say anything that will put me in a bad light--in other words--say something positive OR keep my mouth shut :-)

So maybe you should highlight more what your research will find, and what benefit it will have. Remember to post back and let us know how you did :-)

best of luck :-)
love satchi

hi anon007, Eska, bewildered
I lost my mother towards the end of my phd. The whole family suffered a big blow because she died suddenly (she was in good health). I didn't do any phd work for 6 months. I was advised to suspend my phd but I didn't. I suppose everybody has different ways of coping with grief. For me, I went ahead and continued (full-time) to finish the phd. My mother would have wanted me to do so. Strange as it sounds, doing the phd was therapeutic for me because it gave me something else to focus on, instead of being swallowed up by my grief.

When I miss my mother, I always write a letter to her. This works for me. I can then express myself without involving other people. I know how tiring it is for people to listen to how sad their relatives/friends are.

I have to say also, during the last months of writing the thesis, my funding also finished. I was supported by my boyfriend, from food, clothes, hair cuts, small holidays etc. I couldn't have done it without him.

At this time you need a lot of support.
Whatever it is you choose to do, think of yourself first.

love satchi

It is the supervisor's decision to ask the university (usually it is the Human Resources department) to send you an offer letter, so when is he gonna do this--we don't know. Other factors are: how urgent the phd project must start, funding, application process etc.

Usually all phd applicants have to send in their application, wait for interview etc. (again this depends on the type of project/phd).

You must be very eager and very excited :-)

Have you sent in your application? If so, be patient and wait a bit. At the same time, you can also look for other opportunities while waiting for your offer letter.

love satchi

hi strangerkiller
No, you haven't nailed it, but you're on the way if the supervisor is agreeable :-)

You still need to get the PhD offer in writing (official letter), then you have nailed it 100%

because what people say today, can change tomorrow

However, your results are very good, very promising future! :-)

best of luck
love satchi

Hi psychresearcher and HazyJane
Many thanks for your advice. I was given full funding for my phd but I didn't apply for the grant. It was already there. I haven't had the opportunity to write for any grant applications so I'll have to go with writing about the skills I have that are needed to do it.

thanks again
love satchi

hi wowzers I hope the same for you too! do post back and let us know how you get on
love satchi

hi everyone, I'm not sure if this has been asked before, but any advice on this will be much appreciated!

How can one learn about the grant application process?
Is there a website somewhere, do people do courses on this?
I have seen this condition for job adverts, how are we expected to respond to this one?

thanks very much
love satchi

hi wowzers, yes, with a mortgage and two lovely small children it will be hard on you even for a year without funding. I'm sure you'll make the right decision. However, don't feel that what you did (the MA) was a waste. You know what, yesterday someone told me the exact thing I'm telling you today! Learning is also not a waste.

Plus, ranting is good for you
love satchi

hi smoobles
thanks for your advice! I'm probably being silly but I feel nervous about even making the application. I recently went for a job interview--and didn't get the job. The reason was because I did not have the work experience (with young people but not with troubled young people) I thought I'd got over it but maybe I still feel a bit down inside. I need to get over that as well!!!

OK I'll go ahead. I'll get on it tonight. Thank you so much.

love satchi

hi wowzers congratulations on your offer!

If I were you I would choose the phd that I want to do or like very much.
Very often, after you've made your choice, things kind of "fall in place".

Oh yes remember to consider your future as well.
It would be great to do a phd that you like which will ensure that you are in great demand in the future job environment :-)

On the other hand, have you got another offer yet? this time funded, of course.
If you're still young, then the world is at your feet.

love satchi

hi everyone
I just came across this advert yesterday.
I am really interested in applying for it. The ad states that it is essential to have a first degree (in this area), and also a Masters degree (or working towards a Masters).

I don't have the type of first degree they want (I have another type of BSc. (Hons))
but I have the masters degree (almost related to what they want)
and I want to use my Phd (which is related to the first degree that they want)

I am really desperate for some advice, shall I send in my application? I just called their HR person (the number for informal enquiries) but there was no answer. The deadline is 18th April.

can someone give me some advice? thanks very much
love satchi

hi tt_dan
yes I suppose it is free money, I think so, but comes with the work expected from you. I haven't heard of anybody having to pay back or be penalized for not finishing or failing a phd--unless it is stated so in your contract. Usually we are not expected to stop or fail when we are given funding. But stuff happens. Here are a few true examples:

My friend A got a Japanese government scholarship for a phd in Japan. He was miserable there, didn't like the lab culture, he also had small complaints like his supervisor always smoking in the lab (!!!), he left.

Friend B went to Italy and got a phd studentship. But the allowance was 800 euros, he was finding it hard to even conduct his research because the university wouldn't help with transport costs or development courses! He left.

Friend C did a masters in Malaysia and stayed with the department for 18 months. He realised he wasn't getting anywhere. He left.

Friend D did a phd in UK. Unfortunately he did not pass even the first year Progression board. He was asked to leave.

Nothing bad about the money happened to them. They simply had to move on.

love satchi

hi majar
I read your post with interest. Topic is really important. I am having the same type of problem finding jobs (due to my phd topic). Unfortunately I was not wise enough to realise what I was doing (when I started the phd!), just too bad for me. So act now while you can.

wishing you all the best
love satchi

hi everyone, I can't seem to find old threads for job interview --
I do have some questions, any advice would be very welcome please

1. Do I need to wear a business-type blazer/jacket? I am planning to wear a simple white blouse with black skirt but I haven't got a business-type jacket/blazer. I am wondering if I put on knitwear (black cardigan) over the blouse, would that be ok?

2. Is it better to tie up my hair? If I can keep my hair out of my face, would that suffice.

3. Documents to bring with me -- original copies of academic qualifications etc. Is there anything else?

4. Shall I wear my contact lenses? I know this is probably a silly question--I think I look a lot better without my spectacles *LOL* but I always work wearing spectacles

thanks a lot
love satchi