I think there is nothing wrong with walking up to a group you want to join and just standing with them and joining in the conversation when appropriate - thats what people expect you to do at these things

Good luck

S

Mokey - again this is only based on my experience

As regards how social they are - they all vary - depends on how many people your own age there are (thats my general rule) don't get me wrong, we had a great conference recently where a group of us comandeered the entire foyer of the hotel and had all ages of delegates (the oldest was 84) join us for a pre-bed drink.

I think as far as being shy etc. probably the best way is just to walk up to folk and say hi - sometimes this is easier if they are presenting a poster - you can walk up, ask about their posters etc. and at te very least its a friendly face to sit beside at conference dinners

Conferences are all about building up your networking skills.

Whats the worst that can happen - you'll probably never see these people again so experiment with techniques of introducing yourself to people.

Dyst - not sure if you want advice regarding the poster or fashion sense - but as regards the poster here's my opinion -

I think that as a poster make sure it's more pictures less words - nothing worse than a poster with a million words - people will not read it - its up to you to talk someone through your results-

make sure your images are large enough to see from a distance - be endearing and excited about what you have to show people -

When talking folk through it, I always start with 'are you familiar with the subject?' assess what people know about the area first and then you don't have to explain stuff they already know

And most of all have fun

S

All of the above is true r.e. not working like a robot etc BUT

You will have to tread carefully - no matter what anyone say, if your sup gets it in their mind that you are lazy then you could have problems - you really need your sup to be on your side.

One of the PhDs in our department after a similar argument with his sup ended up having to sign in and out every time he left the lab - even to go to the toilet!!

It might be best just to assure your supervisor that things are going well - and make sure they get good progress reports - data achieved, reports written (always good news)- Even if you are doing exactly as you've said and spending more time for yourself

All I'm saying is that it might be easier being agreeable with them than fighting with them - If they don't think you are doing something right - ask for constructive advice BEFORE it gets to the shouting, screaming and saying things you'll regret phase

S

I also made and external a 2nd second supervisor- which was a mistake because I could have used them as an external

Try think long term - will getting rid of this guy come back to bite you in teh ass?

again it sounds like the Prof might be a good guy to keep on side rather than limiting him to being a second supervisor

If your second supervisor is causing you problems - speak to your PI and tell them that you don't want the second involved as much - or tell them that they are being unfair because of X Y Z

but if you make the prof your second supervisor - all he will be able to do is tell you the right direction etc - which he can do without being your second

On the other hand if you don't make him your second - you have options to use him as your internal

Also you will more than likely cause issues if you 'sack' your current 2nd supervisor - which may not be worth the hassle -

believe me I had the same debate - and now my prof is my internal and I couldn't be happier - because he is reasonable

It might be worth considering this quite carefully!

Your current second supervisor, is being a bit of a pain, but thats all he will ever be - you are able to dismiss what he says if he is being unreasonable, roll your eyes etc etc- provided you are happy with your PI - the second is really only there for extra input - but should not be able to directly influence

However, this professor who likes you might be a good person to keep in the sidelines as an internal examiner for your final viva - you'll still be able to speak to him and keep him up to date all the same and get advice from him, but when the time comes, you can suggest him as your internal? - its always better to have a friendly face than someone who is going to do their best to have a go at you (which is what might happen if you dissmiss your second supervisor)

Hi Nadia, I was required to have them done for the visa application I was making at the time which was the H1-B visa - which is more of an immagratory visa than some of the student visas.

I do know a few folk in our From US and EU at my current UK university that have never had the requirement and the universities do usually try and figure them out if they are in english. I think it was more to do with the visas - which are quite strict to enter the US at the moment

Hi, I had to get mine authenticated using a credentials company to go from UK to USA (they were all in English you just need to get them evaluated) - I presume these companies probably do translations as well as giving the UK equivalent for the country.

the one I use was silvergate evaluations http://www.silvergateevaluations.com/

However they may be specific for US, I'm sure the same sort of companies exist for EU to UK etc, just look for credential evaluation services on google or speak to the institutions you are in contact with to get reputable ones.

As for price, I think I paid £40 (52 Euros)- although this will probably vary depending on what is required

Hope this helps

S

didn't work out so well for 'Dr' Gillian Mckeith

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/feb/12/advertising.food

I think in science as far as I'm aware the minimum time served is 2 years (although somewhat impractical in most cases)

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/showmessage.asp?thread=3648&cat=4&keyword=minimum%20duration&newview=1&stype=TM&category=0

I don't know if you can apply time served for your previous research to your current topic? probably depends on whether it is published work already and when it was published

S

I have the option of an office, but its not a great space (no windows) and only apple macs with rubbish internet, plus people use it as a canteen - too disruptive - at least at home I get peace when I want it - but it can be a bit unstimulating - best of two evils for me

I don't know I've been shut up in my house for 6 months now doing this - and sometimes it can get a bit much -solitude!

At least I don't waste time and money travelling tho!

Do you have a second supervisor who might be more available than the first - it might be a good idea to get regular meetings with them set up so that they get used to reviewing your work - if they are any better?

supervisors should be more supportive than this, but unfortunately some are better than others - I don't think it should take them any time to get back to you, just as a courtesy. But there are plenty like this out there.

I suspect that this is what you will have to deal with for the next three years - so its going to be up to you to be very organised - although it might! (depends how brave you are) be worth bringing it up with them - because if they are this bad at the moment imagine what it'll be like when you are trying to get paper or Thesis chapters reviewed?

Good luck

S