I did another PGR Tips last month (but then went on holiday). This time on how to prepare an elevator pitch...
Do you ever get asked what you do and you’re not sure what to answer? Do you try and convey your enthusiasm for your research?... here are some practical tips to perfect what you say in different situations:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/CMS/files/upload/PGR%20Tips%20issue%2044%20honing%20your%20elevator%20pitch.pdf

best!
Tennie

Hi all,

the Advancing in Academia course is running in Bristol on 22 September: http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/56271-251061/Advancing-in-academia-.html#pageInfo

it is free, and really interactive.

enjoy!
Tennie

Hi all,

this course is running again, this time in Bristol on 23 September:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/56271-250631/Careers-in-focus-Careers-in-academia-.html#pageInfo

same programme as before. The event is free and really well organised.....

enjoy!
Tennie

Dear all,

The University of East Anglia are running a residential, experiential learning course specifically to prepare people to become entrepeneurs in the low carbon economy. The course is held on 7 to 9 September. It is open to early career researchers (including postdocs) from across the country and it is free. The course includes a visit to Adnams brewery as an example of a low carbon enterprise. For more information on the course and on how to sign up visit: http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/56271-264591/Business-skills-and-the-low-Carbon-economy.html

it sounds like a great opportunity to me!
Tennie

Dear all,

The University of East Anglia are running a residential, experiential learning course specifically to prepare people to become entrepeneurs in the low carbon economy. The course is held on 7 to 9 September. It is open to early career researchers from across the country and it is free. The course includes a visit to Adnams brewery as an example of a low carbon enterprise. For more information on the course and on how to sign up visit: http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/56271-264591/Business-skills-and-the-low-Carbon-economy.html

it sounds like a great opportunity to me!
Tennie

Hi Sneaks,
not yet, but if you post a request for ideas you might well get some suggestions!!! It'd be a fab 'different' angle. You're very amusing when you're angry......

Dear all,
do you enjoy sharing your enthusiasm for your research with other people? Are you required to do public engagement as part of your doctorate? Vitae have opened an online discussion space on public engagement on:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/260911/Public-engagement.html
It holds articles on PE from different perspectives to which more will be added over the next fortnight and you are very welcome to add your own or to comment.

We have also launched a booklet on this topic in our practical booklet series:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/169081/Researcher-booklets.html

enjoy!
Tennie

inspired by this thread and some of the others on preparing for vivas on this forum I wrote my latest PGR Tips on, ye, preparing for your viva:

http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/61811/Current-issue-of-PGR-Tips.html
enjoy!
Tennie

p.s. you can also sign up to get these sent to your email inbox every month:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/3866/PGR-Tips-registration.html

On the Vitae RS blog there has been some discussion on CiteUlike, an online tool. I get very enthusiastic reports on it but haven't got round to using it myself yet.

http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/92123-205731/Citeulike---keeping-your-bibliography-on-the-web.html

hope that's useful,
Tennie

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Hi Montezuma,

sounds like you're pretty much nearly there! I agree with the planning reply by Pjlu (although I never did that myself). You are definitely not alone, procrastination is so common there is a section on it on the Vitae PGR website:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1233/Procrastination-and-perfectionism.html
be honest with yourself in trying to get to the cause of your 'stalling': have you reached a difficult chapter? Was getting this job your main motivation which you've now achieved?

good luck!
Tennie

Fantastic! I knew you could do it!
Minor corrections is fabulous. You are a star.
I am so pleased for you. Now you can concentrate on the next huge challenge.... being a mum of two!

How did your meeting with your supervisor go? Did you find out how long the presentation has to be and what they're expecting?

Don't stress- still all of 7 days to go! ANd in 8 days time it will be over!

Hi MumPhDstudent,
Being asked to do a presentation is again likely to be a way to put you at ease! It means you can rehearse the start of the viva and it gives you an opportunity to set the tone. I think it is vital that you ask for clarification of what is expected- length etc.... I'd expect it to be shorter than 20 minutes to be honest. Could you make it a more informal as they will have read your thesis anyway?: particular highlights? or a 'you have read my thesis but this is what I have discovered in the last few months since' ?(if there is anything). This is your chance to show your enthusiasm!

Try to get enough sleep....
Good luck!

Hi,

sorry, it worked from the email I got, so I have now posted the address when I got there in instead. hope that works!

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I got asked to circulate this and though of you all:

We are conducting an important survey and very much hope you will be able to share your views with us. We are designing a new programme that will create a network of people across disciplines, sectors and cultures who have the creative skills to collaboratively work towards solutions to challenges that all societies face. As an active member of the research and innovation community, we’d like to ask you some questions about your research interests, and how you interact with your peers and colleagues.

It is being run by the British Council solely for this purpose and the confidentiality of your answers will be guaranteed. Your answers will not will not be connected to you as an individual or shared with another party

The survey is being conducted online, so to give us your views all you have to do is go to the following internet address http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=9A0CdUUiBlnRSJa%2b8tw3sm%2buGGO1vEMjzdZwvK0HTfE%3d&

This will take you straight to the online survey, which should take you around 15 minutes to complete.

As a mark of our appreciation for your time, all those who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw. For the winner of the draw, we will donate the sum of £250 to a charity of her/ his choice. The closing date for the survey is 15 June 2010.

If you have any queries about completing this survey, please contact Mike Coney at the British Council on +44 207 389 3139 or e-mail [email protected]. He will be happy to answer your questions.

Thank you in anticipation of your help with this survey.