Overview of TreeofLife on PostgraduateForum.com

Overview of TreeofLife

Signup date: 12 Apr 2011 at 3:58pm

Last login: 26 Apr 2019 at 5:18pm

Post count: 2853

Recent Posts

Burn baby burn (what to keep)

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

I've got hoarding issues. I've kept everything from school, A levels, undergrad, MSc and PhD... I like to keep it. In reality, I think you only need to keep data.

Worrying

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

As a PhD student, you get a holiday allowance. It will be about 5 weeks a year. Take it.

Quote From Dunham:

I am pretty sure she will see it more positive when she finally finds a well paid job but so far the PhD was rather a disadvantage, which is of course frustrating and a justified reason to regret the decision to start a PhD. It would be completely lunatic to not consider that as a wrong life choice. It's just human to think like that.

It's not human to think like that at all. It's an option to think like that, but you don't have to. If I end up working for minimum wage for the rest of my life I will still never regret my PhD. Everyone is different. Personally I find it better to think of things as a positive experience than get bitter about them. I would expect that makes for a happier life.

Unemployed :(

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Quote From MrDoctor:

I still maintain, however, that personal and professional skills will never be taken away from you post-PhD. It's not a case of polishing a turd, if you'll excuse the expression. I just can't envisage ever seeing my PhD skills/experience as a negative thing.

Sure, if I end up working in retail where not even a Bachelors is required, I'd think "why on earth did I bother?", but I'd still be subconsciously using the skills I'd picked up along the way.

Intellectually, the PhD might never be useful again, but a PhD is so much more than that.

I think that anyone that disagrees with this hasn't got all they could have out of their PhD. A PhD is supposed to be a learning experience. It's supposed to change you. If all one has gained is a qualification, then it's been a missed opportunity.

Examiners said my corrections could be done in a week and I still haven't finished them! What to do?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

>>Thank you. One thing - I have noticed many typos that went unnoticed and I have created a list of them. Is it a good idea to include them, seeing as they weren't picked up earlier?>>

No, just correct them.

HE Teaching (PT) vs Admin job (FT) - more valuable?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Yep, teaching is best at this stage.

Unemployed :(

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

As the others have said, you are going to have to change your approach to interviews if you want a job. When I don't know people, I would rather spend all day not talking to anyone, not smiling at anyone, not making small talk with anyone, but that is not the way of world. If I can act differently in an interview, and in a work environment, then so can you. Choose to fake it and get a job, or choose not to, and stay unemployed. It's up to you.

Academic career with ex-polytechnic degrees?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

I think you should be fine if you give a good interview

Msc in Business Analytics

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

No idea, sorry

Was rejected after the personal interview on a PhD program.

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Sometimes the wait list might come through at the last minute, if a candidate drops out at the last minute.

You should apply for other places.

1st year problems

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Failed PhD

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

sorry for what you have been through but it's great to hear a successful appeal. Well done.

How do I put a map into my thesis?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Print screen from google maps?

Ph.d Overrun Funding?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

Quote From Auroracase:
Is it the exception as opposed to the norm for people to take just 3 years to finish their PHD in the UK?
I don't start until October and am being given a really generous stipend so won't need to work at all and my supervisors have made it pretty clear they expect it finished within 3 years. I'm assuming (I know that's dangerous) that as I will be able to focus entirely on my research that it is doable, but the previous comments are making me wonder if this is the case?

Would love some feedback from those in the know.

Yeah supervisors love to say this. If you are doing lab-based science, don't bet on being able to do it. It is totally the exception. I know one student who has done it. I think 3.5 years is realistic, and 3.75 years is probably an average completion time. My advice would be to save to ensure you have enough money to fund a whole 4th year. Then, if you manage to write up and have a viva before the end of your third year, you have a load of cash saved, if not, then you don't need to be stressed about finding a job whilst you are still writing up.

Non-academic jobs on academic CV

TreeofLife 2853 posts
9 years ago

I also worked in management for a few years before my PhD and mention this on my academic CV. I think it's important because I learnt a lot in the job. I was asked about it in my interview as well, so I highlighted the benefit of it for a career in science.