Hello,

I have just passed my PhD viva with minor corrections! I know how much I have enjoyed and benefited from reading posts on this forum and although I have never posted myself I just thought I would share a little bit of my PhD story for those interested.

Firstly the PhD has been a hugely positive experience for me. I have enjoyed the work, had a great supervisor and even a few first author publications! It has come with its challenges though. Long lonely hours sat at a computer doing work that by the end of my PhD I no longer believed in, and having to motivate myself before my viva to at least show some enthusiasm! I can't stress how much I have benefited from a fantastic supervisor. I have often read posts on this forum and thought to myself how lucky I am but I also think that it is a two way process. For example my supervisor was always available for advice and guidance but the work was always my responsibility. If I didn't do the work or say if I needed help then he probably wouldn't have chased me up for months!

The viva: Approx 3 hours during which the examiners went page by page though the thesis asking questions about the background theory, topical issues in my area and questions surrounding the work. Apart from a few mind blank moments the time went very quickly and was (almost) fun! Not sure what else to say about the viva apart from I'm glad its over!

Despite a very good experience PhD wise (and in no way do I regret doing the PhD) I am now heading out into industry as there are too many cons for me in academia. I am looking forward to doing something that is a bit more in the 'real world' - I hate using that phrase but I can't think of a better way of putting it at the moment!

Good luck to all those still in the midst of PhD land!

Well done Juniper. Sounds like a good experience. yes you are right, there are also very good supervisors so that's good to point out :D

Congratulations and nice to hear that positive story. I enjoyed my PhD process as well and because i did it part time and had a full time job throughout, I was very grateful to be able to get to the end and not to worry about looking for jobs upon graduation.

Well done you!!

Congratulations Juniper! It's so nice to hear about people that have made it out the other side. Have a great celebration and good luck in your industry job!