Thanks for all the responses guys - they've definitely made me feel better about it all

I think I've just been feeling a bit low lately due to problems with my masters research, which has also been making me doubt my abilities somewhat - and with the conference thing on top I've just been having a 'bit of a wobble' (as my mum would put it!!)

Thnaks again!

Hi all!

I was wondering what people think are good traits in a successful PhD student?

I'm a masters student in the biological sciences, currently thinking about starting the process of applying for PhDs... but I've had a recent crisis of confidence that makes me wonder if I'd actually be any good as a PhD student.

The crisis came about after I was offered the opportunity to attend a conference to present some previous research - I couldn't go as it clashes with my masters course but rather than being disappointed, I have to admit I was relieved, as the thought of presenting my research to an entire room of academics quite frankly terrifies me! This has me worried though - that my lack of confidence could really hinder me as a PhD student. I love research... but I really do worry that my low self-confidence could create real problems and could be interpreted as a lack of drive and motivation.

So... do people think this is likely to be an issue for me? Do I just not have what it takes to cut it as a PhD student?!