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!