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Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net

Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net. Theresa Mercer Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability, University of Hull. Transitions. Student. Researcher. My Background. Education BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA)

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Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net

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  1. Life after the PhD: Walking the tightrope without a safety net Theresa Mercer Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability, University of Hull

  2. Transitions Student Researcher Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 2

  3. My Background Education • BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (UEA) • MSc Environmental Management (Sunderland) • PhD Environmental Geochemistry (Hull) Work Experience • PhD – research assistant – HYDRALAB • Postdoc research assistant - CASS Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 3

  4. Rollercoaster of EmotionsPhilips and Pugh (1998) - PhD 3. Interest Independence 1. Enthusiasm 6. Euphoria 5. A job to be Finished 2. Isolation 4. Boredom Frustration Safety Net = Supervisor Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 4

  5. Rollercoasters do not suit me!! Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 5

  6. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 6

  7. 1. Euphoria Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 7

  8. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 8

  9. 2. Tiredness Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 9

  10. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 10

  11. 3. Job Hunting • Suddenly realise that you are all alone in the big wide world and it’s time to get a job! • The world may be your oyster but you still have to go after the opportunities and this can be a scary and difficult journey • Use your networks (PhD) • Apply for related jobs – tailor your work and get good at selling your work Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 11

  12. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 12

  13. 4. First Post-doc Job • Started at the end of the PhD • Short-term contracts (post-doc) • Independence Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 13

  14. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 14

  15. 5. Insecurities/Rejections • What Really Counts: • Funding grants • Publications • Collaboration • Invited presentations • Do I deserve title of ‘Dr’? • Similar insecurities as with PhD • new skills/knowledge • Supervisor • Rejections Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 15

  16. Rollercoaster of EmotionsTransition from student to researcher 1. Euphoria 4. First Job 6. Moving On 2. Tiredness 3. Job hunting 5. Insecurities Rejection Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 16

  17. 6. Moving On • Move onto next job/project • On your way • Not at this stage yet • Nature Careers (3rd, February 2011) • ‘Taking The Plunge’ • Laura Bonetta • Many life scientists complete more than one postdoc before finding a permanent position. • Career position • Additional training • Interests • Lack of funding (project money) Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 17

  18. Theresa’s Top Tips 1 • Start job applications early • Start the publishing process early • Develop a thick skin • Keep in touch with your contacts from your PhD and expand on this network • Try and get involved in all you can • Keep your independence Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 18

  19. Theresa’s Top Tips 2 • Get involved in a mentoring scheme • Attend training events – research/development (continuing skills) MOST IMPORTANTLY • Enjoy your experience and the transition • You will miss being a PhD student • Reflect on your journey Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 19

  20. Useful Websites for Researchers • Vitae (section for researchers) http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1269/Research-staff.html • UK Research Staff Association • Postgraduate Toolbox (http://www.postgraduatetoolbox.net/site/index) • Postgraduate Forum (http://www.postgraduateforum.com/home.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1) • Graduate Junction (http://www.graduatejunction.net/) • Post Doc Career Initiative (http://www.pcdi.nl/) • UK MentorSET (http://www.mentorset.org.uk/) Life After the PhD| 10 February 2011| 20

  21. Any questions? Email: T.Mercer@hull.ac.uk

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