My experience about public defence of dissertation

My experience about public defence of dissertation PhD in and Out 15.10.2010 PhD Meri Kallasvuo meri.kallasvuo@rktl.fi

Background • MSc 2006 University of Helsinki • PhD 2010 Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute & University of Helsinki  Worked in FGFRI since 2006: postgrad studies + several projects (e.g. VELMU, NANNUT)

10.9.2010

Outline 1. Before: postgraduate studies • Research project • Funding 2. Getting ready to the public defence • Motivation • Time management 3. Public defence 4. Karonkka party 5. After defence

1. Before • My PhD conducted as part of institute’s research project + Employed all time + Opportunity to work also in other projects  more experience, expertise, contacts - Had to work on PhD a lot on my free time • Several other ways to do it…  Remember it’s a thesis, not a life’s work!

2. Getting ready: motivation • Will I make it?  Yes you will, 1500 fellow young scientist make it every year in Finland • PhD defence is a day to celebrate– hard work finally pays off • Get motivated: ask tips and experiences from friends and other recently finished, make first draft of lektio, begin organizing party… • Defending your PhD is fun! • Remember you are the best expert of your own work!

2. Getting ready: time management • Arrange as loose schedule as possible between PhD review, license to defend and public defence • Sketch a schedule and try to follow it: not too much extra work in one single week • Work, eat and sleep as normally as possible • Share responsibilities: ask friend/spouse/colleague to help, buy services (layout, catering etc.) • Try not to stress too much!  Makes it more pleasant to organize the day

2. Getting ready: last week • Try to cool down now, arrangements should be already under control… • Arrange meeting with opponent and custos: go through practical matters • Practice lektio, arrange rehearsal PhD defence, discuss with your colleagues  Get to the right atmosphere, try to anticipate opponent’s themes and questions • Break the ice: dinner with opponent (and custos) at previous evening

2. Getting ready: morning • Have relaxing morning and eat good breakfast • Arrive in time, download lektio, check technical arrangements (computer, projector, pointer, lightning, drinking water) • Arrange friends/colleagues to help: deliver books, show seats to audience, help with flowers etc. • Remember to have lunch, even though often not hungry when nervous

3. PhD defence • Remember • Audience is on your side • You are the best expert… but prepare yourself also to questions outside your study field • Opponent is guest of honour, make sure audience also feels this way • Be polite (titles), don’t speak too fast, explain difficult terms • Present your work (lektio), answer questions and discuss so that audience understands and enjoys • Relax and enjoy!

4. Karonkka party • Is there need to keep company to opponent between defence and evening party? • Celebrate the day in way that best suits you • I organized a karonkka dinner for 45 colleaguesand family members + big after party for all fiends • Try to avoid unnecessary DIY–spirit  day has been long, now you’re entitled to just enjoy • Make/organize well in advance seating, menu cards, decorations, flowers, catering etc. • Remember to prepare welcome words and speech to thank everyone involved

5. After defence • Relief! • Well deserved holiday or back to work and normal life – choose what ever suits you best • I do not recommend heavy advanced modelling course right after karonkka… • Avoid “post-dissertation blue” by doing something fun and focusing on future • PhD defence day is one of best days in life, worth waiting, appreciating and enjoying!

Thank you!

My experience about public defence of dissertation