PhD Advice sought (How to cope)

[Walker_in_Eternity]

@SentientMeat

Another thing, Stryfe. A PhD is an excellent opportunity to get into science communication in general, which can be extremely rewarding and makes the whole thing a lot more meaningful, as well as looking great on your CV. Seek out training in presentation skills (you should be being actively encouraged anyway), think about a snappy, general interest science talk (maybe your field, maybe not: the SD itself is a fantastic resource) and get involved with your department’s schools liason or the British/American Association for the Advancement of Science. I’m still involved in this kind of thing myself, 4 years after my PhD.

That sounds like an ecellent idea, one of the courses on my physics degree was communicating physics, nothing to do with telecoms, all to do with writing papers, articles etc, it basically involved writing mock editorials for New Scientist and reviewing other work. The finale was to give a talk to the local BA on life in the universe, it seemed to be quite well received.

Do you have a contact at the BA or do they have a website?

I think as well that I have been unhappy here for personal reasons as well as the PhD, as I said earlier I have to live away from my family during the week, which is not easy. Also I am in halls, but intend moving out ASAP. There are 6 others, all postgrads but you would not know it, the standards of hygene are appalling.

If I can improve my accomodation it may make being away from my wife and kids more bearable. If may also mean that if I’m happier in general I will be more motivated in the course.

[SentientMeat]

Events.

Probably best if you just go ahead and join.

[Walker_in_Eternity]

Just as a follow up for anyone interested. My meeting with my supervisor was very positive.

Outcomes:

Myself and two others are to have health and safety inductions for the high voltage lab as soon as the lab manager can arrange it. As stated I will continue to push, gently but firmly for this to happen soon.

Clearer plan of what my project will entail, plus met colleagues who are working in related fields and may be able to offer advice.

I have also become involved in designing and procuring some test equipment that will benefit both my own and others projects.

Literature review is on track and I seem to have read the right subject areas, if not all of the prescribed papers. Hopefully if my writing is good enough, my lit review will form a chapter of my thesis (eventually).

I feel happier that I am not wasting my time now, once again, thanks to all who offered advice. At the very least I will give this project a year to see what happens. The worst case scenario then is that I walk away with an MPhil, which is better than leaving with nothing, best case I really enjoy it, complete the PhD and then just have to decide whether to go into industry or academia (assuming jobs in both sectors are available).