I am a PhD student!

I am a PhD student at Sheffield Hallam University. My interview was very tough but fair and 3 of the 4 members of the panel agreed to supervise me so, I not only have a place, but a team.

I know the benefits are going to be very good, although the investment is a long term one (my offer letter has my latest date for submission written on it: 2 October 2012). The interview highlighted a few holes in my thinking. Even if I have been working with research students for the last 4 years, I don’t think I will have an easier ride than any other students. I may have more conscience of what it is I am in for but new knowledge is wilderness no matter how much one knows about generic research skills.

Due to my line of work, I think I may over-develop two aspects of the research degree: writing and professional management. I think I may have to warn my supervisors about these two obsessions before they get a 30,000-word document…

Teaching PhD students whilst being one is going to be a difficult journey. However, not having a PhD has already proved a challenge with some students so the journey will be definitely worth it. In order not to confuse students, I will have to refer to my PhD as my research and emphasize the idea of adult-adult relationship rather than teacher-pupil.