Nga korero:
Read Quicker, be disciplined & write!!
When asked what she would do differently, Rawinia (2004 Maori Studies) said: "I'd have read quicker, disciplined myself more & written sooner! You have to get in the zone with a PhD. It's a marathon, not a sprint"
Furthermore she says that "it's wise to expect and allow your topic to change and evolve." as "it is part of the process; you need to embrace it"
Keep the experience of learning interesting!
Axel who completed in 2007 (Pharmacy) impresses the need to be "curious" to "keep your mind open, and be receptive to new information. Go to lots of seminars, even if they're not directly in your area, and don't be afraid to ask simple questions. Having a broad knowledge of your field and beyond can be useful in all sorts of unexpected ways. And it keeps the experience of learning interesting."
Good Supervision!!
There were a number of people who spoke about supervision and the need for a good supervisor.
For Matthew who completed in 2007 (Mathematics & Statistics): "You need a good supervisor who takes an interest in your work; not one who makes you do theirs."
He says to "choose your supervisor well. It will make or break the PhD."
For Helen who completed in 2007 (Accounting) she says that the "secret" is "great supervisors".
She goes on to describe the relationship with your supervisor as one of TRUST
"You put so much trust in this one relationships. They will tell you when you're ready to submit, and you rely on them not to embarrass you by letting you submit something which is not ready"
She goes on to say that if you are considering a PhD then "start thinking about your supervisor. Ask around, talk to other students. Make sure you are happy."
For Elisabeth who complete in 2006 (English) she recommends that you be "proactive about your supervisory relationship" and that you turn up to your meetings with them "prepared". Be prepared with questions to ask. Get out of your supervisors what you need. She knew the direction she wanted the meeting to take, and knew what questions she wanted to ask to help her with her thesis.
Again Paul who completed in 2007 (Biochemistry) stresses the need for "great supervisors." His supervisors were "well seasoned, established academics who had no interest in making the process more complicated than it needed to be."
Mele's (2006 Psychology) experience was different in that she was paired up with a new academic in her department "who turned out to be fantastic. But it was luck."
She did her homework on her supervisor reading his CV and his publications.
Robert, (2007 History) on the other hand, came to this University to work with a resident history guru whilst Paul (2006 Classics) recommends communicating with supervisors regularly especially at the beginning of the PhD process "even if its for five or ten minutes at a time" as it is "important to build a relationship with your supervisor, and to establish expectations."
Baastiaan (2008 Zoology) who had a marine biology background entered into a new field of mathematics and computer programming all of which he taught himself! He credits his success to a "supportive, approachable supervisor, like minded PhD colleagues, fascination with his subject and a good dose of grim determination.
They cant say enough about G O O D S U P E R V I S I O N
Other Hints
Family & community support!!
For Mele, (Psychology 2006) support from her family, friends & Pacific Island Centre was invaluable.
Fascination for your topic!!
Robert (2007 History), insists that your topic must be fascinating for you!
- Make sure you choose something with enough juice to get you through to the end,as you have to live with your choice night & day – it needs to be your project – you are investing a lot into it & you need to feel free to pursue interesting lines of study should they arise
- Sort your research questions out as soon as possible
- Have a clear idea about what you want to achieve
Write, write & write!!
Rosanna (2006 Pharmacology) had a working day of 12 hours per day with very few weekends off!
- Her advice for efficient completion is to write!!
- Begin writing early & write often from the beginning!
- This is a great way to manage your time & is a great boost to the quality of your PhD
- Your understanding of your topic increases exponentially when you write. So if you write sooner, you become smarter sooner & you can apply that knowledge to the rest of your thesis
- Join a research group & contribute to each other’s papers
Motivation!
Be motivated by the PhD for its own sake says Paul (2006 Classics) to maintain momentum throughout the entire process
- It’s a good idea to know what the final version of what you want looks like
- Come to understand what an acceptable level of scholarship is
- Rule of thumb: when its more right than wrong, let it go!
Secret to completing:
- Constant steady progress & set lots of goals
- Write steadily & allow your thesis to grow incrementally
- “You get much further critiquing something that’s written down in words, rather than an idea you’re thinking about”
Feedback improves your work!
Rebecca (2008 Marine Science) attended a particular conference where two of the leading academics in her field attended her presentation & provided feedback
- You need to be passionate about it with a healthy dose of perspective
- “The thesis is a working document. Its what you use to generate papers and further research. If you obsess about it being a perfect endpoint, you’ll never hand it in”
Relax, enjoy life & keep trying!
Bastiaan (2008 Zoology), advises: “make sure you take enough time off to relax, enjoy life and keep trying! Don’t be afraid of hard questions, or hard concepts. The best ideas often arise when you’re relaxed.”
For complex concepts: a case of mind over matter – the secret is - don’t become overwhelmed by how difficult ideas seem. Work your way through the ideas step by step and the logic should emerge.
When do you know that you have done enough to call it a PhD?
You have to know when to draw the line & present the PhD as a total project: Paul (2007 Biochemistry).
Paul’s advice: Have faith in your own thoughts and know that if you are diligent and carful and follow a process, your confidence in your field will grow – and you will get a PhD in the end!
Learn to write well!
Mathias (2003 Information Science): learn to write well and tell your stories in an intriguing way
- Cement relationships within your research community by attending conferences & even studying at another university
- Relax & enjoy the beach when you have a chance
Not a hobby!
Elisabeth (2006 English): start writing from day one and get your ideas down on paper
- Get involved in an international community of scholars
It’s a long journey – celebrate along the way!
Helen (2007 Accounting): treat your PhD like a job – don’t get into the habit of not doing it
- Celebrate your milestones: literature review, submitting first draft, receiving examiners report
- “The PhD is a big deal, its something relatively few people ever attain and it is something to be truly proud of”
Feedback plugs the gaps!
For Daniela (2007 Marketing): she treated feedback as less about motivating changes to her thesis and more about plugging the ‘gaps’ ensuring her research was more robust against criticism
- Naaku noa -
Hauiti
