Party Time
After my viva I felt like I was celebrating because that’s what I was supposed to do. My family was thrilled for me, but I just didn’t want to celebrate that evening. My viva wasn’t bad, but by the end...
Daily viva help for PhDs
After my viva I felt like I was celebrating because that’s what I was supposed to do. My family was thrilled for me, but I just didn’t want to celebrate that evening. My viva wasn’t bad, but by the end...
I like to use thinking tools, and “Plus, Minus, Interesting” is a good concept by Edward de Bono. To put it simply, it’s just a request to look at things from different perspectives: look for positives, negatives and interesting features,...
I love Star Trek. I love the visions of the future, the philosophical explorations and wonder of seeking out new worlds. I also love it when someone shouts, “Red Alert!” Two words that signify danger and excitement, but not panic:...
What if your examiners ask you a question and you go blank? What if you forget something? What if your examiners don’t agree on the outcome of the viva? What if you arrive late? What if you don’t know the...
It’s just you answering questions in the viva. Before then there are lots of people who can help you prepare. Think about your network. Think about the resources you can draw on. For example: Do you know someone who can...
15th September 2017 marked nine years since I became self-employed. My PhD was all done and dusted, and after a few weeks thinking about the future and what to do, that was the day that I had my first meeting...
I realised the other day that I often advise people to take their time when it comes to the viva. Plan how you’re going to prepare. Invest time in reading your thesis carefully. Don’t rush to an answer in the...
I talk about a lot of different things in Viva Survivor workshops, but there are certain tips or pieces of advice that often encounter a bit of resistance. See if they do the same for you that they do for...
If you’re looking for a way to share a summary of your research, as you might in the viva, think Why-How-What: Why is your topic worth researching? How have you gone about researching it? What have you found? Every time...
I put slips of paper on the walls by my desk to inspire or motivate me; they’re like really low-tech motivational posters! I wish I had a gorgeous sunset with a quote, but they don’t make them with the quotes...