Who Do You Need?
Today’s post is even more personal than yesterday’s question. It depends on who is around you, in your circle, and what they can practically offer or do for you, as well as what you really need. The cast of characters...
Daily viva help for PhDs
Today’s post is even more personal than yesterday’s question. It depends on who is around you, in your circle, and what they can practically offer or do for you, as well as what you really need. The cast of characters...
Getting together with others can make a big difference to your viva. Have a meeting with your supervisor to discuss possible examiners before submission. Ask a friend for coffee to talk about your research. Sit down with friends and family...
So many people told me this about the viva before my own, or have told me since about theirs. For most people it’s the simplest way to say something about their viva. But there’s no detail, and in the absence...
There’s a place for honest feedback and difficult questions in viva preparation. Criticism can help too, but all of this has to be in proportion with encouragement. Look for people who can help you see that it is all going...
It’s not making a fuss if you ask your supervisor for help before the viva. It’s not making a fuss if you think something is wrong with your viva or the outcome and believe you need to appeal something. It’s...
Most PhD candidates have real burning questions about the viva. There’s something they want to know about the process. They don’t know something about their examiners. They’re unsure whether something in their thesis is relevant or a problem. And they...
Look around you. There are lots of experts, able to share ideas, advice, experience. All you have to do is ask. Ask specific questions about viva experiences to learn what they’re like. Ask your supervisor and other academics how they...
A lot of people around you will say “good luck” before your viva. They can do a lot more if you ask. Your supervisor might say good luck, and mean it, but what they really mean is they hope you...
There are lots of people around you who could help you get ready for your viva. While you might do most of the work by yourself, there’s a lot you could find from others: Two supervisors, maybe more: they’ve seen...
Viva coming up? Think about who you know and what they can do for you: How can your supervisor help you prepare? Who among your close colleagues has some way of helping? Who do you know that could be a...