Understanding
“What did you do today Nathan?” I tried to show the complexity of the algorithm that I’ve been developing for the last three months. “…Bolognese for tea, OK?” “How’s it going Nathan? What you been up to, finished that thing...
ask your allies
Who You Ask
Lots of people say lots of things about the viva. It depends who you ask. It depends on their experience. If you ask your supervisor about your upcoming viva they might tell you not to worry. They could offer a...
Friends & Colleagues
Part of being ready for your viva involves knowing your stuff: you need to read your thesis, you need to make notes and you need to rehearse for the viva. Part of being ready involves knowing what others know: you...
Asking For Help
It’s better to ask for help before the viva when you know what you need help with. Reflecting on the problem or gap in knowledge can highlight who it’s best to ask. It’s easier to ask for help before the...
Friendly Questions
Around submission time reach out to your friends and colleagues in your department. For the particular friends who might know a little about your research, ask for time: can they listen to you talk about your work? Would they have...
Getting Help
Need help for your viva? Here are seven tips: Know what you need. It’s easier to get help if you can appreciate the gap that help helps with! If you’re not sure, reflect and try to put it into words....
At A Distance
Ask for help when you’re getting ready for your viva. Talk to your friends and colleagues in your department. Get them to listen to you talk about your work or ask about their experiences. Get the benefit of their help!...
Advice = Options
If you’re finishing your PhD then you will know a lot of people who have advice for you (sometimes whether you want it or not). Friends, colleagues, supervisors, researcher-development staff, random internet people with their daily blogs… How do you...
Ask Your Peers
Where peers are your friends, colleagues, acquaintances and whatever other titles you can think of! Ask about their vivas. Ask about their experiences. Ask what they know about the viva. Ask them what they did to get ready and if...
Surprising Questions From Candidates
I’m enjoying a nice summer break, but while I do I am missing sharing viva help in webinars. Before 2020 I’d already delivered viva sessions and workshops for a decade. With all of that combined experience – as you might...