Keep Learning
Another pair of words to join “keep going” as a simple way to get ready for the viva. Follow the practices and efforts that have got you so far: Learn about viva expectations. Learn more about your examiners. Learn more...
Daily viva help for PhDs
Another pair of words to join “keep going” as a simple way to get ready for the viva. Follow the practices and efforts that have got you so far: Learn about viva expectations. Learn more about your examiners. Learn more...
If you’re looking to build your confidence, consider the hero moments of your PhD journey. When did you do something that was extraordinary? A comic, show or movie featuring superheroes often shows them in day-to-day moments doing something that someone...
Looking out of a window might not be enough to help you decide whether you should take an umbrella with you. You might need to step outside and feel the breeze. You might want to think about what the weather...
There’s no single right way to select examiners. There’s no best criteria for deciding whether you should have you supervisor at your viva. I can think of many options for planning out and completing viva prep. I have a lot of suggestions...
There are three parts to a successful viva: Effective preparation before the viva; Full engagement during the viva; Relieved celebration after the viva. Before the viva you need to take steps to get ready. Plan your prep in advance so...
I started the daily blog five years ago today by publishing No Accident. It was a short post to start an ongoing daily blog! I wanted to begin by exploring what gets a postgraduate researcher from the start to the...
If 99.9% of PhD candidates succeed in defending their thesis, why would you be any different? You’re not the exception, you’re exceptional: hard-working, talented, knowledgeable, determined and capable. You might be nervous or have doubts; explore what these really are...
I had an idea to do an “April fool!”-style post about this being the last day of Viva Survivors, but couldn’t bring myself to do it! 🙂 The last ever post. What would that look like? A summary? A thank...
A long time ago on the blog I offered some thoughts about examiners being like video game bosses: After all of the trials and tribulations of doing research, your examiners appear through the fog, two mysterious and challenging foes! Whatever...
Impostor syndrome is a commonly discussed topic in academia. It’s not unusual for a postgraduate researcher to feel they’re somehow not good enough as they get closer to their viva. I don’t know that anyone has a 100% solution to...