How You’d Start Over
If you were to start your PhD over again what would you do differently?
If you were to start again what would you do the same?
I don’t know how often examiners ask these questions. I’ve seen them suggested as good general discussion questions but haven’t verified if they’re widespread.
That said, they might be helpful questions to reflect on during viva prep.
What would you do differently? Write down three things you would change. Be specific. Say why. Consider the impact of these changes. What else might change as a result? Could you have done any of these at the time or do you only know this with the benefit of hindsight?
What would you do the same? Write down three things you would not change about your approach. Be specific and say why. What was the impact of these actions and why would it be important for you to do it the same again? Were you sure of their impact the first time around?
Your examiners need to unpick your process at the viva. It helps if you take time to do that during your prep.