Kelly Moes

Intracranial Hypertension | Disability Studies | Medical Sociology

Starting your PhD: Lessons learned from almost and new graduates


Book chapter


Tamara Reads, Kelly Moes, M.A. Bakhitya
J. Chen, C. Steel, What Every Doctoral Student Should Know but that No One Tells You: The Ins and Outs of Academia, chapter 1, Brill, [in press]


Cite

Cite

APA   Click to copy
Reads, T., Moes, K., & Bakhitya, M. A. Starting your PhD: Lessons learned from almost and new graduates. In J. Chen & C. Steel (Eds.), What Every Doctoral Student Should Know but that No One Tells You: The Ins and Outs of Academia. [in press]: Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004774766-003


Chicago/Turabian   Click to copy
Reads, Tamara, Kelly Moes, and M.A. Bakhitya. “Starting Your PhD: Lessons Learned from Almost and New Graduates.” In What Every Doctoral Student Should Know but That No One Tells You: The Ins and Outs of Academia, edited by J. Chen and C. Steel. [in press]: Brill, n.d.


MLA   Click to copy
Reads, Tamara, et al. “Starting Your PhD: Lessons Learned from Almost and New Graduates.” What Every Doctoral Student Should Know but That No One Tells You: The Ins and Outs of Academia, edited by J. Chen and C. Steel, Brill, doi:10.1163/9789004774766-003.


BibTeX   Click to copy

@incollection{tamara-a,
  title = {Starting your PhD: Lessons learned from almost and new graduates},
  address = {[in press]},
  chapter = {1},
  publisher = {Brill},
  doi = {10.1163/9789004774766-003},
  author = {Reads, Tamara and Moes, Kelly and Bakhitya, M.A.},
  editor = {Chen, J. and Steel, C.},
  booktitle = {What Every Doctoral Student Should Know but that No One Tells You: The Ins and Outs of Academia}
}

Abstract:

This chapter presents a reflective account of the doctoral journey as experienced by three PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds in the humanities. 

Drawing on personal stories, the authors explore the realities of starting and navigating a PhD, candidly addressing the emotional landscape, unforeseen challenges, and the oft-unspoken aspects of postgraduate study. The narrative highlights shared struggles with imposter syndrome, the importance of building supportive networks, and the unpredictable nature of research progress, including delays, setbacks, and serendipitous opportunities. Each of us offers insights into our unique path, emphasising the value of perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness. The chapter concludes with heartfelt letters to our former selves, offering advice and encouragement to future doctoral candidates. 

Collectively, these reflections aim to demystify the PhD process, fostering a sense of community and resilience among those embarking on or considering higher degree research.