Walk with me: 2nd year PhD student update

TL;DR

PhD student discusses challenges and experiences during second year, including research and self-funding.

Transcript

hi everyone if you don't know me my name is ava i'm a phd student from ucl i thought today i'll do a bit of a walk with me instead of just sitting at my desk talking about what it's like doing a phd so yeah i'm going to show you around a little bit around so basically i'm in my second year and i need to complete a phd upgrade which is basically wha... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Imposter syndrome is common among self-funded students, but reflecting on achievements can boost confidence.
• 💦 Balancing extra work commitments with a PhD program can be challenging, requiring clear prioritization.
• 🥅 Every PhD experience is unique, with individual goals and priorities shaping the journey.
• 😀 Self-funding students may face financial constraints when attending conferences due to limited funding opportunities.
• 🏛️ Building a supportive community of peers can provide motivation and help navigate challenges during the PhD journey.
• 😫 Taking breaks and setting boundaries, such as not working on weekends, is essential for maintaining well-being during the PhD process.
• 🆘 Embracing the uncertainty and unique nature of each PhD journey can help alleviate stress and expectations.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the focus of the PhD student's research?

The PhD student's research focuses on examining how traumatic memories are processed and their connection to PTSD and psychosis. They are exploring whether individuals are more prone to PTSD symptoms, psychosis, or both after experiencing trauma.

Q: How does the PhD student feel about being a self-funded student?

The PhD student experiences imposter syndrome as a self-funded student, feeling doubtful at times about their worthiness in the program. However, they reflect on their application process and achievements to boost confidence.

Q: What challenges does the PhD student face in their second year?

The PhD student mentions challenges such as waiting for feedback, difficulty in prioritizing work commitments, and struggling with analyzing a large amount of complex data for their research.

Q: How does the PhD student balance research, teaching, and marking roles?

The PhD student takes on additional roles such as a research assistant, teaching, and marking to gain more experience and income. They emphasize the importance of setting priorities and taking breaks to prevent burnout.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• PhD student at UCL shares insights and struggles during the second year of their program.

• Research focus on processing traumatic memories and its relation to PTSD and psychosis.

• Discusses challenges of self-funding, imposter syndrome, extra work commitments, and community building.