Thinking of Switching Subjects for your PhD? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Lucy, a PhD student in Earth Sciences, discusses her journey of switching from Physical Geography to Earth Sciences, and how she has coped with imposter syndrome and challenges in her new field of study.

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Imposter syndrome is common among PhD students, particularly when transitioning to a different field of study.
• 🧑‍🎓 Teaching oneself and seeking help is often necessary even for PhD students with conventional background knowledge.
• 🎟️ Switching disciplines can be both a hindrance and an advantage, as it brings a unique perspective but requires extra effort to catch up on missed knowledge.
• ❓ Continual learning and acknowledging one's limitations are crucial in academia.
• 👶 The skills gained in previous academic pursuits can still be valuable and applicable in a new field.
• 😊 Deciding to change disciplines requires careful consideration of the pros and cons.
• 🖐️ Support and patience from supervisors and peers play a significant role in managing imposter syndrome.

Transcript

hey my name is Lucy I'm a third-year PhD student in oxmyx department of earth sciences but even after two years here sometimes I find it hard to shake the feeling of being an imposter in my own department that's mostly because I didn't study for an earth science degree or even take any of the conventional any levels required to study it the footage... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Lucy feel about teaching Earth Sciences to undergraduates despite not having studied it as an undergraduate herself?

Lucy initially had doubts about her qualifications to teach Earth Sciences, but she realized that even her peers with geology degrees sometimes needed to teach themselves certain topics. She believes that her learning coming later than her colleagues doesn't make her incapable, but rather highlights the importance of continuous learning in academia.

Q: What were some difficulties Lucy faced when transitioning to a new discipline?

Lucy struggled with certain topics, such as thermodynamics, where she lacked the necessary foundational knowledge. This hindered her ability to complete problem sets and caused her to fall behind. However, with help and patience, she is slowly catching up.

Q: Did Lucy's background in Physical Geography provide any advantages in her new field?

Lucy considers the skills she gained in her undergraduate studies as valuable tools that might come in handy in her future career. While switching disciplines presented challenges, she believes that having multiple perspectives can be advantageous and that her previous knowledge is not a waste of time.

Q: What advice does Lucy have for those considering changing subjects for their PhD?

Lucy suggests weighing the advantages and disadvantages of switching fields and being prepared to put in extra work if needed. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that no one is born knowing everything and that the purpose of a PhD is to learn something new.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lucy, a PhD student in Earth Sciences, reflects on her experience of switching from Physical Geography to Earth Sciences.

• She acknowledges feeling like an imposter in her own department due to her unconventional academic background.

• Lucy discusses the challenges of catching up on missed years of study, but also highlights the advantage of bringing a unique perspective to her research.