How to make the most of your PhD Fellowship
The 3 years of a PhD Fellowship can seem like a long time but will pass quickly therefore you need to be organised from the beginning. Maximise the output from your PhD to ensure you’re competitive when applying for a Clinical Lectureship.
- Write as you go along – especially the methods. Always have in mind that any data you produce (e.g. charts, images) may go into the thesis. Perform analysis and formatting as you go along. Leave sufficient time for final write up.
- Label and date files and documents systematically.
- Arrange regular supervision meetings. Set the agenda, minute the meetings and action the minutes.
- Present data at lab meetings, departmental meetings and PathSoc Summer/Winter meetings – this is an important way to gather feedback and improve your research.
The two main aims of the PhD are:
- to conduct meaningful impactful research
- for you to develop as a researcher and begin to establish independence
Aim to achieve the following:
- Become confident and competent in a range of research skills and techniques, enabling you to become more independent as a Clinical Lecturer.
- Present and publish (ideally 3x 1st author primary research articles – although this will depend upon the nature of your research and some may not be published until after completion of the PhD). Ideally each chapter of your thesis should be publishable. Also consider writing book chapters and invited reviews.
- Build a local/national/international reputation.
- Build the beginnings of a research team (collaborators, supervisors, students, lab technicians that you work with).
- Apply for grants.
- Apply for prizes.
- Build your teaching portfolio.
- Build your leadership / management skillset e.g. become a member of a pathology committee.
- Undertake public engagement
