University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Research and Innovation Services - Researcher Development - For PGRs - Getting Started with PGR Development

This PhD Life

This PhD Life is a one-day online symposium held twice a year in October and January/February.
It comprises of short talks from current doctoral students and early career researchers who share their experiences and top tips relating to the PhD experience with a dedicated time for Q&A.
All PGRs are welcome, especially those who are beginning their PhD journey.

We have a range of talks from navigating your first academic conference to advice from an international student. This really is your how-to guide on being a PGR. We also have top tips on balancing your PhD with academic jobs as well as practical advice for mental health and organising your time.

The next This PhD Life conference will be held online on 30th October 2024 (Wednesday).

Call for Speakers

What insider knowledge do you wish someone had told you at the start of your PhD?

How to make the most of conferences?
How to navigate your literature review?
What is it like to teach for the first time?
How to deal with changes in your project?
How to have a happy relationship with your supervisor?
What does it take to ace a PGR internship while studying?

We'd like to invite current doctoral and early career researchers to share their experiences with our new first years at This PhD Life - we’re looking for talks of around 10 minutes. We also welcome alternative formats like digital posters, short videos, or infographics.

If you have an idea for a presentation, let us know! Complete ⁠this short form by 5 pm, 9th October 2024 (Wednesday) to share your proposal with us.

This would be a great opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come, to try out presenting online, and to make a real difference to the experience of new PhD students. For example, you might talk about:

How to manage your workload	How to manage your supervisor	How to be a good lab partner
Balancing research and employment	What it’s like to be a GTA	How to manage working from home
Dealing with unexpected changes	What it’s like to do a PhD part-time	Being an international PGR
Adapting methodology to changing situations	What does a PhD actually look like?	Rediscovering the library as a researcher
Becoming a writer	How to have an academic online presence	Coming up with a chapter plan
Managing your wellbeing	Experiences in fieldwork	Managing a self-funded PhD
A practice-based PGR experience	Balancing a PhD with caring responsibilities	Making research connections