How to PhD- the essential guide for all University students!

Dr Arun Ulahannan & Dr Julia Gauly
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How to PhD- the essential guide for all University students!

This is How to PhD, the show dedicated to sharing those key, practical skills for PhD success. Perhaps you‘ve just decided to embark on a PhD, or maybe you‘re a seasoned doctoral veteran about to face your viva. Whatever stage you‘re at, the PhD can be a huge challenge. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you‘ll ever do and there are a few things we learned along the way that can help you. Join myself, Dr Arun Ulahannan and my co-host, Dr Julia Gauly, as we share everything we wish we had known before starting our PhDs!

  1. 25/11/2024

    How to get your PhD work into the media!

    Ever wondered how groundbreaking research grabs headlines? If you think it’s all about luck or fame, think again! This episode dives into the strategic side of getting your PhD research out of academic journals and into the wider world. With practical insights and tips, we’ll guide you through the process of working with the media to amplify your work’s impact. First, we discuss the growing importance of media engagement for academics, especially with the increasing emphasis on reach and societal impact. From understanding what makes a compelling press release to crafting one that catches a journalist’s eye, we break down the essentials. We’ll share why press releases are your gateway to media attention, how to structure them effectively, and the key phrases that make your findings stand out—all while avoiding overblown claims. And once the media bites? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a live interview, radio spot, or a TV appearance, we’ll walk you through how to prepare, handle questions, and keep your nerves in check. Tune in for actionable advice that ensures you’re ready to shine when your research meets the spotlight.

    27 min

  2. 11/11/2024

    What is IMPACT and why it's essential for your future career!

    In this episode, we dive into the concept of impact in research—what it is, why it’s crucial, and how you can plan for it even at the PhD stage. We explore how impact goes beyond simple dissemination or public engagement, aiming for real change in society, the economy, culture, policy, health, and beyond. Our conversation covers practical ways to identify beneficiaries and stakeholders, the significance of short-, medium-, and long-term impact planning, and the essential components of reach and significance in assessing impact. We discuss how early planning for impact can enhance both your academic career and industry prospects, guiding you to align your research with meaningful, measurable goals. Finally, we offer tips on preparing project bids with impact in mind and building valuable relationships that can help carry your research into the real world. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to take your research impact to the next level!

    20 min

  3. 28/10/2024

    How to craft your PhD's story

    In this episode, we explore why a strong narrative is the backbone of a successful PhD. It’s not just about compiling studies or chapters; it’s about weaving them into a story that’s engaging and easy to follow. We discuss how to build a compelling pitch that answers essential questions and captivates your audience.   You’ll also hear tips for refining your PhD story, from visualising your work with simple tools to structuring your thesis in a way that flows naturally. Finally, we share advice on embracing storytelling to enhance your research’s impact, making it memorable and meaningful.   Tune in to discover how to transform your PhD journey into a narrative that resonates!

    22 min

  4. 24/08/2024

    A little teaser for Season 3...

    Get ready for the best season yet! Season 3 is almost here, and we’re taking your PhD journey to new heights. From building a standout PhD narrative to navigating tricky co-worker dynamics, this season is packed with insights that will help you create impactful research and get the recognition you deserve. Stay tuned for expert tips on balancing work and study, mastering the art of media attention, and much more. Launching late September/early October— we'll see you soon!

    2 min

  5. 10/10/2023

    S2E9 | Handle criticism like a PRO with our guide!

    This week, hosts Arun and Julia share personal experiences and practical guidance on handling criticism effectively. They emphasize the universality of criticism and the need to recognize its emotional impact, advising listeners to step away and regain perspective when it stings. The episode provides insights on embracing feedback by considering the reviewer's perspective, depersonalizing criticism, and maintaining professionalism in responses. Additionally, Arun and Julia stress the importance of seeking feedback from trusted sources who have their best interests at heart, equipping listeners with valuable strategies for transforming criticism into a tool for personal and professional growth.

    27 min

  6. 03/10/2023

    S2E8 | What they don’t tell you about plagiarism!

    In Season 2 Episode 8, hosts Arun and Julia discuss the critical issue of plagiarism, shedding light on its various forms and offering valuable tips on how to avoid it. They emphasize that plagiarism involves taking someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as one's own. Arun and Julia caution against the serious consequences of plagiarism, citing examples of individuals who have faced academic and professional repercussions for this unethical practice. They highlight the importance of proper referencing, paraphrasing, and the use of multiple sources to avoid plagiarism. The hosts then delve into practical advice for avoiding plagiarism, focusing on mastering the art of paraphrasing. They share strategies such as using quotation marks and references when copying text for later paraphrasing and suggest speaking aloud to facilitate rephrasing. They stress the importance of seeking assistance from colleagues when needed. Arun provides a step-by-step guide to paraphrasing, emphasizing the need to change word order, form, and use synonyms while preserving the original meaning. They also discuss the importance of indicating direct quotes, maintaining author names and page numbers, and the judicious use of direct quotes. The episode goes on to stress the significance of using a range of sources to enrich one's academic work. Arun and Julia advocate for synthesizing ideas from various sources rather than merely listing them. They offer practical tools and techniques to expand one's source list and effectively manage references. The hosts also touch upon the ethical issue of self-plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of indicating previous dissemination of work. Lastly, they offer insights on plagiarism checkers, advising listeners to rely on their writing skills while cautioning against free services that may compromise data privacy.   Links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe-writing-centre/reference-effectively-avoid-plagiarism/paraphrasing   and http://typeset.io

    31 min

  7. 26/09/2023

    S2E7 | Smart ways to make extra cash during your studies!

    In the latest episode of "How to PhD," hosts Arun and Julia discuss practical strategies for graduate students to supplement their income during their doctoral studies. As the cost of living continues to rise, finding additional sources of cash becomes crucial. Arun and Julia, who were fortunate to have fully funded positions during their own doctorates, share their insights and suggestions for both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. Within the university, they recommend exploring traditional routes such as teaching assistantships, offering lectures or seminars, and even research assistant roles. They also highlight the potential to earn extra income through exam marking, lab demonstrations, and invigilation work. Beyond the campus, Arun and Julia discuss part-time employment, freelancing options like proofreading and tutoring, and joining recognized panel services as a field expert. They stress the importance of considering the impact of these income-generating activities on one's CV and future career goals, as well as being diligent about payment methods and time commitments. The episode offers a comprehensive guide for graduate students seeking ways to make extra money during their PhD studies. Arun and Julia's advice spans opportunities within and outside the university, with a strong emphasis on balancing these activities with academic responsibilities and career aspirations. As always, please do leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Thank you for listening!!

    25 min

  8. 19/09/2023

    S2E6 | Our best writing motivation and productivity hacks!

    Welcome back to "How to PhD," Season 2, Episode 6! In this episode, Arun and Julia are your guides on a journey to boost and maintain your writing motivation. Writing is at the core of every PhD, but staying motivated can often feel like an uphill battle. Arun and Julia share their own experiences and dive deep into valuable insights and strategies to reignite your passion for writing. Discover how to visualize and track your progress effectively with word counts, goal setting, personal writing journals, calendars, and more. Learn how your surroundings and the people around you can either hinder or elevate your motivation and productivity. Find out how writing groups and feedback can keep you in the writing zone. Plus, unlock the power of free writing to conquer writer's block and unleash your creativity. Join Arun and Julia in this episode as they empower you with practical tools and techniques to maintain your writing motivation and make steady progress on your PhD journey. Don't forget to treat yourself for your achievements and take breaks to recharge. If you enjoy "How to PhD," please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, visit our website at howtophd.show, and consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee. Spread the knowledge by sharing this episode with fellow PhD students who could benefit from these valuable insights. Thanks for tuning in!

    29 min
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About

This is How to PhD, the show dedicated to sharing those key, practical skills for PhD success. Perhaps you‘ve just decided to embark on a PhD, or maybe you‘re a seasoned doctoral veteran about to face your viva. Whatever stage you‘re at, the PhD can be a huge challenge. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you‘ll ever do and there are a few things we learned along the way that can help you. Join myself, Dr Arun Ulahannan and my co-host, Dr Julia Gauly, as we share everything we wish we had known before starting our PhDs!

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