Experiencing the doctorate: Exploring strategies and emotions

Experiencing the doctorate – Exploring strategies and emotions

Dr Matthew Callender, Dr Richard Hazenberg, Dr Fiona Cosson

The doctoral experience can be described as an emotional roller-coaster which has extreme highs (presenting at international conferences, getting published, submitting the thesis, becoming an expert in your field) but also some lows (negative feedback from supervisors, feelings of isolation and self-doubt, sacrifice). While being these extremes, the doctoral experience also has many emotional twists and turns (meeting new people and potential future peers, the highs and lows of writing and being creative, conflicting priorities in balancing home and work life).

In this workshop, three recent Northampton graduates (Dr Matthew Callender – Human Geography, Dr Richard Hazenberg – Business and Dr Fiona Cosson - History) share their PhD experiences in order to identify coping strategies in key moments and events. This interactive workshop offers an opportunity to discuss some of the different emotions they experienced during their research and the strategies they used to successfully complete their journey and take their next steps into the academic community. The workshop is aimed at students at any stage of their PhD or Research Degree and will offer the chance to reflect on your own approach and management to your own experience.

Outcomes:
• Richer understanding of emotional dimensions of doctoral experience
• Strategies to manage emotions within research degree experiences
• Tips and advice concerning positive outcomes and success

This workshop is open to any student currently registered on a research degree programme at the University of Northampton. Further information is available from Simone Apel (simone.apel@northampton.ac.uk; 01604 893418).