OK, this post relates specifically to a science PhD.  I have no idea if doing a social science PhD is a different experience.  So let’s stick to science. 

Where to start?  I get the feeling this is going to be a long post…..

I suppose the place to start is why did I do a PhD?  Well, I was at the end of my degree and basically someone offered it to me.  I took a month to deliberate it.  The husband and I were lying in bed one morning debating the pros and cons when we decided to consult the master of all decisions – my wee unazukin.  I asked her ‘should I do this PhD’ and (the bitch) she nodded ya.  So we decided there and then that I would go for it.

I am sure you are wondering if I ever look back on that fateful morning and think ‘lets burn that muthafookin unazukin’ but no I dont think that (maybe just a wee tad).

If I hadnt taken the advice of a plastic toy then I wouldnt have met three very good friends.  If I hadnt laid my future happiness on the line for Una then I wouldnt have realised how much I fookin hate scientists. 

OK OK maybe that is a bit harsh.  Maybe. 

Does this automatically lead on to why I hate/love scientists? Nearly nearly, don’t be so impatient.

I always thought that I wanted to be a ‘scientist’.  Yes I put scientist in inverted commas, deal with it.  OMG scientists rock! EVEN now, after my limited experience I still believe they rock.

 In my mind, at the beginning, a scientist did the following things:

  • read lots of cool science stuff
  • enjoyed being called Dr
  • took advantage of being called Dr (is there a dr on the plane?)
  • read someones work, improved or changed it then expected another scientist to do the same to your work
  • encouraged other scientists in your field
  • made your science accessible to everyone (my mom included)
  • sound really cool when u are drunk and explained ur research to someone else
  • tried to convince someone that if I can do it then ANYONE can so do it (trust me on this)
  • that even though I have done a PhD this does not make me over qualified for a job.  OMFG trust me on this, I am sooooooo not overqualified. 

So how does a PhD start?  You get introduced to everyone in the department, lecturers, phd students, master students, admin staff.  I will just take this point to say, admin staff are your godsend, treat them well because they know everything and every person you are gonna need to talk to.

After the introductions? You are on your own.  Seriously.

No really, y o u – a r e – o n - y o u r  – o w n

Even though you have your family fluttering around you, other new PhD students being excited, old PhD students being jaded (cough splutter is that moi?), and your supervisor(s) being extremely proactive, trust me when I say you are on your fucking owneo.

After the initial introductions that every department has, the reading begins.  And carries on.  For about  a year.  Yip, really really a year.  You will read books, online articles, websites, and omfg journals.  I could write a book on why I hate journals.

Anyhoo, the reading takes over.  And people will ask you what your PhD is about.  MWAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!

As if you have a clue at this stage!

Be honest!  You have nooooo clue what your research is really about.  All you know is a title, and this will probably change.  Even now, I still change my title.