Saturday 29 November 2014

5 tips for choosing a supervisor

Choosing a supervisor, let alone a replacement supervisor can be a little daunting. My previous post was how I found myself in need of a new co-supervisor. It's made even more sad because I had built a strong working relationship with this supervisor who is taking up post at a university in a different state. 
The positive I guess is, it's a good reason to travel and visit my new associate supervisor!

The five things I look for when choosing a supervisor are:

1) personality - I have known both my supervisors for 4 years prior to asking them to take me on as their student. I had already built rapport with them. I knew how they worked professionally and I knew their areas of research. But I also knew I could work with them. It is important to choose a supervisor that you get along with as you will be their student for at least 3 years and possibly up to 8 years. 

2) their ranking- a supervisor's position at the university and number of published articles will give you an idea of their presence in research. Go for the best!

3) field of research- It is your project on your niche area. However, their expertise are invaluable. Is the prospective supervisor interested in your topic or is their expertise on a particular methodology the draw card?

4) how many students are they looking after at the moment? - if a supervisor has many students, will they gave time for you or if they are not supervising any, why not?

5) theses to completion -have they seen through research students to completion and how many? This is important as you want them to see you through to your thesis completion too!

I'm pleased to say I have a new co-supervisor who I believe will be a great fit into my project team. After my supervisor put a potential co-supervisor's name forward, I discussed my thesis topic with her. As she said she was looking for students to take on and after discussing my thesis topic, she agreed to be my co- supervisor.


Presenting to fellow researchers

I presented my first paper at a conference last June and I must admit I was a little starstruck. I listened to as many of the researchers covering my topic and found that many researchers I met, I've cited their or read their work. 
The research conference I attended was one of the smaller conferences each year. I can see why it's recommended as a good one for a beginning researcher to attend.
I met researchers in my field and I followed them up if I was able to via Linked In or Twitter. I also received terrific feedback on the beginning of my journey. It wasn't so scary in the end as it was a supportive atmosphere,
I'm already looking forward to the next one even though it will be held in a place that is very cold!
I highly recommend attending and presenting your research to date if you are a beginning researcher. You boost your public speaking confidence, remind yourself that your research is worthy and meet doctors in your field that could possibly help you down the track with your thesis.

Have you presented at a conference recently?

Saturday 8 November 2014

My supervisor is breaking up with me.

I'm heartbroken. I never thought this would happen to me. My supervisor is breaking up with me. We have seen through a Master's thesis together and he has been my rock. How could he take up a post at another University let alone in another state?!

I text my Principal supervisor in a daze. She said there was no need to panic and we would sort it out. The positives are it isn't her that's leaving and I only have to find a new co-supervisor. Thinking more clearly now, my supervisor has introduced me to some great academics so it shouldn't be a problem. It's just that I had rapport with my co-supervisor and a relationship built up over years. 

This post has now led me to: what should I look for in a supervisor?
I believe choosing a supervisor is key to a good working relationship and completing your thesis.
Luckily for me, choosing and asking an academic to be my co-supervisor is made easier because I have already started my PHD, I know some academics in my school and it is a co-supervisor I need not a Principal supervisor so they won't have the bulk of the supervisory part.

Things to look for in a supervisor:
Personality - would you be able to work with them?
Number of research students they have seen through to completion 
Number of students they currently have under their wing
Expertise in your field- look at their publications 
Position- go for the experienced and highly regarded member of the academic staff

Is there anything you would add?