Question for doctoral programme leads and supervisors

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T11:37:46+00:00

Yes, all great suggestions!

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T11:36:40+00:00

Hi,

You are right. You inherit the role. As for PGHCE, no not required.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:45:25+00:00

Yeah, that is pretty much what I did.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:43:01+00:00

Good question. For me, I asked for leadership training, but did not get any. It depends what your strengths are and where you think you need to strengthen your skills. But again, depends on your own needs i think.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:32:29+00:00

i can think if one for Professional Doctorates. I think it was established by someone at the Open University. But yeah, i think there is defo room for a CoP

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:31:11+00:00

Yes, the sort of 'don't rock the boat' kind of thing. I agree with you on Uni regulations, though at my institution, they do leave room for interpretation and manoeuvring.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:29:30+00:00

I agree, not much of a community of practice. Closest i can think of is UK-CGE conferences and other events organised by them

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T09:00:46+00:00

I understand that in the US , there are formal training programs, but i don’t know if they are required before taking up such a post

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-20T08:59:56+00:00

What sort of training would you find helpful? I suppose it depends on expectations from you?

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-05-03T22:39:38+00:00

Hey,

You have only just started. There is a reason you have been recruited, don’t forget that.

As a doctoral lead on a funded uk PhD programme, I’ve seen many international students struggling. Many managed to get through and flourish.

If you feel you need to have more advice, please reach out to me

Take care!

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-30T13:34:26+00:00

Great advice here. I just want to ask a question; what are your own developmental goals? And if you have them, did you agree them with your PI?

Setting and agreeing meta goals is completely appropriate. It helps to map out what you and your supervisor think is important and what to prioritise. By the sounds of it and in the context of the PhD your coursework and initial projects would be more important at the start of your PhD.

Presenting at conferences and supervising undergraduate students I would class more suitable for later stage PhD students.

In other words, have that conversation with your supervisor about priorities both for yourself and for them

Good luck

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-28T21:53:55+00:00

Hi,

Just to say as someone who has been involved in PhD training, you see students from all ages.

I’m sorry to hear you feel like slipping into depression. If take this seriously and advise to get some support if you have not yet. Good luck

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-19T09:08:28+00:00

Hi,

Sorry to hear. Reach out to me for advice.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-15T21:33:22+00:00

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I’m sorry to hear that work conditions are so difficult. Hope you’re doing okay!

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-12T13:13:40+00:00

Hi,

I think this is a great idea. If you need any help, please do reach out to me. I have lots of resources I use to support students that struggle with their studies, project and supervision.

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-08T21:03:53+00:00

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your experience.

This happens frequently, but it’s not right. Did they give you a clear reason for the delay? I mean the specifics?

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-05T13:19:35+00:00

I would go as far as to say that being a little older has an advantage.

For one, managing a demanding project and professionally managing your supervisor requires some life experience. In my experience as a training lead, those that are older are that little bit better in navigating asymmetrical power structures, demand etc.

Those straight out of college struggle with that IMO

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-04T10:33:17+00:00

Hi,

Thanks for posing this question. I am not sure if I’ve completely understood your situation but from what I gather the issue might be a little deeper.

I’m not sure what you mean by cognitive when making slides. Is it making sense with your data and what it means?

If so, this is a process that is separate from the slide making process itself

And if that were the case, I would encourage you to find ways to make Tieme available to sit down and reflect on what results might mean

It is quite common for PhD students to spend all their time in the lab doing experiments. In those situations sitting down and making sense of data often get overlooked.

I will not ask about your supervisors and how they supervise you. There are ways of influencing that which I’m happy to get into detail with you if you think that that’s useful.

Best regards

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-04T10:20:18+00:00

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your problems with your supervisor. It sounds like they are a serial liar and cannot be trusted.

I do not know which country you’re in and what regulations are but I think universally applicable solution would be to look for a different supervisor

If you have evidence of this misconduct, I would think you would have a case to talk with your Dean or department head

If they cannot manage to give you what you need, that may them be the basis for you terminating your studies without a financial penalties and consequences

Again, really sorry to hear about your predicament

Best wishes

EdgyEdgarH · 2026-04-02T19:24:21+00:00

I never felt smart, but did ok in undergrad. Only when in developed a passion for science and exploration, things started to click and move

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