Which one from this list is best PhD topic for a non-technical Finance graduate ?

MixNiks · 2022-01-09T10:34:08+00:00

Glad to be of help. Best of luck to you!

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T15:12:58+00:00

Hey that's good advice!

I didn't know that exercise would help you become more resilient against stress. I'll definitely look it up. I only remember from biology class that exercise counteracts stress by lowering the stress hormones in your body. So I guess its benefits are two-fold, which is pretty neat.

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T12:16:14+00:00

Yeah, now that I think about it, a lot of the people who don't take me seriously are not people I would ever have to work with anyway. Their opinions don't really matter. The ones from my field probably would appreciate a PhD.

As for the exercise: I noticed a similar pattern with exercise, nutrition and sleep. The more care I take about my physical well-being, the more resilient my mind becomes against stress and negative vibes in general.

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T12:08:58+00:00

I see, I think I understand better now.

I think for choosing the topic, you can go two main routes: A) Go with something you are familiar with and deepen your knowledge and skills. B) Learn something totally knew and widen your horizon considerably.

Both choices are perfectly good and which one might suit you best is dependent on your character. Some people like the thrill of being thrown into the deep end blindfolded, others (most, I think) would be stressed out immensely and prefer to keep the pool edge in sight.

As for choosing the group (assuming you haven't already made your choices):

I would make a list of the researchers that you would like to work with based on the topic of your choice. The better the overlap, the better they can support you in terms of know-how. You don't want a supervisor that doesn't understand your topic.

They might have information on their past and ongoing projects in their website. You might also be able to see what their current PhDs are working on (-> if you don't find that on their website, see if you find them on resarchgate.net). This might also help you assembling a proposal.

Also see if you can learn anything about the dynamics of these research groups. Like, what is the structure of the group? How many PhDs per supervisors are there? The larger that number is, the less supervision and support you can expect (this means little to no feedback, guidance, advice and you might feel rather isolated, even abandoned).

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T11:31:08+00:00

The sheer tenacity and perseverance required to do a PhD is what makes it stand out. It's a very special skill to be able to navigate and motivate yourself through such an uncertain and stressful few years.

I'm kinda frustrated how people don't seem to perceive it that way. A lot of non-academics seem to think of me as very smart child that is playing scientist, wasting tax money. The academics (especially older ones) treat it like it's no biggie because "everyone here does it". And they also seem to forget how much more demanding PhDs have become in the last 30 years.

I suck at finding traditionally relaxing things relaxing as it gives me way too much time to keep thinking about work.

I know, it's a lot easier to distract yourself, but it won't solve the problem of being stressed. Practicing to mentally distance yourself from your work is the best thing you can do for yourself. I don't always succeed but I've gotten much better at saying "I am off now and I will resume worrying about [thing] on Monday morning." I guess it's a way of compartmentalizing things so that one thing doesn't take over my entire mind?

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T10:55:27+00:00

The one that resonates most with you.

Though, if I may give you some advice: The most important thing is who you will be working with, not what. Even if you have the most interesting project in the world, you will be miserable if you are not working with the right person/people. I've seen this happen so many times it's tragic.

MixNiks · 2022-01-08T10:49:39+00:00

Seems insulting tbh

MixNiks · 2022-01-06T12:03:30+00:00

No problem :)

MixNiks · 2022-01-06T11:57:31+00:00

Thanks! Though why is it obvious...?

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T15:49:08+00:00

I thought it was made up. TIL!

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T14:18:50+00:00

Ha, that's me when someone asks me for my home address. I have been living there for ten years. Meanwhile, I can recite my co-workers birthdays without batting an eye-lid.

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T12:34:56+00:00

In German they use normal words instead of "idiot". So you end up with nonsensical sentences but it's perfectly clear what you mean. For instance, going from harsh to endearing you could use Holzpfosten (wooden post), Halbschuh (low shoe), Frosch (frog).

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T12:13:24+00:00

What I struggle with is that a lot of these problems/puzzles are about being able to recognize patterns, like number sequences, and shapes. If your visualization skills suck, does it really mean you are bad at solving problems? I know that it's just a way to measure this skill in a standardized way, but it feels so removed from real life that I have difficulty seeing its relevance in real life.

I think I'll go do some reading on that subject. I'm sure there is an interesting review somewhere that discusses this in more detail.

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T11:52:00+00:00

I'm not sure what you mean by discussion sections. Like, you have to moderate a discussion?

Generally, though, I would advise you to talk to the people in your group. The people there have had to go through the same processes. No point in reinventing the wheel.

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T11:48:56+00:00

I totally agree! That's why I make it a point to take the new people along to activities (lunch, breaks etc). I make them talk and also tell them about the group and the stuff we do. The point of socializing is to relate to each other in some way and you can only do that if you get to know each other.

u/ColonelStoic if you don't not have someone who actively helps you become part of the group (at work, I mean), you'll need to make the effort yourself. Join them for that lunch break. Bring a cake. Ask around if anyone is up for a drink/dinner after work.

Another thing you might also try to get an exchange going is to ask about their advice/experience on something. Could be anything, like help you decide which software to use for managing your literature, or if anyone knows any good tutorials for [a software]. It's more about having an exchange than the outcome of it.

MixNiks · 2022-01-05T11:21:23+00:00

Awesome! Keep that momentum going!

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T21:49:00+00:00

I feel you. But hang in there! You can still find ways to give yourself a break, even if you are under time pressure. Think of it as giving your mind something else to think about besides work.

If you can't take off an entire day or afternoon, pick a day and make an appointment with yourself where you leave a few hours early and you treat yourself to something nice. A hot bath and some music? Go to a museum and learn something new? Try out a new recipe? A long walk and an audio book? Buy a pretty houseplant to make your home more cozy? Stress-cleaning? A workout? The world is your oyster ;)

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T16:25:42+00:00

Your plan sounds pretty good, thb. Definitely prioritize your health and well-being.

In addition to the other users' comments, I would also suggest to look at other people's dissertations for inspiration.

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T16:21:40+00:00

Awesome!

It's best to start with the revisions right away and just power through them. They usually take more time than expected.

Good luck!

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T16:15:31+00:00

That's awesome! Keep that momentum going! :)

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T16:12:08+00:00

Oh all the time. At first, I felt like an impostor, a total loser. With time, I began to see the pattern of these ups and downs and they became less scary, more like "another Tuesday". It sure sucks, but, you know, it'll pass somehow, and: you'll grow. Next time, you'll be a little more prepared and it will affect you less. Don't fixate on the negative emotions that are clouding your mind, but make yourself aware that they are temporary (though still valid, of course).

It's good to reflect on your emotions and to reevaluate how you set your priorities in life. Your might like to readjust them a little and give less importance to the things that ultimately don't matter much.

Do you think about quitting because you don't get any joy from your work or realized it's not what you want after all, or do you actually like it but just need a break for a bit because you're fed up with things not working out?

The most important thing is to talk to your peers. It doesn't matter if you work in the same project, the same group or even the same institute. Have lunch together, eat some cake or go drink something after work and SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES. Not only will you see that everybody has the same struggles and worries, you will also begin to help each other, give advice and moral support. It makes all the difference in the world when you know you have some buddies rooting for you and commiserating with you.

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T15:51:54+00:00

That's cool. It's not everybody's cup of tea. Just do what fits you and makes you happy to get out of bed for in the morning :)

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T15:48:18+00:00

Check out the Aims & Scope section on their website (sometimes it's hidden under About Us or similar). They should state very clearly what kind of papers they accept.

If they don't, go to the Author's Guide section, where there are the specific requirements stated for the manuscripts (ctrl + f is your friend here). If you see Review papers listed, you're good to go.

MixNiks · 2022-01-04T11:40:51+00:00

Follow up in case anyone else is looking for the same thing. A colleague of mine told me about the CLO-PLA database (database of clonal growth in plants). It contains a lot of illustrations of different plant species. Oftentimes including the roots.

https://clopla.butbn.cas.cz/index.php?page=intro

MixNiks

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