"How to PhD" session held in the School

On the afternoon of Friday 12^th April, a “How to PhD” session was facilitated by several PhD students in the School.

Around 35 people gathered to listen to six current PhD students describe and provide advice about maths postgraduate research study. Speakers also divulged their own trials and tribulations, insights, and anecdotes of their time as PhD students.

Speakers at the session were Daniel Mansfield, Stephen Maher, James Nichols, Robyn Stuart, Ilya Tregubov and Alexandr Usachev. All are in the final stages of their PhD, and expect to submit their thesis in the coming months. Consequently, the session had a very strong focus on writing.

An array of topics were canvassed, including how to survive the first year review; the “three crises” of a PhD; how to stay motivated during postgrad research study; the importance of networking (such as attending conferences and socialising with fellow students); how to overcome the “first year blues”; the importance of having an honest and open relationship with your supervisor; and how to do maths – i.e. not merely "reading" maths, but challenging, questioning and analysing it.

Attendees, which included current honours and PhD students, were encouraged to take advantage of the services and events that UNSW and the School have to offer, such as seminars, social events, Learning Centre courses, and the Postgraduate Book Club.

At the conclusion of the talks, attendees socialised over pizza and drinks.

• The Postgraduate Book Club will resume in Semester Two. Visit the webpage for more information. 
• Find out more about Postgraduate Research study in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.