Yes it is. There are probably a number of possibilities. I know of two. One is that fieldwork needs to be done in another country. By the sounds of it you wouldn't meet that criteria. Another is that you want work with a professor on something to do with your PhD and you can make a case about why it is good to do this. These are both options associated with research council funding. For self funding students I really don't know - I imagine it might be easier if you are willing to pay for all the extra expenses. The main thing (for both these options) is to come up with a credible reason for why you should want/need to spend part of the time in an American university.

Another option could be to apply to study there full time. Or maybe you can look into exchange programmes.

If only something like this was compulsory. I think it adds to the problem that many academics that many academics have only ever been in academia (i.e., school, college, then uni) and not held jobs in other parts of the public or private sector. It is a very different world in academia oftentimes, where what would seem odd/dated/unacceptable to outsiders is the norm.

Very easy way to find out: switch jobs.

: D

Hi T

I haven't applied for a postdoc but I have worked for years before studying. Yes and yes - do state both of those things. Any positive thing you can sell, sell. Hopefully people will have other tips on what you can put on your application. Have you tried brainstorming everything you did during your PhD - departmental activities as well as scholarship. Maybe you have more than you think...

Good luck!

Ps. This is absolutely unacceptable and despicable behaviour. So much so that I forgot to say it in the previous post.

You do need to be careful indeed, as she is in a position of power and has already shown she has no scruples about abusing that power (aka she has no character). However - please don't be too cautious and not do anything - simply because you fear she will not write you a reference. Given her previous behaviour, it would not surprise me if she screwed you over anyway - even if you do please all her wishes. She cannot be trusted at all. Is changing supervisors going to be an option at all?

Change supervisors if AT ALL possible. Have you looked into this? In my uni it is a rule - supervisory changes are something you can do if needed. I have just changed in my final year and have not a single regret. Are you able to do this somehow?

It is definitely possible (and good) to approach the person you would like to supervise your PhD.

Also - it is especially good to help set up a new collaboration (i.e., between the two potential supervisors from different departments).

Good luck!

It is definitely possible (and good) to approach the person you would like to supervise your PhD.

Also - it is especially good to help set up a new collaboration (i.e., between the two potential supervisors from different departments).

Good luck!

Ah that makes sense. I must admit I was a bit surprised... it sounded a bit negative, which was out of character for the pm133 I've come to know on this forum!

I agree with tru. But if you already know you WANT to do a PhD but are just feeling unsure about whether you'll manage to get funding etc, then I hope you'll give it a go. It is challenging getting funding, even if a student does have a first. But that doesn't stop people getting funding who have less than a first. And your Masters results is the more recent of the two - and in that I've heard merits and distinctions aren't regarded as majorly different from one another.

I don't think you've anything to lose. If it didn't work out, I am sure you could easily find another job. Just to share where I'm coming from in this - I left my job of 4 years after not being in education in a while. It was the best thing I've ever done. No regrets whatsoever. All the best with your decision!

An interesting read:
Not so underground as I thought!
Happens not to be working today though :/

I don't see this as a failure (pm133 describes this as your failure). Just a possible outcome - not one that you were expecting or would have hoped for - but you will pass in the end if you persevere. Good that you do not have to redo the viva. I agree with pm133 that the thesis is your responsibility. But as Fled says, the supervisor plays a big role. There are many cases of successful R&Rs. Hopefully someone will share on here, or perhaps even a general google search will help you find some encouraging accounts - or chatting to trusted mentors in your institution might lead to some encouraging stories being shared. Making major revisions on your thesis does not make you a fraud either. I know lecturers who mark undergraduates work and they themselves have not done a PhD. You are in the process of one. Keep going forward. All the best.

Tudor.

Wow - congrats!!!

I know someone who did this at the end of her first year. She has no regrets at all. Go for it! Might be a good idea not to announce anything though until all is certain about the other position. Definitely agree with tru's reason to cite for leaving. No need to go into the other reasons.

You could email and ask right out! He'd probably reply telling you you've nothing to worry about (and if in person would probably tell you the region of the result). Otherwise, patience!!!