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How to deal with a phd life
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I am sorry to hear your experience. I had a bit similar one in my "uncompleted PhD". I think what you can do is ask him directly what does he expect? what is the "planned" research direction? Does he feel you are doing something different from intended by funding proposal? what exactly bothers him? Is it misunderstanding or he doubt your capabilities?
Otherwise if you do not get a concrete answer and if you do not find any progress in the next few months, quit as soon as you can. Really there is no benefit from working with someone who does not believe in your ability (if this is the case). Run fast and run far.

Part-time PhD while working full-time
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Hi. I am also considering doing part time PhD while working full time. I am not in a position to offer advice because I need it too :). I just think it might be a good idea to discuss with people like you about the feasibility and motivation of doing a part time PhD. I think it is not easy at all. We have to sacrifice many weekends and evenings. We have to be patients. We have to overcome the depression and problems of both PhD and work. Above all this, we need a "real strong" motivation to do it. I say to myself, if I do not have a proper motivation, I might fall in my way because it is a hard way. You cannot separate the reason for doing a PhD and the feasibility of doing it. But deep inside my heart, I want to do it and you look like you want to do it. It would be nice to hear similar stories either successful or not.

How hard is it to find a postdoc?
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I agree with bewildered that it is already hard to get a Postdoc. If she means it is particularly hard for "you" to get a Postdoc, just do your part and work hard and apply. If she does not want to (cannot) hire you as a Postdoc, who cares? There should be other PIs who are interested in your skills. Meanwhile looking in industry is not a bad idea.
My advice is not to open the subject with her again. It is what it is. She does not see chances in academia (either for you or in general). Let us move on and focus of what you can do rather than what she believes.

Offered a phd but only 3k bursary - stressed!
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Hi. Congratulations first for being accepted. The PhD system is unfair. They should really consider this. Do you have a job now that you can continue working as part time? 20 hours or so? If you get an extra 800 quids each month, you could survive.
Normally I would recommend to reject the offer. But getting exempted from fees is not bad.
Another approach is to continue working full time or 3/4 time, and apply for part time PhD and pay the fees. For home students, it should not be that bad.

How important role of Mathematics in Dissertation ? (Any Subject )
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Mathematics is usually important in most of engineering topics especially in academa. You can start by looking which Math subject is more related to your area. Is it differential equations, probability or integrals? Then there are sufficient online resources for each subject.

Underrated universities in Europe for a PhD in Life Sciences
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This is nonsense for me. If you really believe in rating, do not go for low rate one. In South and East Europe funding opportunities are limited especially for non-EU students.

English language requirements
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Quote From MelissaVdh:
Quote From eng77:
I think if you are non-EU student, you have to pay very high tuition fees (12k+ annual) or you have to search for very limited funding opportunities. In my opinion, do not complicate things more and seek an unusual admittance.


Thanks for the response. I am an EU citizen, but does that make any difference?

More likely you don't need any language tests for admission. It is somehow stupid as language requirements should depend on the program and your level of English not on your nationality, but in most cases it does depend on nationality.

I have secured a PhD Admission in Auckland, but need funding/scholarship. Please Help
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You should look for funding opportunities in the university. But being honest, PhD offer without funding does not look good for me. PhD is all about funding.

Do you suggest reviewers?
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I understand your fear. Researcher seem nice when you read their research but could be horrible for judging other research. One tip regardless of you suggest reviewers or not, do not cite a paper to only criticise it. Try to cite them in a positive way even if you do not agree with it.

Applying for jobs with no previous employment experience - help!
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I think it is expected that most PhD students do not have prior experience apart from their PhD. Many PhD graduates were in your shoes and got Postdoc positions. A career advisor advised me to start my CV with most important details rather than my post code, etc. You may start with your publication list, then education, then awards (PhD scholarship). Nevertheless there is usually career counselling service at the university. Use it and you will get useful tips for filling CV and cover letter. All the best.

Interview was 2.5 weeks ago, should I send an email?
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No funding means no PhD. All interviews and other communications are nonsense if there is no funding.

I'm not sure I've been accepted
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Quote From Maksens:
Hi eng77,

Thank you for your reply ! I actually just received the proper offer so it's all good now, you were right ! I should have been more patient before posting but as you can probably guess I really really really wanted to know ah ah ah !

Many thanks again !

Congratulations again.

I'm not sure I've been accepted
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First congratulations. Second you have been accepted. It is even better than an email from the supervisor.
Believe me. Funding is the PhD. If the supervisor likes you and there is no funding, forget it. If you get the funding, this means your subject and proposal are good enough to convince the supervisor and the choosing panel. Just reply with your acceptance and there is no need to worry at all. The word of the doctoral school is worthy more than the word of a PhD supervisor.

English language requirements
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I think if you are non-EU student, you have to pay very high tuition fees (12k+ annual) or you have to search for very limited funding opportunities. In my opinion, do not complicate things more and seek an unusual admittance.

should I quit my PhD until it's too late
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Hi. What do you plan to do from 31y to 65y (average age of retirement). Do you think that it matters to have (65-28)= 37 years professional life span instead of 34 years life span in your case?
If you think too much about other peers, this does not help much. Most people in academia are normal. People with average intelligence who work efficiently achieve PhDs every year. Concentrate on yourself. You have already accomplished half the mission. Why panicking now? I agree with TQ about imposter syndrome. Just go ahead and trust your ability.
There are people who love competition and people who are demotivated by "too much competition". I am one of the later and you seem so. Academia might not the best environment for such person.