posted about 2 years ago
Hello Everyone,
I am eight months into my PhD programme (Finance) and although I honestly feel absolutely privileged and grateful to be in the position I am currently in, there is just one thing that continuously seems to be troubling me. That is, I feel that my research isn't convoluted enough. Because my area of research is quite a niche, the questions I am studying are very original. However, the methods just seem too simple to me. For example, in one of my (three) papers, once I have the data I will apply a methodology which frankly requires no coding whatsoever and analyse the findings. My supervisors are very pleased with my research questions but being in a department where everyone seems to be using such rigorous math I feel quite vulnerable. Perhaps age has something to do with it too. I am the youngest (22) in the department and although I graduated with a 1st and Distinction in my BSc and MSc degrees, I obviously lack the real-world experiences gained by my colleagues who although graduated with 2:1s and Merits, are clearly doing something much more advanced than I am. I did originally submit quite a mathematically rigorous proposal however my supervisors told me that those topics would overwhelm me and that I should focus on completing a neat and original thesis within three years.
So I guess my question is, has anyone else been in a similar position? Is there any way of me getting over these worries that seem to be stinging me everyday? Aside from this problem I am enjoying the process very much :)
I would appreciate any advice or comments :)
Kahn