The detailed feedback from my examiners on my thesis highlighted to key things to me: 1) My own doubt about my abilities comes out in my work and hides the stronger parts 2) I am a bit different to what people thing an engineer is, but that’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.
Lockdown has been a lot of learning – but I think that I’m coming out the other side (assuming we are coming out the other side) a stronger person with a better understanding of what I need even when it feels everything is turned on its head!
It’s difficult to separate out that emotional “ouch” reaction and look at the feedback as constructive criticism so the work can be improved. I think you have to give it a bit of time and then rationalise.
My last couple of weeks seem to have vanished and I find myself with 2 days left in the office before I fly off to a conference followed by a holiday (yes, I know…another one!)
Finally picked the two parts that will make up the majority of my PhD going forward. Now I just have to get on with it!
Twitter is a great place to boost my networking confidence.
There it is, the ramblings from my brain from the last couple of weeks. I’m working hard, remembering to look after myself and keeping up my motivation. A good combination, hopefully it sticks!
I made a start yesterday afternoon and my code is already running quicker and it looks much neater. It’s also easier to go back and figure out what I’m trying to do. All positive things.
So, I guess I’ve actually put it out there so I can’t deny it. I have to just get on with the things I don’t want to do, the things that feel tedious so that I can get to the parts that feel satisfying.
I guess my message today is: make the most of where you are now. Keep and make the connections, learn everything you can from where you are and keep looking to the future. Your PhD isn’t the be all and end all, it’s a launchpad for whatever is coming next.
Shruti's PhD 