tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76944666728010987852024-03-14T00:36:23.776+08:00I Did Graduate...Honest!Ramblings of a Postgraduate Student with the Occasional RantAlkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-42846231466848745872008-05-27T06:47:00.001+08:002008-05-27T06:48:38.610+08:00Oops...Just a quick post to apologise for the unplanned hiatus.<br /><br />I am still alive. Semester 1 didn't finish me off.<br /><br />I will post something substantial in the somewhat near-ish future.Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-37492851278614256732008-02-22T08:10:00.003+09:002008-02-22T08:50:58.643+09:00Let Me Write That Down...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Semester One has started and once again the university has seen it fit to change the structure of the teaching timetable. I am certain that this is twice in two years. The last change was a removal of a teaching week. That was stress inducing as the corresponding amount of content wasn't removed. Now, the study breaks are counted as part of the teaching weeks rather than skipped. It does sound like there's a longer semester but there isn't. It's akin to buying your favourite chocolate bar in new packaging to find that the nett weight has reduced slightly but you're still paying the same price. Although in this case, fees have increased.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But here's my semester, (hang onto something, it sounds hectic but it isn't really)...</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm enrolled in one unit that is being delivered as a series of seminars so every three weeks or so I turn up for two days of intensive lectures, labs and tests.</span><br /></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm President of the Postgrad Student Association with fortnightly meetings.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm the Postgrad Rep on the Student Guild with fortnightly meetings.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm in a working party defining and tweaking policies for the Academic Council.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am a lab demonstrator for two first year Chemistry units.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am a tutor for one of these Chemistry units, although I may have two tutorial groups. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am a lab demonstrator for a group of Masters students at another university once a fortnight.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am also volunteering at a local high school in a class one hour a week.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I've taken to writing things down in order to remember them and turning up.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><u>Things Pertaining to My Previous Post</u></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'm feeling much more positive now. I have decided to give myself a break from benchwork and have taken up a variety of roles before I attempt working in a lab.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am submitting something in writing detailing my supervisor's treatment of me. I want something on record.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And to everyone that e-mailed me, thank you so much. Your support has been invaluable. There aren't enough words to thank you enough.</span></li></ul></div></div>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-27260027005387952672008-02-06T18:17:00.000+09:002008-02-06T18:20:33.797+09:00How Are You?<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is how I'm feeling. I say I'm fine but I'm not. "I'm fine" is my automatic response when things have developed into a personal hell. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm fragile and I'm broken. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">If you took one look at me, you wouldn't recognise me. I barely do when I look in the mirror. I know that 99.9999995% of the population have it tougher than me but yet I'm barely holding things together. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">If you want to know what stress looks like, take a look at me now. This very moment. Though don't talk to me. I'm liable to burst into tears and I wouldn't know if I'd be able to stop crying. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am supposed to be feeling upbeat with Chinese New Year celebrations tonight and I'm hoping I will be. After all I am spending it with family and it's been a while since the "clan" has been together in such great numbers. This isn't the way how I pictured the start to the new year. I have four hours to snap out of this. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am a Chemist who doesn't want to be in a lab anymore. This is killing me inside. I'm hoping that a change of scenery will solve this. Otherwise, really, what the hell am I meant to do? I worked so hard to get my undergrad degree and harder still with my current course. I don't know how not to be a scientist. I've always been a scientist. And until recently, I always wanted to be a scientist in a lab with shiny instruments with mega-cool set-ups running the funky experiments. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I know I shouldn't define myself with my job. But it's who I am primarily. Strip away the rabid chocoholic and sun-drinking/loving girl and I am a scientist. That's the inner core. That's why my bedroom has always been scattered with science journals. Gossip and celebrity magazines never made it through the door. And also why the things on display in my room or the little toys I have are relevant to some particular branch of science. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am a scientist but the idea of science is beginning to make me feel ill. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am thoroughly shattered.</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-1446616436385005022008-01-23T20:38:00.000+09:002008-01-23T21:06:15.841+09:00Exposed<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well it's been a while since the last update. I don't quite know where to begin. A lot has happened. Not for the better, well some of it anyway.<br /><br />I've given up on being an academic...again. Though this time it's a hell of a mess. For someone who is supposed to be intelligent, it's amazing how many stupid situations I find myself in.<br /><br />Let's start with the work. Currently I am on stress leave for a week, complete with medical certificate. I even lost my voice due to the stress of it all. I only got it back today. Why all the stress? My supervisor within the first 17 days of the year 2008 has threatened to cut my hours twice. And on the 17th day told me to go find another job when I asked him as to when he was going to make his decision about my hours.<br /><br />The thing is, he can't do this. I checked with HR and under my contract he can't actually do any of this. He can't change my hours without my agreement. And he can't force me into it either. In addition to this if he wants to terminate my contract, he needs to do so in writing. And besides this he's been acting unprofessionally up to this point. There's been a series of delays due to a combination of his mismanagement and events beyond my control. Though it's all my fault apparently.<br /><br />However, I have initiated the grievance process at work. Next step is mediation. HR have insisted on it and it's the only reason why I'm doing it. I have no faith in it and I am in the process of writing my resignation letter which will quite openly detail the reasons as to why I am quitting. It may mean that I won't ever get employed again by the university but I simply do not care. My supervisor cannot continue on with his bullying behaviour. He seems to think that I should be thankful for my job there. I'm not anymore. I mean, crying about once a week has gotten old now.<br /><br />So that's work.<br /><br />Study, well I'm not sure where it stands at the moment. I have to re-sit an exam due to my supervisor being unwilling to give me time off to study. (Yeah, I've been having a crap of a time at work since November!) Well after several mix-ups and what not, it seems that my exam has been delayed until further notice. It's annoying to say the least given that Semester One is mere weeks away. So I'll be preparing for an exam AND taking a unit as well and working in a new job somewhere.<br /><br />Hmm...<br /><br />So that's study in a nutshell.<br /><br />Next?<br /><br />Well I've met someone. Ok, maybe I met him a few months ago and went into denial for a bit there. Not sure how he put up with that or coped with comments of, "Never ever will that happen" and "We're just friends."<br /><br />Anyway...ok...small admission to make. Just sometimes I do get a little mopey because I don't get to see him much. He's a smart boy madly writing away finishing his PhD thesis. I know it's too much for me to expect him to fit me in somewhere in his normal schedule. In one circle of friends there's an inside joke that he's a mythical boyfriend since they hear tales of a wonderful person but no one has ever seen him. But then I think of my schedule and it's crazy in itself. Gym on certain nights, meeting up with friends on others, study on another and what not. But some stuff I've gotten into just to keep my mind off things so I can just stay sane.<br /><br />So that's the love life if that's what it's called.<br /><br />And with that, it's the end of this update.<br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-86635619722754774092008-01-06T15:05:00.000+09:002008-01-06T15:07:09.827+09:00New Year's Resolutions<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It seems to be the thing to do at the moment, making resolutions and new starts with a brand spanking new year that hasn't been coloured in with mistakes and embarrassments. We even get an extra day this year. Yay!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Let's see, in no particular order of importance...</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Finish off studying at uni and qualify for graduation.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Apply and score a job in industry and feel confident about heading back into the real world once more.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Lose the kilos that I gained while recovering from a lower back mishap.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Travel overseas before starting new job, where is the question and it depends on the budget and how much time but I am doing this one!!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sky dive, tempted to do this on my birthday but I'm at work so perhaps the day after or maybe the week considering that I'll probably be wanting to recover on the ground after celebrating.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Get a SCUBA diving certificate, (advanced open water), and have an expensive sport as a hobby. Yay!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Dive on Ningaloo Reef and hopefully swim with whale sharks.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So we'll see how well I go on this. ^_^</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-41268278561905272092007-12-26T21:05:00.000+09:002007-12-26T21:38:16.388+09:00Life in Perspective<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Yesterday, I volunteered at a charity Christmas lunch. It is some thing that I do regularly. I remember signing up for it when I found myself at a loose end one year. I didn't know what to expect at first but I found it very rewarding despite having some initial doubts.<br /><br />This year I was given a role where I felt that I was of practical use. I was a Steward and my task was to hand out meals and drinks to people. While it was hot and at times stuffy in the tent, I loved meeting people and seeing the results first hand.<br /><br />Then I had a Christmas Magic moment that caught me by surprise. A couple arrived late to the lunch and were desperate to meet up with some long lost friends. They had arranged to meet at the lunch. And while I did want them to find their friends, it was an impossible task as a large amount of people had arrived and I wasn't sure where or how to start. I offered to show them to a table and while doing so, one of their friends approached. It was serendipitous to say the least. I felt warm inside witnessing their reunion.<br /><br />Then we fast forward to today. I spent some of my time at a hospital where a family friend is dying. I felt utterly useless and I didn't really know what to say or do. It became especially difficult when she addressed me as her daughter when her daughter had left the room to speak with the nurse manager. I'm ashamed to admit that I left at the first opportunity and did some shopping. That was an improvement on my first instinct to head to the nearest pub for a quiet drink.<br /><br />I did make a promise to myself today though. No matter what happens academically, I need to live a life filled with people who I care about and love. Because at the end of it, nothing else really matters.<br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-70243615083828154172007-11-07T10:47:00.000+09:002007-11-07T10:52:16.536+09:00Reasons to Date a Chemist<ul><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We might name a molecule after you.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists know how to handle HOT items!</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists have all the right elements.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Guaranteed to experience great chemistry.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists have all the solutions.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists are used to exchanging fluids.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We are constantly learning and improving our techniques.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We have no problems resorting to gadgets and gizmos to get the job done.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We are used to pulling all nighters.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Who else better to experiment with, than a chemist?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We do it periodically on the table.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's a mystery what we wear under our lab coats.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We like to experiment.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We always wear protection.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We have chemistry.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists can handle chain reactions, with multiple stages.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Chemists know the difference between "organic" and "orgasmic".</span></li></ul>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-51788689077843876982007-11-05T23:33:00.001+09:002007-11-08T09:36:46.738+09:00Student Politics<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not one to get involved in politics. I have a healthy interest in politics but I've never participated beyond voting. Until now.<br /><br />I have spent a week campaigning not just for myself as a postgrad representative but also to oust the incumbent Guild President. It took up a rather large amount of time and consequently I missed a couple of deadlines of which I will be sorting out. [sigh]<br /><br />However it was all worth it. I was voted in and I suspect to the disgust of the current representative. I don't mind nor am I intimidated as I am hoping to working with them and the new Student Guild that has been voted in. And hopefully get some things achieved.<br /><br />It really will be interesting when I meet them in a couple days. Apparently the PSA has mugs and t-shirts, both of which I have only just heard about. Interesting times ahead I'm sure.<br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-56481792631329359062007-11-02T10:04:00.000+09:002007-11-03T22:44:04.617+09:00Research Momentum...Lack Of...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is applicable to the week I've had so far. Last Friday, I exhausted the supply of one of my reagents. I did place an order in on Monday but it didn't arrive until Wednesday. By this time the rate at which any work was being done at that moment in time had fallen to slightly above zero. At the moment, it is zero. I am procrastinating here after all when I should be over there working.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's not that I don't want to do the work, it's just that I don't feel like it. I was running experiments daily and getting a lot done, 20 hours of work in nine hours is something of an achievement. After days of no progress and frustration, I'm quite willing to wait for a new working week before I start up again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Besides this I have time to prepare for next week or so I tell myself repeatedly. I also have a deadline that I can still meet well before it comes whizzing by. And I can study for my upcoming exam.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I didn't find it this difficult to start work from a period of rest before. Normally it goes from zero to a lot almost instantaneously. At the moment I have many reasons to do this but not a lot of motivation.</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-84584487192192361432007-10-30T21:53:00.000+09:002007-10-30T21:56:55.362+09:00Better Luck Next Time<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not signing up for a PhD. There, I said it. It has been the most difficult thing that I have had to say in a long time. It's not that I don't want to sign up because I dearly would like to.<br /><br />It's due to circumstances that I can't sign up at the moment, well more like university policy. It's left a bitter taste in my mouth. I have been told that I cannot finish my Graduate Diploma and start a PhD or Masters at the same time even though it is in the same field. This is despite knowing other students who do this. On top of this I was told that I was not a strong candidate given that I don't have a four year degree with a GPA to brag about.<br /><br />My experience in research does count as well as the report that was put out. Though the Graduate Office kept referring back to my degree and my performance as an undergraduate student. I'm now beginning to wonder as to what really counts in this whole process.<br /><br />I know that apart from being qualified, I am highly skilled. I do keep finding myself in jobs where only I can perform the tasks required. It's not that I don't want to train anyone else. Often there is no one else to train or time simply doesn't permit it. I've now been in a research position for a year and my contract even was renewed and I was given a raise. All good things and I consider myself extremely lucky so I am most grateful.<br /><br />I just would have liked to have been accepted as a PhD Candidate. It's a moot point given that I am not handing in my application. I'm going to miss the deadline seeing that I have not approached any possible academic referees.<br /><br />So I'm working full-time and back to completing a Graduate Diploma part-time. I don't know whether I can finish it in the next six months yet. I am going to talk to someone about this possibility once I recover from the fallout. It's taken a fair amount out of me. I can't remember the last time feeling so drained.<br /><br />It would be a lie to say that I wasn't upset.<br /><br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-87839403822954967932007-10-22T07:58:00.000+08:002007-11-04T11:01:46.864+09:00A Stumbling Block or Two<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I have no project now. I was told that the project that I found to be interesting isn't suitable for a PhD project. I was also told that funding could be slightly dubious but to apply for the scholarship anyway. I may not get it as there are a few factors against me like a crappy GPA and not holding an Honours degree. Though having said that I do have relevant research experience and I do have a published report to wave about at people who care about such things.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I still haven't gotten very far with the paperwork. I'm tired of filling out paperwork for the university frankly. I know I'm running well out of time here but I'm fed up and tired of dealing with administration at the moment. I strongly suspect this is due to the fact that my pay, (or lack of), has been badly mishandled. I'll get it done by the end of the week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am so over tutoring the high school student that I took on some months back. She keeps missing classes and to be honest, I wasn't hired as a teacher. It also doesn't help when she doesn't do the work I set her in the first place. Just how one is supposed to pass a subject based on this method I don't know. Fine if you're a prodigy but when you're not?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I've turned down a couple of job offers elsewhere though was told to call them once I had finished my PhD. One place even suggested I complete the PhD on a part-time basis. Not entirely sure what is happening out there in industry but things are sounding like they're more desperate for staff than usual. I know I've removed my CV from recruitment agencies and HR pools so all I can figure that people are contacting me through word of mouth information. I've done this so I can just focus for the next few years ahead on one thing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Yes, I'm still applying despite having no project, (not so good), and doubts over funding, (also not good).</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-90569482563002994072007-10-16T14:44:00.000+08:002007-11-04T11:02:20.694+09:00Oh Look, a Side Project<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am supposed to be filling in my application form but I'm having a little trouble putting into words as to why I want to do a PhD amongst other things. I've even gone into </span><s style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">researching</s><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, browsing the internet for inspiration. It's only added to the amount of procrastinating that I have been doing of late over applying.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Though I did manage to find something interesting along the way. </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.barrick.com/">Barrick Gold Corporation</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> is looking to increase their silver recovery in gold mining and has offered to fund someone's research into it should their proposal be acceptable. In addition to this there's a US$10 million performance bonus. I know very little of this area but I can't help but notice this all the same.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">More information at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.unlockthevalue.com/">Unlock the Value</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It could even be a side project, though I'm yet to figure out how I would manage something like this or whether I would even have the time to think about another process on top of the one that I will be working on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I need to focus.</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-89011488184950321612007-10-14T15:59:00.000+08:002007-11-04T11:03:49.904+09:00The First Hoops<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'll start off by admitting that I haven't gotten around to filling in all the paperwork for the PhD application. It's not the best course of action granted especially when they're asking for a CV, referees and such. Also signatures too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In addition to this it has finally become glaringly obvious that I do not have an Honours degree. I did point this out and I did mention it but everything would be ok. Well it isn't as simple as everyone made it out to be and I was waiting for complications. And they've come.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm not sure what they are and will find out this week. I can allude to a research paper coming out with my name on it as an author which should get me through the door. I can also mention that I've been working in research for a year now so I have relevant experience in that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In addition to this I am constantly told that I would thrive in a PhD and do one well. I'm not altogether sure what this is supposed to mean and it's starting to scare me a little. The last time people told me that I would do well and thrive in something was before I entered university. Despite graduating and getting a real job with a career path, I'm now back at uni.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm jumping through the hoops regardless to get accepted. It will give me some sense of certainty for the next three years but I think that's really all I'm going to get.</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-51881826944766588772007-09-24T23:43:00.000+08:002007-11-04T11:04:23.461+09:00My First Deadline<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I thought that I would mark the first deadline of many to come by giving it a post all of its own. I am bound to lose count of the ones to come. Let's just hope I don't miss any of them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I have until the 31st of October to put in my application for a scholarship. The word scholarship sends a chill through me as I don't have the best of grades. Though I should be able to get this one as I do have recent and relevant research experience. In addition to this I also have authorship on a paper due to all the experimental work that I've done on a research project. So what has come as a pleasant surprise is now part of my application for a PhD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The application is asking for my CV, academic transcript, referees, relevant experience, project details, (I still don't know what that is exactly), and much more. It's no wonder I left it in a daze and focussed my attention elsewhere. I will start working on it tomorrow and see how far I get with it. I'm not going to stress over it too much at the moment as more than one person did point out to me that it is over a whole month away. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In between now and then I have a holiday to enjoy.</span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-70861843644000094922007-09-23T06:49:00.000+08:002007-09-23T07:25:31.519+08:00Uh, Mum, Dad...There's Something You Should Know<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I told my parents yesterday that I'm going to sign up for a PhD project.<br /><br />They took the news better than I expected. I don't know why I was so worried about telling them but I was. It is three years, (I'm not wanting to take any longer), of further study, insane hours and a move back to being a full-time student. It's the strangest career move that I've made yet. Normally I move up or sideways. I don't quite know what direction this move is but I am sure it's not down.<br /><br />My parents are supportive of my decision. I'm not sure if mum fully understands what it is I'm signing up for which was expected. What was surprising was that dad started using words like "academia", "doctorate" and "thesis title". I wasn't prepared for that and nor did I realise that dad was familiar with the terms.<br /><br />So the next thing is to let my supervisor know.<br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-73195601066985130582007-09-22T15:41:00.000+08:002007-09-22T16:00:07.145+08:00Decision TimeIt's now time to make a decision. <br /><br />A project has come my way that I cannot laugh off, or most importantly, forget. It is an industry sponsored project that has me excited. From the details, it looks rather straight forward and if I do manage to make a groundbreaking discovery, there is a potential that the thesis will be embargoed, meaning it doesn't see the light of day for x years.<br /><br />Upon finishing I have will have two options, one to go into academia and the second to head out to industry and work as a consultant or perhaps as a professional in my field. Knowing this helps a little because for the most part I have the impression that a PhD isn't highly valued in industry. Though then again this is most likely due to the conditions in industry more than anything else. And academia is something I don't know a lot about but I will most likely find out more as the years go by during a PhD.<br /><br />I have let my potential supervisor know of my interest. I had to, that and the news got out that I was indeed contemplating a PhD. This project seemed to be beckoning for me to take it. He was rather happy at the prospect of me signing on in a PhD. Though I was at pains to stipulate that I do also want to finish my current postgraduate coursework having getting so close to completion and given the amount it's costing me, I want to finish it otherwise I've just taken a lot of expensive courses with nothing to show.<br /><br />There are deadlines looming for applications, scholarships and funding. When are they? I have no clue. I decided it was safer not asking.<br /><br />I know I do want to do a PhD, it's just that I need time to think about it a little more and adjust.Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-24367703786658820332007-09-18T20:06:00.001+08:002007-09-19T15:54:39.149+08:00It's a TRAP!!<span style="font-family:arial;">During my time working and studying at university, I have now found myself in the position where most of the people in the department asks me whether I am interested in completing a PhD. Well I suppose if I'm still around and have survived the politics and administration that is known as the university, by their logic I should be able to survive a PhD.<br /><br />How did I get into this position? To be honest when I look back now I can see the traps so clearly but not so at the time. These academic folks can be sneaky when it suits them best.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Location<br /></span>I've been given a desk in a lab where I conduct my research. I even have a window with a view. It came with heating and cooling. I've been spoilt really and it's been nice. Let's hope I can keep this same desk should I sign up.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Equipment</span><br />I have equipment, equipment dedicated to me. Okay, so some of it is old but at least it works. Well, until I wear it out or it breaks which is never a good thing. I even have access to analytical equipment which is always good for assays without the need to send them away to an external lab.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Food and Drink<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span>There's the morning teas, lunch breaks and afternoon teas. The departmental stuff is great. I mean I've gotten to meet the other people who work and study here and the PhD Candidates don't appear to be stressed out. Though then again work and study aren't mentioned at such get-togethers. The appearance of cake guarantees everyone comes out of their offices and labs, especially on birthdays.<br /><br />Sometimes on Friday afternoons we do get to kick back and have a few drinks. Nothing like getting your supervisor tipsy.<br /><br />The divisional functions are fun. That's where I've met people outside of my cloistered area. Though granted, I've had discussions with people about things that I felt I didn't quite grasp but it's a good sign that they talk to me again at the next function. So I can't be doing too badly or it could be them wanting to talk about their research to anyone who will listen. Nevertheless I do find it interesting when the topic strays to subjects from killer microbes to nanotechnology.<br /><br />Of course the food is good and the drink is also good. They're extremely useful events on days I forget to bring my lunch in or when my personal stash of food and drink is at a low.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interesting Project Offers<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span>You get talking to people about work related topics. It can't be helped. It happens. This does lead to talking about ideas and things. That's when things get hazy and before you know it, you're talking PhD Project and next thing you know people are jokingly adding "Dr" to your name and it sounds good, really good. Despite this you're able to laugh it off but you are left with a possible project in your brain that will now come to tease you on the days when things are going well in the lab.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />Of Funding<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span>This is when the jokes do stop. It's the business end of wooing. When the mention of money comes out, the person making the offer is deadly serious. The application is a mere formality. I just need to say yes, no or that I will think about it. Actually, "no" isn't a viable option at this stage because I wouldn't get the offer unless you were actually wanting to be in this situation as I would have needed to play the game well to get here.<br /><br />Perhaps this is my own doing after all but I can't figure out who played who here.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694466672801098785.post-23260695528783658662007-09-18T11:49:00.000+08:002007-10-22T08:12:45.892+08:00A Little Background<span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I hold a BSc in Science and I've worked in industry since graduating. After 24 months or so I became bored and needed to move on so I signed up for a Graduate Diploma and a paid research position at the same university to fit in a job with studying congruently. And life was grand.<br /><br />I had a quasi student life and without a care in the world. And my masterplan was to graduate after a couple of years of part-time study and head back out into industry with new skills. As all masterplans go, this one was doomed to change.<br /><br />And it has with one simple question, "Have you ever considered taking up a PhD?"<br /></span>Alkemisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243560004970097824noreply@blogger.com0