Reflections on the research student experience Writing stories: Reflections on the research student experience Amy-Louise Webber Centre for Transport & Society

My story: Originally from a Human Geography background – mostly a cultural geographer MSc in Transport Planning/ MA ASRM Background in consultancy and local authority working Based in CTS Clown, dweller of redcliffe, owner of deviant cat.

My PhD: Life on the buses: Investigating older users experience and perceptions of community transport 50% of the way through Currently pursuing a mainly qualitative methodology Case study in Bristol Two official supervisors on team and an unofficial mentor

My PhD story so far.. Varied – highs and lows – Presented a lot, A lot of complimentary learning Now focusing on more writing and data collection Suffered with and been treated for anxiety and depression. Up next: some things I’ve learnt through experience or are things I should have done but didn't!

Things I’ve learnt #1 - AGENDAS Organise!! – agenda and minute your meetings, take action points, reading lists, follow up – monthly AND supervisory meetings – fundamental for keeping you on track and to evidence progress establish your own agenda as early as you can (this may change) – its down to you to dictate the parameters of the research and your interests your supervisory team are advisors but also have interest in your research and their advice is likely to reflect this – bear this in mind! – follow all avenues but its your PhD – what do you want to get out of it? What areas do you want to go into in the future?

Things I’ve learnt #2 – SELF MANAGEMENT It is your job. By the time you complete this ‘contract’ you will have all the skills you need to be self employed. (It will often feel like you are self employed) There will be peaks and troughs in both time/attitude Update bibliography daily (I've not done these consistently) Write 250 words daily TAKE EVERYTHING FROM THE PROCESS THAT YOU CAN – few graduates will see an increase in salary in real terms after completion and long term prospects are competitive – its about following an interest, learning, an experience/journey – look for everything that comes with it – additional training, conferences, incentive schemes, supervisors contacts, teaching opportunities, travel, networking – a process of skill development and enhancement. Utilise everything that is available. Take time out – you’ll be back to a regular day job before you know it. If you are not enjoying it its not worth doing it. Work your ass off then go see an afternoon movie.

Things I’ve learnt #3 - YOU ARE MORE THAN THE SUM OF YOUR INTELLECT Two key things I’ve got from the PhD process: I’ve become an artist/clown I’ve become a hippy Your mind will get work – make sure your body and your soul does too – best to try and integrate all three! Exercise, quiet time, food, sleep, creativity, keep a diary People. Find people.

Things I’ve learnt #4 – KEEP TALKING/COMMUNICATING Talk/communicate to everyone: Your PhD colleagues – but don't compare your work to theirs.. To experts – supervisors/practioners Also non-experts – people new to topic – general public How can you communicate your research? How can you share your journey and experience?

Things I’ve learnt #5 – WHEN THINGS GO WRONG... “'But I don’t want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can’t help that,' said the Cat. 'We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.' 'How do you know I’m mad?' said Alice. 'You must be,” said the Cat. 'or you wouldn’t have come here.'” (my story not necessarily your story) Recovering from and dealing with a breakdown Can often be a stressful time - Support services available at UWE Support processes Benefits of psychotherapy Everyone encounters issues at some point in their life also quite common in academia – don't be afraid to speak out if things get too much.

Final thoughts: PhD is research but it is also a process of telling your own story and deciding what the key questions should be – it is a journey You don't have to be clever to succeed – you do have to be committed and thick skinned Its about being independent – but you should also feel supported. Its not how many conundrums, issues or problems you encounter but how you come back from them. Bristol is a great place to be – make the most of it! Remember that its a PhD!! Remember that its only a PhD!! Some people do survive. I’ve seen them walking around.

Two books I’ve found helpful...