1. By Esraa Karam and Lewis Hill
What We Wish We’d Known
By Esraa Karam and Lewis Hill

2. Who are we? Esraa Karam (Business School) Lewis Hill
(Faculty of Science)
- Final year of PhD in Marketing
- BSc and MSc degrees in ‘Marketing’ from Cairo University
- Final year of PhD in Physics
- BSc degrees in ‘Mathematics’ and ‘Theoretical and Computational Physics’ from Cardiff University

3. So many opportunities… … but how do you find them?

4. Grants and Scholarships
- Large number available, diverse eligibility and rewards
- Used to fund conferences or external research visits
- Local or international, short or extended visits
Benefits:
- Help you stand out, boost your CV
- Supplement your research
- Great Networking opportunities
- Chance to travel
(Lots of free time!)
University of Auckland - New Zealand
Check your s!!

5. Social Communities Widen your network!!
Students social groups: Doctoral Researchers Group (DRG); Student Union and PG Society
Represent your department or your faculty!
Attend social events and get along with your peers
Widen your network!!
DRG Coffee Morning

6. PGR Induction Volunteers 2018/2019
Students Activities
Organising events and conferences
Departmental committees (i.e. equality and diversity committee)
Peer reviewing activities
Teaching experience - AFHEA Accreditation
And many more….
PGR Induction Volunteers 2018/2019

7. Public Engagement and Outreach
- Increase your general understanding of research topic and background
- Improve your public speaking
- Interact with people from all walks of life
- Free publicity
- Fun!
- Win-Win-Win: Good for community, good for university, good for you!
Orkney International Science Festival

8. Huge amount of support available… … but who do you turn to for what?

9. Careers Services Choosing Your Career CV/Cover Letter Check
Looking for a Job
Making Applications
Calendar of Events
Meet the team today at lunch

10. Disability & Wellbeing Service
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Disability Support
General Health Support
- Counselling
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- One-to-one mental health and wellbeing assessments
- Group therapy
- Online support program
- Stress reduction program
Support students with a range of disabilities
- Specific learning difficulties
- Sensory and physical impairments
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Unseen disabilities and other medical conditions
- Confidential service
- Assistance to access other professionals.
- Help with accessing GP and dental services.
- Advice on healthcare for overseas students.

11. International Student Support Team
International advisor drop-in sessions
Accommodation Guidance
Guidance for visa extensions
International welcome program
International Families Support
Tours and Sightseeing

12. Study Skills Service and Library Support
Courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Study Skills Service
Library Sessions
Organisation and self-management
Reading and note taking
Academic writing
Critical analysis and evaluation
Editing and reviewing
Searching for books and using SUPrimo
Academic references
Software courses on EndNote and Mendeley
Here today in the foyer!

13. General Tips and Tricks
Build your support network early
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
PG Cert. is not as tough as it seems
Start writing from the beginning
Be engaged with your supervisor
Be open to criticism and feedback
Reflect on the bad AND the good
Work-life balance is key
All PhD journeys are different!

14. Useful Links
Academic year key dates:
Student Lifecycle:
International Student Support Team:
International Welcome Program:
Library Services:
Skills Boost Drop-in Sessions:
Mental Health & Well-being Support:
Disability Support:
General Health Support:

15. Useful Links
Study Skills Services:
Career Services:
Careers Events:
Choosing your career:
Making Applications:
Funding and Financial Support:
Strath Union:
DRG:
Booking System:
AFHEA information session for PGRs who Teach:

16. If you have any questions, come and find us!
Have fun!
If you have any questions, come and find us!