PhD support group?

missejackson

Wondered whether a PhD support group has been set up? Might be confused - is this it or does it exist elsewhere?

About to start as a Research Assistant and will registered for a PhD. Bit confused as to whether this means I will actually be STARTING a PhD or whether it means that in 2 years (after the Research Assistant contract ends) I will do the PhD. Hopefully someone will make this clear somewhere along the way!!!

Glad there is somewhere to have a rant - from what I've read it looks as if it is needed. I am coming from the relatively cosy world of Local Government where flexi-time is in operation and work stays at work......

DrFluffy

I'm currently working for central Government, where flexi-time is in operation and work stays at work...

missejackson

DrFluffy wrote:

I'm currently working for central Government, where flexi-time is in operation and work stays at work...

wish local government would pay for my PhD...! Then I could have the best of both worlds..!

DrFluffy

Back to uni in two weeks time though - and I'll have to go back to having less than a months salary to last me a whole term

pug_in_a_bed

Can anyone help with this? On another thread Hostie suggested that it's possible for PhD students to get work doing research in areas related to their studies, but Hostie wasn't sure of the names of any of the organisiations? Does anyone on here know?

Thanks

DrFluffy

Often you can do it internally though your university. My boyf was self funding and he worked as a research assistant for one of the law dons, the bonus was the area was not dissimilar to his thesis area, so he killed two birds with one stone...

jamtart6

I have just finished my first year...its scary how quickly its going! The weight on my shoulders will be gone in 2-2.5 years HURRAH! never thought it'd be this stressful!

talksalot81

DrFluffy wrote:

Often you can do it internally though your university. My boyf was self funding and he worked as a research assistant for one of the law dons, the bonus was the area was not dissimilar to his thesis area, so he killed two birds with one stone...

This is really variable depending on your institution and area. I know for sure there wouldnt be a hope in hell of getting such money in our department.

DrFluffy

talksalot81 wrote:

This is really variable depending on your institution and area. I know for sure there wouldnt be a hope in hell of getting such money in our department.

Hence the fact I used the word 'often'

That said, you do not need to stay in department. I have several friends who did self funded doctorates who acted as an RA to people in unrelated fields... It's the skills you amass as a doctoral student that are important to someone looking for an RA, not neccessarily the subject matter compatibility...

missejackson

DrFluffy - I'm loving the PHDiva bit!!! Makes it all seem worth it!!!