Postgraduate Literacies Research Skills Workshop 4 Research Blues

Postgraduate Literacies & Research Skills Workshop 4: Research Blues Presented by : Tapiwa Gundu (Ph. D)

Research blues Research can sometimes make you feel as though you live in a pressure cooker, a very lonely, isolating, pressure cooker. And while you are using all your strength to hold it together, progress in your own work, live up to expectations, or at the very least take a shower, change your clothes, and resemble a functioning person, it happens: you receive an email from your supervisor telling you the chapter you just submitted is substandard and he is greatly disappointed in you. The Research Journey

Avoiding depression Keep it in perspective. It may seem like you are the only one in your group who is struggling to obtain results. This is unlikely, though it may be the case that you are the only one struggling at this very moment. Talk to your colleagues. A strong support network is key to your enjoyment and success in any post graduate program. Remind yourself of what you’ve learned so far. Write down the things you know how to do that you didn’t before. Maybe it’s as simple as, ‘I’ve more experience in presenting my ideas to a small group. Take ownership of your project. Having sufficient results to fill a thesis can seem like a daunting goal when you are struggling. Try to spend a little of your time working on a small side project which may be of less interest to your supervisor but can be valuable for your thesis and reinforce your belief in your abilities. Take care of your mental and physical health. Take a break! Working harder is not always the answer, in fact, I’ve solved tough lab challenges and had my most creative ideas while asleep or on holiday. Talk openly about failure. As a researcher, you should shout about and even celebrate your failures as the price we pay for success and achievement.

Meeting the intellectual requirements MYTH #1 Post graduate research = Intelligence MYTH #2 Post graduate research is a chance to invent GREAT IDEAS and reveal your brilliance MYTH #3 A masterpiece Post graduate research project is enough to ensure academic career Post graduate research Intellectual requirements Analysis & Problem-Solving Interpersonal & Leadership Skills Project Management & Organization Self-Management & Work Habits Written & Oral Communication

Dealing with loneliness and isolation Post graduate research is not only an academic challenge, but it can also be rather socially draining. You will be expected to conduct your research independently and as a consequence of this some students may begin to feel isolated and lonely. “Post graduate research is a lonely journey, others may walk it with you, BUT nobody can walk it for you”

Over optimism/ Perfectionism/ Over ambition

Keeping momentum Fun Inspiration Vision Energy Support Tracking Rewards

Endurance, perseverance

Believe in yourself

No quitting but breaks allowed

In summary Doing postgraduate research is fun. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to apply your intellect and ability to think quickly against a significant challenge. So enjoy it, remember, you are allowed to cry in-between.