Earlier this week, a short email arrived in my inbox confirming that I had finally reached the end of the long journey to completing a PhD. When I was preparing for my viva – the oral exam – one of my supervisors asked me what I would have done differently, with hindsight, at the start.
‘I wouldn’t have started,’ I quipped.
The professor, of course, was focusing on the finer details of undertaking a project of this nature. I, meanwhile, was still feeling the heavy weight of having unfinished business over my head year in, year out and spending much of my spare time picking through dry academic tomes – at the cost of relaxing with family and friends. Or reading a good book for fun.
I thought, quite often, of chucking it all in. But I like to finish what I’ve started. So, I kept going with the part-time postgraduate studies.
I have no idea whether a PhD certificate will ever be useful in the development of my career. Quite possibly not. After all, I’m no spring chicken.
However, the process forced me to stretch my brain. And, the teaching and learning course the University of Stirling laid on with the PhD so that I could develop my understanding of the nuances of UK universities and work with its students allowed me to expand my work experience.
Teaching can be very rewarding, and stimulates creativity. It also creates opportunities to meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter. So I have met, and made friends with, lecturers and mature students based in Vietnam, China and elsewhere through distance Masters’ supervisions and deepened friendships with local academics with whom I’ve worked closely on various journalism, creative industries, media studies and study skills modules here in Stirling.
Sharing the letter confirming the PhD award via LinkedIn reminded me, too, of how many wonderful people I have met over the years and have managed to stay in contact with (you can connect with me on LinkedIn here). I have been blown away by all the warm messages of congratulations and support through the networking site.
Although I’m a believer in lifelong learning, I couldn’t think of anything less appealing than embarking on a fresh course of study right now. Maybe ever.
I plan to catch up – in particular – with reading books written by people I know and admire. On my shopping list: former Cape Times newspaper buddy Carol Campbell’s debut novel ‘My children have faces‘, which won a South African literary award in 2015; and, the six thrillers produced by former University of Nottingham comms team senior colleague Tim Utton, who has become a Sunday Times best-selling author under TM Logan.
I might even try my hand at my own novel, now that I can no longer procrastinate with the excuse of a PhD to finish.
Until next time…
jackiecamerondotcom 