Image courtesy of Peter Myers
Intro
When I was invited to attend my PhD supervisor’s 60th birthday symposium, it struck me as a rare opportunity to pause and look back on a journey that has, until now, been relentlessly forward-looking. This reflection, prompted by the task of presenting scientific work conducted since leaving my Matt’s group, revealed insights that I want to share here, if only so I can come back and see what it is I have inevitably forgotten. In the whirlwind of progress, we seldom take the time to look back, yet it’s in these moments of reflection that we find lessons which can map onto our current positions.
People and Their Influence
During my time in Matt’s group at Liverpool, I was part of a vibrant community of between 40-50 individuals, ranging from master’s students to career researchers. This melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and scientific disciplines was not just a social hub but a crucible for learning and growth. It was here that I first grasped the power of Python, delved into knowledge management, and learned to approach science with a critical mind. The diversity of thought and approach I was exposed to has had a lasting impact on how I tackle problems today. Rather than focusing solely on the problem at hand, it is often of value to consider the methodology of solving it. It is the compounding of reflections of an individuals workflow’s that will lay a foundation for more significant achievements.
The Value of Perseverance
One of my most vivid memories involves sitting in the lab in my first year, watching yet another reaction fail. At that moment, calculating that I was only 10% through my program seemed daunting. A fellow student warned me against such thinking, highlighting the danger of focusing solely on the program’s end. She was right. The journey, for both the PhD but also for work more generally, is fraught with setbacks and challenges, but it’s also punctuated with victories and moments of joy. These experiences taught me resilience, showing me that perseverance and is a reminder that it is not just about enduring but about finding value in the steps of the journey.
The Importance of Preparation
In the early-to-mid 2010s, the norm was to conduct meetings in person, with someone always arriving early to set up the shared computer. This practice instilled in me the importance of preparation. Meetings were not something that just took the time blocked out in the calendar but something that needed preparation time and planning. Being ready for meetings, with slides and objectives clearly defined, was crucial.
Today, this lesson continues to influence how I approach professional interactions. I still work best when I have time to fully prepare for calls and meetings, ensuring that I can steer these discussions effectively. But it is wider than that, being purposeful in the work we do and understanding the value of people time is important, regardless of role or level.
Conclusion
Looking back on my PhD journey offers more than just nostalgia; it provides valuable lessons that continue to influence my approach to work and life. The people I met and worked with shaped my thinking and problem-solving skills in ways that continue to resonate. The challenges I faced taught me the importance of perseverance, not as a means to an end but as a valuable process in itself. And the practices we adhered to have instilled habits that serve me well to this day.
In our fast-paced world, taking the time to reflect on past experiences is a luxury we often deny ourselves. I feel it’s through these reflections that we find enduring lessons and insights. As I look forward to future challenges and opportunities, I do so with the knowledge that the past has equipped me with invaluable tools for navigating whatever lies ahead.