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Drawing from her experience of embarking on a PhD after working at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the UK's largest independent social research institute, Dr Chanfreau offers valuable insights.

Join hosts Alina and Keri as they and Jenny compare their journeys into PhD life, think about how to make the most of their new academic communities, and air some thoughts about the unique 'twilight' status of PhD researchers within universities - more professional than students but not quite fully-fledged staff - while discussing what universities can do to recognise and protect the contributions PhD researchers make to their department's operation.

And as you approach the end of your PhD, the big question arises: now what? The episode explores the challenges of job applications, potential visa stress for international scholars, and the skills needed to stay in academia. It also covers the importance of showcasing your research, exploring post-doctoral opportunities, and dealing with feedback or rejection - it can be emotional! The discussion includes how to process feedback constructively and the surprising usefulness of memes in navigating this journey.

Words of advice from our listeners

While preparing for this season, we launched a small survey in our academic networks asking what advice our academic colleagues and friends would give themselves if they could go back in time. Here is what they said:

1. Publish a paper, push to publish a paper, and search for a right supervisor who at least is able to unleash your potential.
2. Take annual leave like you would in a job - otherwise you will burn out.
3. Take care of your health. Focus on the kind and helpful people, and spend a bitÌýless time listening toÌýpeople who put you down; it's useful, but not worth the energy.
4. It's ok to do things again. If the week's writing turned out wonky, drop it in your file of offcuts and start anew. If the first round of funding didn't work out, reapply. If the seminar tanked, try it with another spin next time.
5. Make sure to focus on more than just your research. Try to gain experience with teaching, presenting at conferences, collaborating with others. All of these things are important for your development as an academic and also look great on your CV!
6. You might not realise how much you're progressing during your PhD because it happens gradually and continuously, but you are learning and developing so much! One day you'll be in the stage and realise how much you progressed throughout your PhD.
7. Don’t teach so much. Invest that time in building networks (although a financial hit at the time, you will be able to navigate the jobs market a bit better when you're done and know the direction you wish to take more clearly).
8. Better to prioritise papers and publications, over teaching.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Academia et al.Ìýpodcast series
• Early Career Network
• IOE Podcasts