After completing my PhD viva in January this year and starting on the final revisions to my thesis, I asked myself that inevitable question – what comes next? I could not envision working in industry or with policy-makers. Instead, I imagined that, eventually, I would find a teaching position at a UK university where I could continue my research and pass on my knowledge and passion of English Literature to a new generation of students.
However, the route into academia is fraught with difficulty and being offered a role at a university is arguably as big an achievement as the doctorate itself. Rather than being an exciting source of motivation, questions about my future were instead a further source of anxiety. Being so close to completing my research, I was quickly reminded of the sizeable task in front of me. I knew that I couldn’t expect to just walk into my dream job – PhD or not – because there were a number of other skills and experiences that I was unsure if I had in my repertoire. I had come so far already, but I still wasn’t sure if it was enough.
This was why, when my university told me about Cumberland Lodge and their Life Beyond the PhD conference, I jumped at the opportunity. The conference aims to equip doctoral students with the skills and self-belief they need to make the next step after the conclusion of their studies. For me, an opportunity like this sounded too good to be true, so I made my funding application and before long I was accepted; excited, I began my preparations. I had only attended one previous conference in 2021, and due to the pandemic, that was held virtually. This was an exciting opportunity for many reasons: I could network with fellow PhD candidates and learn from their experiences while sharing my own, I would be able to stay in a stunning former royal residence in surroundings that were both soothing and inspirational, and, most excitingly, I would be able to learn from industry experts about the skills needed to succeed in my career once I had finally been bestowed with the title of Doctor.
My time at the Lodge was as insightful as it was enjoyable. With food, entertainment, and lodgings provided, I could focus solely on getting the most out of the conference and learning from those around me. A plethora of workshops and seminars focused on giving me the tools to discuss my research with a range of audiences and instilled me with confidence, helping to overcome the dreaded ‘imposter syndrome’ that plagues so many academics. The conference allowed me to make my next move, be it a giant leap or small step, with much more conviction than I had before.
From working alongside and learning from others at the forefront of their fields, to developing my own professional skills in the heart of leafy Windsor, my week spent at Cumberland Lodge is a time I will never forget.
Connor is a PhD candidate at the University of Greenwich. Working in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Connor’s thesis focuses on the relationship between horror author Stephen King and the European Gothic tradition.
Read more about our 2024 conference in our news story.