class: inverse, center, middle background-image: url(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/sgp-catalog-images/region_US/4mgrh-2BFGWNBQMMT-Full-Image_GalleryBackground-en-US-1556151708125._SX1080_.jpg) background-size: cover # Bachelors to PhD: Taking the leap ### Rushani Wijesuriya .large[ISCB 2020-ECB day| 28 Aug 2020] --- class: center # About me -- .pull-left[I’m from Sri Lanka, a small island nation in the Indian ocean] <img src="gifs/SriLanka.PNG" width="75%" /> -- .left[My journey so far...] <img src="gifs/journey.PNG" width="75%" /> --- class: center #Why did i decide to do a PhD? ![](gifs/jonsnow.gif) --- class: center #About me .pull-left[ ###At the begining of the PhD <img src="gifs/begining-puss.PNG" width="100%" /> ] -- .pull-right[###Now <img src="gifs/now-puss.PNG" width="50%" /> ] --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization #1- The knowledge gap -- Going from an undergraduate to a PhD is a massive adjustment -- I had to catch up to a lot of new work and new techniques/skills <img src="gifs/deepend.PNG" width="50%" /> --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization #2-People Skills -- Establishing professional relationships all from day one from scratch -- Use all opportunities - Join a students’ association - Choose to not work from home - Conferences <img src="gifs/RSA.PNG" width="30%" /> <img src="gifs/YSC.PNG" width="30%" /> --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization #3- It's a long haul -- I was anxious because I felt like I had a lot to do to catch-up -- I couldn’t evaluate whether I was doing well -- Set smaller milestones to track progress <img src="gifs/Brace.jpeg" width="50%" /> --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization #4-Aiming for perfection -- “Best is the enemy of the good” -- Get feedback whenever possible from supervisors <img src="gifs/feedback.jpeg" width="60%" /> --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization #5-Growing thicker skin -- I had to teach myself to handle constructive criticism -- This is a very important skill because your work will continuously get critiqued <img src="gifs/armadillo.jpg" width="50%" /> --- background-image: url(gifs/lightbulb.jpg) # Realization#6- There is a steep learning curve -- First year was slow and challenging -- Comparatively the second and third years have been easier <img src="gifs/learningcurve.jpg" width="60%" /> --- class: center # So should you do it? ![](gifs/path2.gif) Depens on *YOUR* circumstances and preferences --- # Using a stepping stone -- Can be a good way to decide if you want to move on to a PhD -- Makes you more competitive when applying for a PhD program -- Discover how best you learn and what kind of supervisor you will work best with .pull-right[ <img src="gifs/stepping-stone.PNG" width="100%" /> ] --- # Taking the leap -- Timing- If you spot your ideal PhD straight away, it could make sense to apply -- Same applies for funding too -- Also for international students- Visa issues <img src="gifs/bungee.jpg" width="30%" /> <img src="gifs/bungee2.jpg" width="30%" /> --- class:center # Taking the leap <img src="gifs/get.PNG" width="25%" /><img src="gifs/paper1.PNG" width="25%" /><img src="gifs/tutors.jpg" width="25%" /><img src="gifs/anthony.PNG" width="25%" /> <img src="gifs/vicbio.jpg" width="25%" /><img src="gifs/ISCB2018.jpg" width="25%" /><img src="gifs/YSC2.PNG" width="25%" /> --- class:center # Look before you leap ![](gifs/leap.gif) -- .left[There is the risk of putting too much pressure on your shoulders] -- .left[So if you are considering this path it might be best to find a bit more about the experience] -- .left[Talk to those who have done the same thing or better, if possible find a mentor with similar experience who can guide you through]