Embarking on a PhD is not a natural nor an obvious process. Apart from the issue of securing funding, which is a subject almost on its own right, what is the real driving force behind a doctoral research project? Depending on the profile, we don’t always follow the following type of path: bachelor’s degree – master’s degree – thesis. The paths differ from one person to another, from one trajectory to another. So, what drives us to commence on a thesis when we’re almost 30, 45 or 58? What drives us? What does it mean to devote 3 to 4 years (minimum) to a single subject?
In this new episode, Véronique and I take a look at the delicate but fundamental phase of starting a doctorate. It’s a real intellectual marathon, and you must feel ready to plunge into a subject, research, imagine, analysis, writing… And enjoy it too! That’s right, Benzi!
As my German thesis supervisor once said to me, being a PhD student means being very free and having the luxury of peace of mind for a few years, compared with the rest of your academic career, which is often a very winding, not to say arduous, road… That…! So, theoretically, the thesis can be defined as a bubble, a bubble where you dedicate yourself to a subject that you like at least a little! At least that’s my personal conviction.
And this conviction is what we’re talking about here, accompanied by a doctoral student full of enthusiasm and without regrets since she started her thesis!
Enjoy your reading, Gazengel
Véronique and Gazengel stroll through the streets of the old city part of Luxembourg City. It’s winter and it’s already dark. The cat Benziglut accompanies them in their reflections on “why a thesis?”
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Gazengel – The writing adventure
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Gazengel – Homepage
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Gazengel – Methodology, Camilla & co