Vlog 250 - It's your PhD (and what your supervisor means when they say this!)

There are certain phrases that exist in the doctoral space that are 'code' for particular actions, behaviours, feelings, fears and worries. One of the most evocative phrases in doctoral education is - "it's your PhD." What does this phrase mean when used by a supervisor / advisor?

[kamilazdybal]

3:32 1. Your supervisor is worried that they are contributing too much to your thesis.
7:40 2. Your supervisor does not think that you are working hard enough.
9:21 3. You haven't improved.
11:03 4. There are writing, stylistic and construction problems in the doctorate.
13:42 5. It is a critical point in the research and you don't recognize it.
16:45 6. Your supervisor is questioning your motivation and commitment level.
18:51 7. Dependency.
19:50 8. Your supervisor is frightened that you're not doing the work.
21:26 9. Controlling a student's unrealistic expectations.
23:15 10. Your supervisor is attempting to block your displacement of blame.

[uridimmuvltozwta]

Your language skills are phenomenal. You are clear and concise. I never heard anything like it in my life.
edit: after watching a few of these, it really seems there needs to be a seminar or class on Ph.D. expectations.

[nancyhitching]

Thanks Tara for this and the entire 250 journey! Early days in the PHD for me (month 9) and after this helpful vlog I am almost positive I will never hear "It's your PHD!" come out of my supervisor's mouth. Your vlogs have gotten me through writing the proposal, breaking through my fear of writing, going sonic and listening to the readings rather than struggling with reading them... and now staving off that dreaded remark. Many Blessings!

[kimbalnaves]

Thanks Tara- I really needed this to get my brain back in line after Christmas/new year festivities! Have a fabulous new year 🥂🌟

[shinra]

Happy New Year Tara and all at Flinders.

Congratulations on hitting 250 blogs - that is an immense achievement and a welcome contribution to the doctoral learning space at Flinders, in Australia and for so many people around the world too.

That 250 distinct blogs (and hopefully many more) can be produced around the PhD shows how vast and complex a topic it is.

Thanks as always for your shared wisdom.

[sonpollo]

11. I’ve lied to you about my expertise and can’t help you.

[annadinneen]

Loved this and congratulations! Huge achievement. The perfect vlog to get me motivated to get cracking this year.

[christinakaili]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[javairiarahim]

Do you have any book recommendations that improve writing skills?

[PhD_Author]

I don’t get the first concern about the discrepancy between the quality of the writing in the thesis and publications. Is the publication an article written jointly by the supervisor and student? Lost!!