09 Phd Student - Lis - Key characteristics

Obviously the most important characteristic, I think, for any PhD student is self-motivation. Whilst I have good support, really good support, from my supervisors, from my family, from the contacts I've made through the course and the good grounding in knowledge that I've had through the courses; it is my study and I have to keep myself motivated and plan that out, making sure I'm meeting the milestones that I need to, to get that finished within the three years. I think my project management skills that I've had over several years have really stood me in good stead for that because I can set myself the goals and make sure that I'm working towards those. The other characteristics that have been quite important to me is to have the confidence to get what I need out of the PhD and the support that I need out of my supervisors. It can be quite scary, I think, when you first come into academia, particularly after so many years working in practise. It's a very different environment and can be a bit frightening, but I think, you know, to have that confidence and to know that the supervisors are there to help you, support you and guide you. I've been able to get really good supervision because I've been able to use their knowledge and skills to help guide me.