Do you ever have the feeling that you don’t really deserve to be doing the PhD or research project you’re working on? Feel like everyone else is coping and progressing in a way that you’re not? Does academic criticism really cut you to the core, and make you question yourself and your capacity to complete your project?
Imposter Syndrome is rife in academia, and equally common among male and female academics. In this meet-up, we’ll look briefly at what Imposter Syndrome is, before concentrating on sourcing expert support and developing strategies for remaining productive in the face of this very common challenge.
As PhD and early career researchers, we all have ups and downs. If and when the downs get very bad, it might become clear to us that we need support. But there’s a world of space between being happy and fulfilled in our work, and that point at which we might, finally, admit there’s a problem and seek help.
Many – perhaps even most – researchers are working in that space. Most of us live with conditions and experiences that can have profound impacts on our capacities as researchers.
Experiences like imposter syndrome and academic anxieties are incredibly common. Common enough that we should be talking about them. A lot. So why the silence?
The Thriving Researcher is a new initiative that creates space and time for researchers to come together and break the silence. We’ll be building an inclusive community by discussing our shared experiences, and learning how to work – and how to thrive – in the face of challenges that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
These are free, informal, supportive events, with a focus on validating your experiences, reflecting on your responses to common challenges, and arming you with practical tips and tools to help you feel better equipped to do what you do best.