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Supervisor hell!

  • 15-06-2010 3:54pm
    #1
    S_S116
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭


    I really wish they had a different supervisor. My supervisor tells me nothing. I've been doing my PhD for the last 8 months now and he has had virtually no input. Any meetings I've had with him end with me being more confused than ever because he won't give me an answer to anything. I'm not expecting anything major from him, just some support and a little interest. Is that unrealistic?


Comments

  • #2
    2Scoops
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,845 ✭✭✭2Scoops


    It's not unrealistic. Have a talk with him/her about it (if you haven't already) and if things don't change switch supervisors/schools or quit. Having a bad supervisor will give you a terrible PhD experience. It's early days (8 months) so it will be easier to chalk it up to life experience than it will be in a year's time.


  • #3
    Gaspode
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,042 ✭✭✭Gaspode


    Most universities have a written policy on how to deal with problems like this (they seem to be quite common!) so see if you can find it. The first step will probably be to say it to the supervisor - write down your issues, you might find it easier then to approach him. But whatever you do speak up now before you go any further into the PhD.


  • #4
    Sparks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    Speaking from bad experience, whatever you do, don't try to just leave it go. Or you may find you spend several years of your life on something that doesn't pan out in the end.

    And whatever the schoolyard rumours about how serious changing a supervisor are, the alternative is enormously more damaging to you in the long run.


  • #5
    S_S116
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭S_S116


    Thanks for all the advice. It's nice to hear that I'm not expecting too much. There are two other supervisors on my panel one of whome has been very helpful recently so perhaps I should aoorouch him.


  • #6
    microbio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 74 ✭✭microbio


    having had a fairly non-existent supervisor myself, I would advise you to speak up ASAP. If you don't love the project then a lack of supervisor will make your life very difficult in the later stages of your PhD.
    There are plenty of PhDs around at the moment so it's not too late to change projects.
    On the other hand, some supervisors don't believe in what they think is spoon-feeding and may expect you to be a reseracher from the offset. many forget that a PhD is just an apprenticeship!
    Best of luck with your decision. :)


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