In this solo session, I share a candid reflection on passing the viva, then map the four pillars of a modern PhD: funding, mental health, career strategy, and networking.
Practical stories, honest stats, and a nudge to build options beyond the thesis Viva highlights and next steps. Funding sources, tradeoffs, and timing. Mental health risks, supports, and pacing. Academic vs industry routes and optionality. Entrepreneurial mindset for uncertain markets. Networking as social capital, not transactions. Online presence for visibility and community. Choosing the PhD with eyes open.
Thank you all for tuning in, it's been a pleasure!
Hazell, C. M., Chapman, L., Valeix, S. F., Roberts, P., Niven, J. E., & Berry, C. (2020). Understanding the mental health of doctoral researchers: a mixed methods systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-synthesis. Systematic Reviews, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01443-1
Horwitz, I. M. (2025). The Entrepreneurial Scholar: A New Mindset for Success in Academia and Beyond. Princeton University Press.
Last, A. (2025). The ‘creative thesis’ in the academic ‘anxiety machine.’ Area. https://doi.org/10.1111/area.70007
Pham, T. (2025). What really contributes to employability of PhD graduates in uncertain labour markets? Globalisation Societies and Education, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2023.2192908
Satinsky, E. N., Kimura, T., Kiang, M. V., Abebe, R., Cunningham, S., Lee, H., Lin, X., Liu, C. H., Rudan, I., Sen, S., Tomlinson, M., Yaver, M., & Tsai, A. C. (2021). Systematic review and meta-analysis of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among Ph.D. students. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93687-7
Website: https://www.phdlounge.co.uk
Donation tab - https://www.phdlounge.co.uk/donate
Buzzsprout subscription - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1808542/support
Instagram: @phdlmf
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luismaia94/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/phdloungepodcast
Sportify
Sportify personalises FIFA style sporting cards with a 10% when using the code PHDLOUNGE10
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
