Starting My PhD Journey at the University of Glasgow

The onset of my PhD at the University of Glasgow was a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. Having received an offer to embark on research that bridges the disciplines of education, art, and sustainable development, I eagerly looked forward to starting. The award of a government scholarship from Azerbaijan enabled my return to the UK, reuniting me with the University of Glasgow, a place I had not seen since earning my Master's Degree in Education there in 2016.

Returning to Glasgow felt like a homecoming, stirring memories as I wandered through familiar streets and stepped back into the university that I hold in high regard. The commencement of my PhD was marked by meetings with my supervisors, Alison Phipps and Yulia Nesterova, whose expertise, warmth, and encouragement promise a supportive journey ahead.

I intend to document my PhD experience through a series of articles. Initially, however, I am keen to highlight the diverse and enriching opportunities the University of Glasgow offers to its PhD students, reflecting on my first two months which have been both fast-paced and incredibly rewarding.

Exploring the Rich Landscape of PhD Opportunities at the University of Glasgow: A Personal Journey

Starting a PhD at the University of Glasgow opens up a wealth of opportunities aimed at fostering personal and professional development. My own journey, enriched by a wide array of training sessions I attended from February to March 2024, has shown me how these initiatives are carefully crafted to meet the diverse requirements of PhD students.

Diverse Training Sessions for Holistic Development

The University of Glasgow provides an extensive array of training sessions designed to support the growth of researchers in various domains. Between February and April 2024, I participated in numerous workshops and seminars covering a wide range of subjects, such as "Public Engagement: An Introduction," "The Literature Review (Sciences)," "Convincing Conference Presentations," and "Introduction to Project Management." Offered in both live (online and in-person) formats as well as through self-study, these sessions offered crucial insights and skills essential for advancing my research.

Cultivating a Broad Skillset

The skills I gained from these trainings cover a wide spectrum of areas essential for both academic and professional growth:

Research and knowledge base: The sessions have laid a solid foundation for me to conduct and manage research effectively, enhancing my knowledge base and research management capabilities.

Cognitive and Creative Abilities: My problem-solving and innovative thinking skills have seen significant improvement, thanks to focused training on sharpening cognitive abilities and fostering creativity.

Personal and Professional Development: The courses aimed at developing personal qualities, self-management, and professional conduct have been crucial in refining my professionalism and work ethic.

Communication and Engagement: I've developed the ability to clearly and effectively articulate research findings to various audiences, thanks to dedicated training on communication and engagement.

Working Collaboratively: The training focused on working with others and polishing presentation skills has enhanced my collaborative and presentation skills, which are crucial for success in both academic and professional settings.

Certificates and Recognitions:

The tangible outcomes of these trainings are not just the skills and knowledge acquired but also the formal recognition of these efforts. My participation and achievements are verifiable through certificates listed on my LinkedIn profile, serving as a testament to my dedication and continuous professional development.

Conclusion:

The University of Glasgow stands out not only for its esteemed academic reputation but also for its commitment to fostering the growth of its PhD students through diverse training opportunities. The breadth of training I participated in during the early months of 2024 has been a cornerstone of my PhD journey, equipping me with a comprehensive skill set that extends well beyond the confines of my research project. For fellow PhD students, I highly encourage exploring these opportunities to enrich your academic journey and professional trajectory.