The great expectations

If you are wondering how I am settling into the new place – no worries (as aussies use to say). I am as enthusiastic and happily ignorant as any of the other PhD-newbies.

In this post I want to share the thing we did with my supervisor during the first days of my project. She asked me to write down what I want to achieve during the next 3 years at Macquarie and what are my understanding about her and my roles as a supervisor/student in this project. She did the same and after discussing it we signed an agreement about our future collaboration

I think this is a very nice way how to start a PhD. Of course it looks a bit idealistic on the paper and will crush with a reality at some point in future, however there are huge benefits of the conversation we had. Firstly, it opens a very honest communication where I feel that every problem can be negotiated and my opinion will be heard out. Secondly as a student I do not have to doubt if I am acting as I am supposed to or not. I clearly know what is expected from me and I know what to expect from my supervisor. Makes life more simple.

Here are some fragments of my contribution to the deal. The final contract was longer, but who would bother to read that.

My expectations for PhD

I started this PhD because I want to do research in future and work in academia after finishing. Therefore the most important thing for me  is to learn as much as possible, acquire the skills to be a good researcher and a base of knowledge for a further work in the field of metamorphic petrology/structural geology.

My responsibilities

• To make time for regular meetings (at least once a week)
• To deliver results when they are expected/keep the deadlines
• To be prepared for meetings with supervisor, talks, conferences, fieldworks
• To keep supervisor informed about the progress of the project
• To follow the directions of supervisor but think independently and develop my own vision and ideas about the project
• To keep positive attitude towards the supervisor and the project even during difficult times

Responsibilities of the supervisor

• To make time for regular meetings (at least once a week)
• During the initial stage, help with focusing the topic, planning the project, also recommend literature
• To read my drafts and provide straight-forward feedback
• If I have to learn a new technique, where it is possible, provide an information or introduce with somebody who can assist
• Inform me about the practicalities of the project (organizing fieldworks, preparing papers for publishing, handing in thesis, managing my project money, etc) or direct to the person who can do that
• To keep positive attitude towards me and my project even during difficult times

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