Piled Higher and Deeper
04 11, 12
I get to read one of the PhD cartoon strips (‘comics’) every week in the Times Higher, and generally, they portray the anguish and pain of doing a PhD - a collective misery that is not actually realised by individuals. It’s true to say that completing a PhD is not meant to be a walk in the park - after all, you’re breaking new ground, trying ideas that might not be sustainable, and learning to read (the literature), listen (to speakers/advisers/colleagues) and write (scientifically) all over again. The portrayal of the supervisor as an insensitive, demanding and unreasonable slavedriver is a combination of exaggeration and accuracy, in equal measure. It’s the role we play, to make our students better.
Anyway, once in a while, there’s a PhD cartoon for us, the supervisors. Here is one of my favourites!
Anyway, once in a while, there’s a PhD cartoon for us, the supervisors. Here is one of my favourites!