What kind of a PhD are you?

I’m a PhD researcher (PhD).

I don’t like to brand or classify myself, but if I need to, I would say I am a ‘social science PhD’. What does it actually mean? In short, social science PhDs are doing research in education, psychology, antrolopogy, sociology, political science etc., basically all the sciences that are concerned with the society, its dynamics, processes, human behaviour and its interconnectedness. My research is in education; but it is the intersection of arts and business. In short.

Why am I interested to know what kind of PhDs are out there? Well, often I come across many assumptions about PhD – the way people think about them, from what they wear, eat or do, to the way they behave. Generally, people think that PhDs are some boring nerds sitting in their labs or reading book all day long, not knowing anything about the ‘real world’. Well, I don’t blame them, as I also know many who seem to fit perfectly to this description. But, not all of us are like that.

In social science, people are usually working individually on their own project, without being part of any ‘lab’ or group. As many students there are – as many different topics and approaches they use. No white uniforms or fancy instruments. Just a laptop and a book. Or online journals, for us who fancy writing from a coffee shop or a beach.

Who am I?

• I am a real geek for new gadgets, technological innovation and all the tech and business things, although having academic background in music and social science
• I am also an educator, real fan of Dr Ken Robinson and his theories
• I’m an advocate for arts education, and bringing much more arts and creativity in life generally
• I’m a mother of a baby girl
• I am a youth leader in my community
• I love startups and entrepreneurship
• I am an active musician
• I like leisure time and I always find time for it – walking, gym, reading a book (novel, not an academic book), going out for dinners, cooking for friends and family

I also know many other PhDs, across various disciplines, who are outgoing, fun to be with, very down-to-earth and party-lovers. Still, they are genius in their research.

What kind of a PhD are you?

Let us allow the world to know us better – the real life PhD – use the #reallifePhD and share your thoughts.