On Tuesday, 3rd June, I had the pleasure of speaking to (and with) PhD students at the University of Maribor during a virtual session hosted by my supervisor, Dr. Kyriaki Glyptou (Leeds Beckett University), and Dr. Maja Turnsek (University of Maribor).
The session aimed to provide insights into the PhD process at Leeds Beckett University, and when my supervisor invited me to share my experience from a student’s perspective, I was more than happy to jump in.
I began by introducing my research, which explores power dynamics in community-governed tourism conservancies in Kenya. Through the lens of political ecology, I have been investigating who the stakeholders are in tourism governance, what their interests are, and the level of influence they hold in the decision-making process.
I then shared an overview of my PhD journey so far, covering what Years 1 and 2 have looked like. The first year focused on building the foundation: developing my research proposal and obtaining ethics approval. The second year has been more hands-on. I spent the first half in Kenya collecting data, and I am now in the analysis stage and gradually moving into the writing phase.
Alongside my research, I have also been involved in academic training, progression reviews, and participating in conferences, workshops, and seminars whenever I can.
Of course, it has not all been smooth sailing. There have been challenging moments, such as refining my topic, facing uncertainty about the direction of my work, dealing with self-doubt, and learning how to manage my time effectively.
But I have learned (and I am still learning), that struggle is part of the process.
What has helped me is engaging deeply with the literature, leaning on support from my supervisors and peers, and creating a structured time plan to stay focused.
I have also been fortunate with my supervision. Regular monthly meetings (and additional ones when necessary), email consultations, and timely, constructive feedback have played an important role in supporting my progress.
In terms of growth, it has been significant, not just in my research but also personally. My academic writing has improved, I feel more confident speaking about my work, and my critical thinking and research skills have developed greatly.
In addition, participating in workshops, conferences, and training sessions has allowed me to meet other researchers, exchange ideas, and build networks that I believe will continue well beyond my PhD.
This session was not only a chance for me to share my experiences but also an opportunity to learn from fellow students who are also navigating their own PhD journeys.
I am grateful to my supervisor for inviting me to be part of the discussion, and I extend my thanks to Dr. Maja Turnsek and her PhD students at the University of Maribor for their participation and valuable insights.
Share this: