I’ve been involved with plenty of books and projects with other people, and you can find the details of many of these on my author page. This is my first book that I’ve undertaken as a solo project however, with a lot of support from my family, friends, and brilliant PhD students who are also contributing authors.

It Shouldn’t Happen To a PhD Student

How to thrive, not just survive, during your PhD

So what is the book about?

In this book, Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green, otherwise known as ‘The Girlymicrobiologist’ talks about the reality of what it is like to study for a PhD, what gateways you may need to pass through, and how to manage key relationships in order to achieve success.

Drawing on years of experience as a healthcare scientist, infection prevention and control consultant, and PhD graduate, Girlymicro shares her insider tips and practical wisdom in this insightful guide. This book goes beyond the typical academic handbook, acknowledging the unique challenges and triumphs faced by PhD students and offering relatable, real-world advice to help you:

• Master the art of effective research and time management to stay organized and on track.
• Build a supportive network of peers, mentors, and supervisors to overcome challenges and foster collaboration.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing self-care and avoiding burnout.
• Embrace the unexpected and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Navigate the complexities of academia with confidence and build a strong professional network

This book starts at the very beginning, with why you might want to do a PhD, how you might decide what route to PhD is right for you, and what a successful application might look like.

It then takes you through your PhD journey, year by year, with tips about how to approach and succeed during significant moments, such as attending your first conference, or writing your first academic paper.

Finally, you will discover what other skills you need to develop during your PhD to give you the best route to success after your viva.  All of this supported by links to activities on the Girlymicrobiologist blog, to help you with practical exercises in order to apply what you have learned.

Whether you’re planning your PhD, a healthcare professional looking to develop, or simply curious to know about how the world of academia works, The Girlymicrobiologist offers a refreshing blend of knowledge and relatable experiences. Get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired to find a way into, what she describes as the best job on the planet.

So where can I get a copy?

The book is available in hardback, paperback and Ebook versions, all live on Amazon for purchase NOW.

Click the link below to access and start your learning journey:

If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, it should be available for free as part of your options

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Content to Support Your PhD Journey

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To support some of the chapters within this book I’ve pulled together a series of activities that might help. As these are difficult to incorporate into a book format I’ve included them below as downloads so you can use them when the time is right for you. More will be added over time, and feel free to feedback if there are others you might find useful.

Chapter Three: How to choose your PhD

Chapter Four: Deciding your USP and creating your elevator pitch

Chapter Eight: Structuring your learning agreement

Chapter Ten: Developing SMART goals

Coming soon

Chapter Twelve: Undertaking a SWOT analysis

Chapter Fifteen: Maintaining your work-life balance

Coming soon

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