Thanks to Milly Heelan @heelan_phd for contributing this post.
It was great to see the following stat circulating around twitter last month as part of a freedom of information request: “85 (HCPC) registered SLTs with a PhD”
What a great statistic and I bet many more #SLPhDs are in the pipe line!
I am currently in the midst of doing a PhD and love the fact we can now use #ReSNetSLT to network with each other, tell stories and inspire others to get involved in research!
Looking back I went into the PhD very blind, not knowing what to expect! However, if I knew now what a great opportunity it is to do a PhD or be involved with research, I would have thought about doing it sooner!
A PhD can sound daunting; going back into academia, spending 3-4 years of time on one project and sitting in the library for hours on end writing up a thesis. However, I have had met some wonderful friends and colleagues and had more opportunities to network than ever before. The PhD is a training programme, which provides you with opportunities and time to develop skills including writing, presenting, networking, research and teaching skills. You are not alone! Typically, you work closely with your supervisors and get to know a whole community of others with similar interests to you.
So if you love learning, have an inquisitive mind and most importantly some perseverance to do something new, I would encourage you to look for opportunities to open doors to research!
The NIHR have a great website about getting involved in research projects or applying for funding.
They have recently realigned all of their funding streams and provide options and generous training budget for people at different levels. I am aware also that Health Education England support some bridging awards, allowing time to develop proposals, so look out for these!
The @RCSLT research newsletter is another place to look out for PhD and funding opportunities. In addition, get in touch with your local Research and Development team who will be able to point you in the direction of local support in your area!
Lastly, use #ReSNetSLT to seek out people who have done a similar role for support! What I have learnt is it is never too early to ask the question!