Expanding your experience
A PhD is about more than becoming an expert in a specialist subject. At the University of Greenwich, postgraduate researchers can enhance their studies through teaching, outreach and professional development opportunities that help build skills, confidence and career prospects.
For Safeenah Ameen, a PhD researcher at the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), making the most of opportunities beyond her research has been an important part of her Greenwich experience. While investigating how hoverflies can support the pollination of commercial soft fruit crops, she has also developed valuable skills that will support her future career.
Take up opportunities beyond your research, such as teaching and university events, as they help you grow in ways research alone can't.
Developing teaching and leadership skills
One of the most rewarding aspects of Safeenah 's PhD has been her role as a Postgraduate Research and Teaching Assistant (PGRTA). After completing the university's Practical Teaching in Higher Education course, she began supporting teaching across several science disciplines.
Working with students has strengthened her communication, mentoring and leadership skills while also broadening her own knowledge beyond her research specialism. Teaching practical sessions and supporting student projects has given her valuable experience that complements her academic research.
Building transferable skills
Alongside her teaching responsibilities, Safeenah has taken part in Open Days, outreach activities and student recruitment events. These experiences have helped her develop the professional skills employers value, including teamwork, organisation, public engagement and effective communication.
Engaging in activities outside her research has also provided insight into the wider university environment, helping her build experience that will be useful in both academic and non-academic careers.
Growing confidence and connections
Communicating with prospective students and visitors has enabled Safeenah to become more confident in presenting complex ideas to different audiences. These experiences have improved her ability to explain research clearly, an increasingly important skill for researchers across all sectors.
She also highlights the supportive research community at Greenwich as a key part of her development. Collaborating with colleagues, attending events and sharing ideas with fellow researchers has helped her broaden her perspective and build valuable professional networks.
Preparing for the future
For Safeenah, the opportunities available alongside her PhD have been just as important as the research itself. Alongside technical expertise, she has developed skills in mentoring, collaboration, problem-solving and communication that will support her future career.
You meet a wide range of people, gain valuable experience and get the chance to make a difference. It's also a good break from research, and sometimes a step back is when the best ideas come to you.
More than a research degree
At the University of Greenwich, a PhD offers more than the opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge. Through teaching, professional development, outreach and networking opportunities, postgraduate researchers can develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to succeed both within and beyond academia.