Recap: Seminar “Embarking on Your PhD Journey”
On June 20, 2025, the seminar “Embarking on Your PhD Journey”, led by Professor Vijay Kumar, captivated attendees over a dynamic 1.5-hour session. The event provided a concise yet insightful roadmap for aspiring PhD candidates, focusing on the transition from academic dependence to conducting independent, original research.
Professor Kumar emphasized the importance of developing Higher Order Thinking Skills and thorough preparation before embarking on a PhD, including selecting the right institution and supervisor to align with one’s research goals. The seminar highlighted the PhD journey as both intellectually and emotionally demanding, yet profoundly transformative, fostering significant personal and professional growth.
A compelling personal narrative by Dr. Farhana Bakar, PhD (University of Otago, New Zealand) and Senior Lecturer at UTM Malaysia, brought a relatable perspective to the discussion. Dr. Bakar shared her own experiences, illustrating the “value of perseverance and self-discipline” in overcoming the challenges of a PhD. She expressed strong agreement with Professor Kumar’s insights, adding that “pursuing a PhD is both an opportunity and a challenge for anyone. However, each individual can embrace and explore this journey in their own unique way.” She further debunked common misconceptions about the PhD process, stating, “Some people have this notion that a PhD indicates the best of the best, that it’s the toughest, hardest thing, and you need to do a lot to achieve it. But to be completely honest, it’s not entirely like that, and I learned this through my own experience doing a PhD.” Her reflections resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required for success in this rigorous academic pursuit.
The session concluded with motivational advice, encouraging future PhD candidates to take ownership of their journey and approach their research with dedication and a commitment to excellence.
For those seeking additional materials related to the seminar, please contact the Office of Science Management, FPT Education, at [email protected].