
A PhD Rollercoaster: A Diary of the Ups and Downs of Being a Doctoral Student
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $7.79
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Nilam McGrath
-
Jeff Stump
-
By:
-
Nilam A. McGrath
About this listen
What's it really like to do a PhD? There are lots of books of the "how to" variety for organizing yourself, dealing with supervisors, and writing papers and theses. But what about the emotional journey? What about the changes to your health, your social life, and your relationships with those closest to you? What about all the mistakes you make while trying to figure things out? And what if you're not sure about life as an academic? What then?
Researcher and writer Nilam McGrath passed her PhD with no corrections and then spent a decade helping PhD students navigate their PhD journeys through her popular Ups and Downs of PhDs workshop. In this book, she weaves together her personal PhD experiences with those of her workshop participants, with one clear message for all doctoral students: you are not alone.
If you've ever felt lonely, isolated, stressed or just down-right confused at any point during your PhD, then this no-nonsense book, with its top tips and learning points from each year, will reassure you that it happens to the best of us and that there is light and (a good) life at the end of the dark, anxiety-ridden tunnel.
©2017 Nilam McGrath (P)2018 Nilam McGrathListeners also enjoyed...
-
How to Write a Lot (2nd Edition)
- A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing
- By: Paul J. Silvia PhD
- Narrated by: Chris Sorensen
- Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All academics need to write, but many struggle to finish their dissertations, articles, books, or grant proposals. Writing is hard work and can be difficult to wedge into a frenetic academic schedule. How can we write it all while still having a life? In this second edition of his popular guidebook, Paul Silvia offers fresh advice to help you overcome barriers to writing and use your time more productively.
-
-
Grad students read this book
- By Jen on 03-16-22
-
A PhD Is Not Enough!
- A Guide to Survival in Science
- By: Peter J. Feibelman
- Narrated by: Peter J. Feibelman
- Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Despite your graduate education, brainpower, and technical prowess, your career in scientific research is far from assured. Permanent positions are scarce, science survival is rarely part of formal graduate training, and a good mentor is hard to find. In A PhD Is Not Enough!, physicist Peter J. Feibelman lays out a rational path to a fulfilling long-term research career. He offers sound advice on selecting a thesis or postdoctoral adviser; choosing among research jobs in academia, government laboratories, and industry; and more.
-
-
Great summary of key strategies to become more noticeable as a scientist.
- By Amazon Customer on 07-24-24
-
The Productive Researcher
- By: Mark S. Reed
- Narrated by: Mark S. Reed
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Productive Researcher, Mark Reed shows researchers how they can become more productive in a fraction of their current working day. He draws on interviews with some of the world's highest performing researchers, the literature, and his own experience to identify a small number of important insights that can transform how researchers work. The audiobook is based on an unparalleled breadth of interdisciplinary evidence that speaks directly to researchers of all disciplines and career stages.
By: Mark S. Reed
-
On Writing
- A Memoir of the Craft
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Owen King
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.
-
-
Who needs a print edition when King reads King?
- By Cather on 11-18-05
By: Stephen King
-
Learn like a Pro
- Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything
- By: Barbara Oakley PhD, Olav Schewe
- Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe have both struggled in the past with their learning. But they have found techniques to help them master any material. Building on insights from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, they give you a crash course to improve your ability to learn, no matter what the subject is.
-
-
Solid steps for students; trickier for adults
- By Drew on 05-16-22
By: Barbara Oakley PhD, and others
-
Qualitative Research
- A Guide to Design and Implementation, 4th Edition
- By: Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell
- Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
- Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Qualitative Research is the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. This fourth edition features new material covering mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, online data sources, and the latest in data analysis, including data analysis software packages as well as narrative and poetic analysis strategies. A new section offers multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. The accessible, jargon-free style makes this audiobook ideal for both novice and experienced researchers.
-
-
A must read for doctoral students.
- By Anonymous User on 08-17-19
By: Sharan B. Merriam, and others
-
How to Write a Lot (2nd Edition)
- A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing
- By: Paul J. Silvia PhD
- Narrated by: Chris Sorensen
- Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All academics need to write, but many struggle to finish their dissertations, articles, books, or grant proposals. Writing is hard work and can be difficult to wedge into a frenetic academic schedule. How can we write it all while still having a life? In this second edition of his popular guidebook, Paul Silvia offers fresh advice to help you overcome barriers to writing and use your time more productively.
-
-
Grad students read this book
- By Jen on 03-16-22
-
A PhD Is Not Enough!
- A Guide to Survival in Science
- By: Peter J. Feibelman
- Narrated by: Peter J. Feibelman
- Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Despite your graduate education, brainpower, and technical prowess, your career in scientific research is far from assured. Permanent positions are scarce, science survival is rarely part of formal graduate training, and a good mentor is hard to find. In A PhD Is Not Enough!, physicist Peter J. Feibelman lays out a rational path to a fulfilling long-term research career. He offers sound advice on selecting a thesis or postdoctoral adviser; choosing among research jobs in academia, government laboratories, and industry; and more.
-
-
Great summary of key strategies to become more noticeable as a scientist.
- By Amazon Customer on 07-24-24
-
The Productive Researcher
- By: Mark S. Reed
- Narrated by: Mark S. Reed
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Productive Researcher, Mark Reed shows researchers how they can become more productive in a fraction of their current working day. He draws on interviews with some of the world's highest performing researchers, the literature, and his own experience to identify a small number of important insights that can transform how researchers work. The audiobook is based on an unparalleled breadth of interdisciplinary evidence that speaks directly to researchers of all disciplines and career stages.
By: Mark S. Reed
-
On Writing
- A Memoir of the Craft
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Owen King
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.
-
-
Who needs a print edition when King reads King?
- By Cather on 11-18-05
By: Stephen King
-
Learn like a Pro
- Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything
- By: Barbara Oakley PhD, Olav Schewe
- Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe have both struggled in the past with their learning. But they have found techniques to help them master any material. Building on insights from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, they give you a crash course to improve your ability to learn, no matter what the subject is.
-
-
Solid steps for students; trickier for adults
- By Drew on 05-16-22
By: Barbara Oakley PhD, and others
-
Qualitative Research
- A Guide to Design and Implementation, 4th Edition
- By: Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell
- Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
- Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Qualitative Research is the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. This fourth edition features new material covering mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, online data sources, and the latest in data analysis, including data analysis software packages as well as narrative and poetic analysis strategies. A new section offers multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. The accessible, jargon-free style makes this audiobook ideal for both novice and experienced researchers.
-
-
A must read for doctoral students.
- By Anonymous User on 08-17-19
By: Sharan B. Merriam, and others
-
Write No Matter What
- Advice for Academics
- By: Joli Jensen
- Narrated by: Pam Ward
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With growing academic responsibilities, family commitments, and inboxes, scholars are struggling to fulfill their writing goals. A finished book - or even steady journal articles - may seem like an impossible dream. But, as Joli Jensen proves, it really is possible to write happily and productively in academe. Jensen begins by busting the myth that universities are supportive writing environments. She points out that academia, an arena dedicated to scholarship, offers pressures that actually prevent scholarly writing.
-
-
Excellent advice for researchers
- By Amazon Customer on 11-03-23
By: Joli Jensen
-
How to Read a Book
- The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
- By: Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren
- Narrated by: Edward Holland
- Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Originally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them - from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Audiences will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text.
-
-
An excellent book.
- By idris on 12-30-21
By: Mortimer J. Adler, and others
-
The Science of Self-Learning
- How to Teach Yourself Anything, Learn More in Less Time, and Direct Your Own Education
- By: Peter Hollins
- Narrated by: Gregory Allen Siders
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How to learn effectively when you have to be both the teacher and student. Work smarter and save yourself countless hours. Self-learning is not just about performing better in the classroom or the office. It’s about being able to aim your life in whatever direction you choose and conquering the obstacles in front of you.
-
-
Good Guide for Self-Learners
- By A. Yoshida on 06-11-19
By: Peter Hollins
-
Effective Research Methods for Any Project
- By: Amanda M. Rosen, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Amanda M. Rosen
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We rely on effective research in many areas of life, and at times our lives even depend on it. But what is it that makes research effective? Any good research rests upon, above all else, method. In these 24 dynamic lectures, you’ll discover the remarkable procedures and techniques that make research such a powerful tool. This brilliantly conceived course gives you a deep, detailed, and practical guide to proper research methods - methods that are broadly applicable to all kinds of research.
-
-
T his is the best a nd easy t follow book!
- By Arelis Rodriguez on 02-08-19
By: Amanda M. Rosen, and others
-
Naked Statistics
- Stripping the Dread from the Data
- By: Charles Wheelan
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From batting averages and political polls to game shows and medical research, the real-world application of statistics continues to grow by leaps and bounds. How can we catch schools that cheat on standardized tests? How does Netflix know which movies you'll like? What is causing the rising incidence of autism? As best-selling author Charles Wheelan shows us in Naked Statistics, the right data and a few well-chosen statistical tools can help us answer these questions and more.
-
-
Starts well then becomes non-Audible
- By Michael on 09-07-13
By: Charles Wheelan
-
Working Where Your Heart Is
- Finding Success Outside the Traditional Office
- By: Kristine Hudson
- Narrated by: Amanda Lemay
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you feeling a little lost? Amidst the landscape of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of us are feeling more uncertain than ever about our future, especially when it comes to our careers. Many of us have had a sample of working from home for the first time and realized simultaneously that there is so much more out there and that we’re horribly unprepared for those next steps.
-
-
Timely, helpful, important reading! (or listening)
- By D. Daly on 07-12-21
By: Kristine Hudson
-
Storytelling with Data
- A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals
- By: Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
- Narrated by: Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
- Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Storytelling with Data teaches you the fundamentals of data visualization and how to communicate effectively with data. You'll discover the power of storytelling and the way to make data a pivotal point in your story. The lessons in this illuminative text are grounded in theory but made accessible through numerous real-world examples - ready for immediate application to your next graph or presentation.
-
-
Very insightful and actionable
- By Amazon Customer on 04-27-18
-
The Power of Moments
- Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
- By: Chip Heath, Dan Heath
- Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb
- Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While human lives are endlessly variable, our most memorable positive moments are dominated by four elements: elevation, insight, pride, and connection. If we embrace these elements, we can conjure more moments that matter. What if a teacher could design a lesson that he knew his students would remember 20 years later? What if a manager knew how to create an experience that would delight customers? What if you had a better sense of how to create memories that matter for your children?
-
-
Easy to create your own defining moments
- By A. Yoshida on 12-15-17
By: Chip Heath, and others
-
Nice Racism
- How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm
- By: Dr. Robin DiAngelo
- Narrated by: Dr. Robin DiAngelo
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo explained how racism is a system into which all White people are socialized and challenged the belief that racism is a simple matter of good people versus bad. DiAngelo also made a provocative claim: White progressives cause the most daily harm to people of color. In Nice Racism, her follow-up work, she explains how they do so. Drawing on her background as a sociologist and over 25 years working as an anti-racist educator, she picks up where White Fragility left off and moves the conversation forward.
-
-
A follow up to White Fragility that's just as weak
- By matthew on 10-26-21
-
Writing Tools (10th Anniversary Edition)
- 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
- By: Roy Peter Clark
- Narrated by: Neil Kaplan
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ten years ago, Roy Peter Clark, America's most influential writing teacher, whittled down almost 30 years of experience in journalism, writing, and teaching into a series of 50 short essays on different aspects of writing. In the past decade, Writing Tools has become a classic guidebook for novices and experts alike and remains one of the best loved books on writing available. This new edition includes five brand-new, never-before-shared tools.
-
-
Refreshing
- By Danielle on 06-15-21
By: Roy Peter Clark
-
The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You
- Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success
- By: Lydia Fenet
- Narrated by: Lydia Fenet
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lydia Fenet, senior vice president of Christie’s and seasoned auctioneer, shares the secrets of success and the strategies behind her revolutionary sales approach to show you how to embrace and channel your own power in any room.
-
-
The Most Powerful Woman In The Room Is Unrelatable
- By Laura M. on 10-09-20
By: Lydia Fenet
-
Teaching College
- The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students
- By: Norman Eng
- Narrated by: Joseph Brookhouse
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Your students aren't reading. They aren't engaged in class. Getting them to talk is like pulling teeth. Whatever the situation, your reality is not meeting your expectations. Change is needed. But who's got the time? Or maybe you're just starting out, and you want to get it right the first time. If so, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students is the blueprint. Find out how to hack the world of higher education instruction and have your course become the standard.
-
-
Treating adults as teens and children
- By Kingsley on 05-04-17
By: Norman Eng
What listeners say about A PhD Rollercoaster: A Diary of the Ups and Downs of Being a Doctoral Student
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Brianne Chiappetta
- 10-24-22
Great advice!!
This is a must-read for PhD students or prospective students!! Discusses common themes and feelings you experience in the phd.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- rand albrahim
- 06-07-23
Overall Discouraging
The author introduced the idea of not necessarily sticking to academia which may be useful for some people. However, the overall image painted about PhD in the book is discouraging in terms of time and health.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!