Over the last few weeks, we have heard from DRS Member Prof. Emmanuel Tsekleves on his advice for PhD students and early career researchers. This week, Prof. Tsekleves tells us more about his personal journey from a PhD researcher to his current role as Professor in Global Health Design Innovation at Lancaster University and how his experiences have inspired him to help others.
I remember the day vividly when I received an email notifying me that I had been accepted into a much sought after PhD program.
It was a moment of exhilaration and anticipation, but little did I know that this journey would shape me in profound ways and inspire me to help others.
A year later, as the clock struck midnight, signalling the beginning of a new year, I found myself alone in my tiny student flat, surrounded by stacks of research papers and the weight of my PhD studies pressing down on me.
It was in that solitary moment that I realised the true essence of my journey and the inspiration it held to help others.
Back then, my life was a chaotic blend of academic pursuit and personal growth.
My apartment, a cluttered sanctuary of books and post-it notes, was a reflection of my passionate dedication to my studies. On my desk, a worn-out laptop stood beside a stack of journals, awaiting my undivided attention.
My bedroom, with its dishevelled bed and clothes scattered across the floor, mirrored the disarray I felt within my own mind.
Emotionally, I was teetering on the edge of exhaustion and self-doubt.
The constant pressure to produce novel research weighed heavily on my shoulders, while my longing for validation and recognition from my peers crunched my confidence.
I craved support and guidance, yearning for a community that understood the unique challenges of being a PhD student.
I wanted to change because I saw the struggles faced by many PhD students around me.
In that moment of solitude, I knew I wanted to change the narrative.
I yearned for a sense of fulfilment beyond the confines of academic achievements.
I wanted to transform my own journey into a stepping stone for others, to create a community where PhD students could find solace, encouragement, answers and practical support.
Back then, I saw my life unfolding as a catalyst for positive change in the academic world.
I aspired to become a mentor and advocate for struggling PhD students, when I was to become a lecturer, to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to navigate the intricate maze of academia.
It was vital for me to change because I believed that my actions could inspire others to overcome their own insecurities and challenges.
I hoped that by facilitating connections and offering guidance, I could help others navigate the challenges I had faced.
Looking back, I can confidently say that my aspirations were not in vain.
The change I embarked upon led me, when I became a Lecturer, to create a vibrant community of PhD students and early career researchers (ECRs), where I found the support and understanding I had longed for.
Through my interactions with current PhD students, I witnessed both their struggles and successes. I saw the toll that imposter syndrome, work-life imbalance, and isolation could take on their mental health and overall well-being.
Simultaneously, I celebrated their triumphs, the moments of breakthrough and personal growth that illuminated their paths.
I helped PhDs to deal with the imposter syndrome, maximise their research and publications, as well as navigate the academic job market to secure tenure-track jobs and kick start their own career.
Fast-forwarding to the present, the transformation I underwent extended far beyond my research and professional life, as a Professor, becoming a Mentor.
Typically, a Mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who provides guidance, support, and knowledge to someone less experienced.
An academic mentor though is someone who
- Has a proven track record of success
- Prioritises your success over theirs
- Invests time in your development
- Promotes diversity & inclusion
- Values your independence
- Values work-life balance
- Has a strong network
- Challenges you
I am now a Mentor first and then as a Professor.
As I immersed myself in supporting current PhD students, I discovered the profound impact it had on their career and wellbeing.
My sense of self expanded, as I discovered my ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I wanted to expand this beyond my immediate circle of PhD students and friends.
That is when I joined DRS.
The DRS provided a platform for connection, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship. Joining the DRS 2018 in Limerick and then subsequent conferences helped in connecting with likeminded individuals and forming the Global Health SIG.
It fostered a sense of belonging and mutual support, acknowledging that the journey of PhDs and ECRs is not solely about academic achievements but also about personal growth, resilience, and self-care. This community became a lifeline, offering PhD students and ECRs valuable mentorship, camaraderie, and opportunities for collaboration.
The sense of community I and my colleagues found through the DRS extended beyond academia, infiltrating my friendships, relationships, and overall sense of self. I rediscovered the power of collaboration and the immense strength that lies in collective knowledge and experiences.
Spiritually, I gained a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing that I was contributing to a community that shared my passion and commitment.
In the pursuit of our own dreams, we often find the greatest fulfilment in helping others.
Along with being part of the DRS community, I started, a few months ago, to freely share my hard-earned insights via Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and a Newsletter (The Academic Insider).
Through these, I am lifting the hood up of academic job applications and career development, showing the process underneath, so that other PhD students and ECRs have a guiding light that helps them on their journey.
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or via Email, with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.