How my PhD prepared me for my future career

Nikki Sheth, PhD Musical Composition, shares how PhD study at the University of Birmingham enriched and prepared her for her future career.  

The research, practical and teaching skills I learnt during my PhD have already proved to be invaluable when looking for jobs and finding freelance work as a composer and sound artist.

Throughout my studies I learnt practical skills in composition that prepared me for future jobs in the audio industry. I learnt specialist programs, had access to high-end equipment that I would not have been able to work with otherwise and got the opportunity to gain technical skills. A lot of the programs I learnt to use at the start of my studies are now industry standards and listed as essential skills and knowledge in many of the job specifications I have seen this year.

In addition, I attended Postgraduate research skill courses such as ‘Writing clearly and concisely’, ‘Preparing your thesis for submission’ and ‘Presenting your research at poster conferences’. These courses developed my research skills and improved my written and presentation skills, putting me in a better position when applying for jobs, interviewing and giving presentations.

Through the annual BEAST FEaST conference, I was able to network and meet other artists, composers and educators working in my field. From this I have had collaborative opportunities, been asked to present at other conferences and festivals and had colleagues using my work in their teaching at other universities.

Over the course of my studies, I have been given the opportunity to work as a Teaching Associate and gain experience teaching undergraduate students. Having this experience alongside training with the Higher Education Futures Institute and a Higher Education Academy Fellowship (both with the university and free to PhD students) has put me in an excellent position to apply for lecturing jobs.

In addition, I have had various jobs within the Department of Music over the period of my studies that my PhD supervisor has asked me to do or suggested me for. For example, this year I worked as BEAST FEaST Festival Assistant and in the past, I have had paid technical work and performance opportunities.

When starting to look for jobs, I attended workshops and lectures with the Graduate School and Careers Network such as ‘Top Tips for Academic Interviews’ and ‘Writing Academic Job Applications’ that provided excellent advice and information. I have also had assistance in writing my CV and various cover letters from the Careers Network.

I would encourage PhD students to make the most of the opportunities presented to them during their PhD studies, to attend Graduate School and Careers Network events and to look for training and development opportunities provided by the University in their areas/future career paths.