Lewis Forsyth
Hello, my name is Lewis.
I think more than any other job or role I’ve ever been in, I have never said that sentence more than as a PGR. It’s a funny old journey the PhD experience and reflecting back on it now, four years in, I’m reminded what an unusual experience it is. As simple as it is, having to introduce yourself so often is the perfect example of this – as PGRs we find ourselves in a very big, very fast-moving, and very independent field of work and having to say 'Hi' for the first time happens a lot. So, if this is the first time we’ve met - hello, my name is Lewis.
I’m a 4th year PGR in Urban Studies where I’m also one of two PGR reps. My own research looks at local government finance in Scotland (think: council tax), its reform (or lack thereof!), and the changing relationship between the centre and local throughout the years (it’s been bumpy). My research combines archival methods and interviews under a case study approach to understand how policy decisions are made and what factors either prevent or facilitate reform.
That’s the elevator pitch, at least.
Getting to a place where I was comfortable enough with my research to confidently give that snapshot took years, and even now I still get bouts of the infamous Imposter Syndrome (increasingly, even). Psychology colleagues - can we get an updated Dunning-Kreuger Curve with that factored in, please? Doctoral research goes like that so don’t be too worried if you’re a new PGR still grappling with either.
Research is (quite often) only a part of my experience as a postgraduate researcher. Teaching, training, networking, presenting, and writing are all vying for time, and despite anxieties at the start of the PhD about all of the above, they’ve become some of my favourite parts of the experience. Mainly because these are the most social parts of my day (yes, including writing) and, unlike many other jobs (and yes, it is a job), this is something that you actually have to be proactive about in a PhD. So really all those introductions are a small price to pay for getting out from behind the desk.
That’s what I really wish I knew from the start – the PhD is only as isolating as you make it. I know that’s much easier addressed for some than others, but it really does pay dividends throwing yourself into these things. That and learn an instrument, you’re never too old (I’m definitely still terrible but I’m a lot better than I was four years ago).
I’m still working on mastering that introduction, so please do say hello if you see me around and we can swap notes – especially on how to get it all into 500 words.
And no, I can’t help you get out of paying council tax (nor should you).