You will be so proud of the skills, knowledge and abilities you have developed throughout your PhD

I choose to take a PhD to fulfil a strong desire to be a scholar

Prior to starting my PhD, I was a Research Assistant at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria. After completing a masters in Organisational Behaviour with a distinction, and working as a Research Assistant, I felt motivated to pursue a PhD.

I choose to take a PhD to fulfil a strong desire to be a scholar; to develop critical knowledge of theories and how they are applied in everyday life. I also wanted to learn how to understand research techniques and contribute to solving organisational problems through research and scholarship. I felt that studying for a PhD would equip me with the relevant skills, knowledge and capability to conduct research, provide leadership to students and solve societal problems.

What appealed to me about Sheffield University Management School was the support that the school offers

I searched almost all the Universities in the UK when I was looking to apply for a PhD admission. What appealed to me about Sheffield University Management School was that the school offers support in the areas of leadership, followership, creativity and innovation at work, as well as in individual, team and organisational effectiveness. I was attracted to the Institute of Work Psychology that is renowned for the development of the theory and practice of leadership and work psychology, with top faculty. I wanted to be part of the community and this dream came through with a funded PhD position in 2018. I enjoyed the supervisory support, the quality of doctoral training I received in Sheffield and the collegiality amongst PhD students and faculty.

Finding a good work life balance and psychologically detaching oneself from the PhD is easier said than done

Whilst finding a good life work balance was challenging, I managed to keep to my closing time daily and give attention to my family and other leisure activities, such as playing and watching football, and visiting friends. Despite facing disruption due to the pandemic and experiencing significant life events during my PhD, I managed to maintain a balanced approach to work and family. My qualities of resilience, self-confidence, integrity and self-reflection were tested and strengthened.

Overall, I completed my PhD in good time - 3 years and 6 months. I had a couple of co-authored research publications, as well as multiple academic job interviews and offers during and immediately after my viva. I am grateful for the opportunity to study for my PhD which was funded by Sheffield University Management School.

I am a lecturer in leadership at the University of Leicester

Since finishing my PhD, I have become a lecturer in leadership at the University of Leicester. I am happy to work in the school where I teach, supervise, and mentor students in addition to undertaking research, scholarship and consulting activities. I hope to continue developing my career further in academia.

The common saying that studying for a PhD is a marathon and not a sprint is so true

I would advise someone working on their PhD to be persistent, consistent and resilient. Studying a PhD will require you to turn up to your desk and duties, both when you are motivated and when you are not. Put in the hours and keep your head up because every little word count you write, articles you read and efforts you make, adds up. In the end, you will be so proud of the skills, knowledge and abilities you would have developed throughout your PhD and the amazing leadership opportunities, prestige and global impact that awaits you in the future. 

I would also advise that someone working on their PhD should try to have a good working relationship with their PhD supervisors. It is important to manage your supervisors as they manage you. Be open as much as possible. It is okay to feel vulnerable, share your worries, listen to their advice, show your dedication and ask for support where you need one and always be willing to accept feedback without taking it too personal.