How to navigate your PGR Journey: advice from those who’ve been there

What does it really mean to be a “successful” postgraduate researcher (PGR)?

At first glance, it might be tempting to measure success in outputs: publications, conference presentations, or finishing a thesis on time. But anyone who has experienced doctoral study knows that success is far more nuanced than a checklist of achievements.

Being a successful PGR is about learning how to navigate a unique and often challenging environment - one that demands intellectual curiosity, resilience, and independence. It means working hard and staying committed to your research, but also recognising that productivity is not sustainable without balance. Protecting your wellbeing, setting boundaries, and making space for life beyond your research are not distractions from success; they are essential to it.

Just as importantly, postgraduate study is an opportunity - one that extends beyond your thesis. It is a time to build networks, explore new ideas, develop skills, and shape your future career.

At Leeds University Business School’s annual doctoral conference, held on Friday 26 June 2026, attendees heard from a panel of former postgraduate researchers who shared how they managed their PhD experience and offered their top tips for being a “successful” postgraduate researcher.

From PGR to academic - Associate Professor Sonja Perkovic, Aarhus University

 

“I realised quite early on in my PhD that I wanted to stay in academia. My personal circumstances played a key role in shaping where I applied, as both my partner and I were seeking academic roles and needed to find institutions recruiting in our respective areas.

I probably started applying for jobs a little too late, waiting until near the end of my PhD. As a result, upon completing my PhD, I took a short-term role through an existing collaboration while searching for a postdoctoral position. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a starting point.

From there, I moved into a postdoctoral position, and when it came to applying for longer-term roles, I learned to be much more strategic. It took multiple attempts to secure an assistant professorship, and along the way I realised how competitive the market is.

If there’s one thing I’d encourage PGRs to do, it’s to think strategically early on - understand what your department values, be proactive in seeking opportunities like funding, and be open to moving if this is a possibility for you.”

Getting the most from the supervisory relationship – Professor Faisal Ahammad, Leeds University Business School

 

“One of the most important aspects of your PhD is your relationship with your supervisor. When I was a student, I initially saw my supervisor as an authority figure, but I quickly learned that, at least in the UK context, it’s much more of a collaborative partnership. It’s okay to respectfully disagree - those conversations are often where the most learning happens.

Feedback can sometimes feel critical, but it’s important to remember that it’s intended to develop your work, not undermine you. A strong supervisory relationship will support your progress not just during the PhD, but beyond it.

My advice is to be clear about expectations, communicate openly, and never hide challenges - your supervisor is there to help. They can also play a key role in your future career, for example through co-authorship and mentorship. At the same time, it’s important to build your independence as a researcher and expand your network beyond your supervisory team.”

Managing your time effectively – Dr Sanjay Popat, Leeds University Business School

 

“Time management is one of the biggest challenges during a PhD, and I found that being specific and structured made all the difference.

It’s not enough to have a vague plan - you need to break your time down in a detailed and realistic way, thinking about what you’ll do day-to-day. At the same time, don’t fall into the trap of comparing your progress with others; everyone’s timelines look different, and time is not always a good measure of quality.

One thing that helped me was learning to manage not just my own time, but also my supervisor’s - being clear about deadlines for feedback and planning what to do while waiting.

I also had to let go of perfectionism. There comes a point where you need to stop preparing and start writing, even if it doesn’t feel perfect.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of taking proper breaks. Building in time to switch off and recharge actually makes you more productive in the long run.”

Developing academic networks and relationships – Dr Abbie Winton, Leeds University Business School

 

“Networking can feel intimidating at first, but it’s important to reframe how you think about it.

Yes, there are practical benefits – for example, through your new connections you may get early information about job, funding or collaboration opportunities - but it’s not just about career progression; networking can also be one of the most enjoyable aspects of academia. You have the opportunity to connect with people from around the world who share your interests, and those connections can become long-term collaborations or friendships.

If you are nervous, a good place to start is with the networks closest to you - your department, research institute, or events like this PGR conference. Being visible and engaged in these spaces helps you build confidence. Conferences can be overwhelming, especially large ones, so I’d recommend starting with smaller events and returning to the same conferences over time to build familiarity.

Sometimes something as simple as telling someone you enjoyed their presentation can open a conversation. Over time, these small interactions grow into meaningful professional relationships.

Some industry or association networks offer funded opportunities for PhDs to undertake work within their organisations, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these roles. Research centre managers and supervisors can often help identify and share these opportunities.

The key is to keep it genuine - don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and let your network develop naturally.”

Closing insights from the panel

During the closing Q&A and discussion, panel members shared the following pieces of advice:

• LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for building your network and reaching out to individuals, for example for data collection. Make sure your profile reflects your current research interests.
• When meeting new people at conferences, don’t start by talking about your own research – show an interest in theirs first.
• Start early and be proactive in your job search and career planning.
• Institutions can be cautious when hiring unfamiliar postgraduate researchers, so being known within your network – or having someone who can vouch for you – can make a real difference.
• It’s a competitive market in the UK for post-doctoral researchers at the moment. www.jobs.ac.uk and LinkedIn are useful resources, alongside following relevant research institutions and professional or industry associations, where roles are often advertised. (At Leeds University Business School, each of the seven departments offers a two-year funded post-doctoral placement.)
• You may receive conflicting advice throughout your PhD – try not to take it personally and focus on what works best for you.
• Patience and perseverance are essential.
• This is a unique opportunity to focus deeply on something you care about, often without the distractions of other roles.
• Protect your boundaries and make time for your personal life.
• You will look back on this period with pride and fondness, so try enjoy it now in the moment too!