“A cross-disciplinary tool box” – the value of a PhD in industry

Posted on 12 June, 2018

“The real value of a PhD is the methodological tools. I grew in my ability to manage and manipulate ideas, frameworks and data from various disciplines. My problem solving skills are much, much more refined now.

For me the greatest value of the PhD has been to draw upon diverse problem solving methodologies from different disciplines to address the very challenging problems that sometimes arise”.

Dr Matthew Turnour embarked upon a PhD in the QUT Business School after 15 years working in industry. Read our Q&A with Dr Turnour for his thoughts on the value of a PhD outside of academia, plus advice for doctoral graduates interested in pursuing careers in industry.

Publishing from your thesis: tips, advice and resources

Posted on 29 May, 2018

After submitting his thesis for examination, Dr Stephen Vincent prioritised publications and produced five papers from his PhD research. He describes:

“Not only is it important to share your findings with the wider community, but this will help to boost your research profile and demonstrates a tangible long-term project outcome to potential employers.”

Dr Vincent is a 2011 QUT PhD alumnus. Read more about his career post-PhD and his advice for new graduates, including tips for boosting publications.

PhD Alumnus to explore MOOCs and digital literacy at MIT

Posted on 24 May, 2018

Digital Learning professional and 2013 QUT PhD alumnus Dr Anitza Geneve has been awarded the 2018 Fulbright Professional Scholar in Vocational Education & Training (VET) and will spend three months with her host organisation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States. Dr Geneve says:

“I’m looking forward to driving a conversation within the Australian VET sector on how the digital literacy and employability needs of learners can be supported within an Australian and a global context through the use of emerging technology.

Read the full Q & A.

Proactive, Focused, Brave: the key to a successful academic career

Posted on 10 May, 2018

In 2011, Dr Kim Johnston received an Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award for her PhD Thesis. After graduating she focused on publishing, networking, and using the skills and knowledge she’d developed through her PhD to benefit real-world organisations.

Seven years post graduation, Dr Johnston is a senior lecturer and researcher in QUT’s Business School, and a contributing author and editor of numerous prestigious journals and books. She says being proactive, focused, and brave are key to developing a successful career in academia.

Minds & Hearts – Fulbright publication

Posted on 19 April, 2018

Minds & Hearts is the flagship publication of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, featuring news and announcements, as well as stories, articles, and creative works from Fulbright Scholars and Alumni.

You can read it for free via the Fulbright website.

This month’s journal throws the spotlight on STEM, looking at ripples in the fabric of spacetime; computers that function via quantum mechanical principles; virtual reality in the classroom; haptic feedback technology to assist motor impairment and much more. Enjoy reading!

Want to know more about the Fulbright Commission and Program?

Embracing challenges & networking effectively: experiences of a Fulbright Scholar

Posted on 4 April, 2018

Passionate information researcher and educator Dr Elham Sayyad Abdi has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence to explore people’s information experience in all aspects of life, with an aim to enhance informed citizenship.

A 2014 QUT PhD graduate, Dr Sayyad Abdi describes her Fulbright program, and how an eagerness to embrace new challenges and build professional networks has led her to exciting new opportunities in Australia and overseas.

We asked Dr Sayyad to tell us about her Fulbright program, her work and future goals, and for her tips for early career researchers.

Apply to become a Visiting Fellow with QMomentum

Posted by Imogen on 21 February, 2018

We’ve just launched QMomentum here at QUT, and a lot of our recent PhD graduates are curious to know how becoming a Visiting Fellow will benefit them.

If you wish to continue your research independently at QUT, with a view to publishing and advancing your research, you can apply to become a Visiting Fellow and receive:

FULL library access – borrowing, databases, etc.

Staff card access – to library rooms, staff parking, and staff discounts

Access to a huge range of QUT services and support, including:

Grant writing advice and assistance
Research development workshops, news, and events
Research partnerships advice and assistance
Commercialisation opportunities, events, and advice
Networking with researchers, academics, and industry

Joining is easy. All you have to do is download the Visiting Fellow Application Form, fill it out and have your former supervisor or QUT mentor sign it, and return it to us. (If you have any trouble finding someone to support your application, just contact us.)

You can read more about the benefits of joining QMomentum and how it can help kickstart your career on our webpage, or by emailing us at askqmomentum@qut.edu.au

The secrets of early career academics’ success revealed

Posted by Imogen on 14 February, 2018

A recent study of 538 Early Career Academics in New Zealand published by the National Project Fund has found that the work you do before you finish your thesis has a large bearing on your success in the first academic position you pick up. The report also found that support from universities – including access to resources – at this transition also helped early career academics build their confidence, and contributed to their overall satisfaction.

You can download the full Success in Academia? report (1.45MB), or read the accompanying handbook Surviving and succeeding as an early career academic for insights into how you can prepare to launch an academic career. And don’t forget to take advantage of all the resources QMomentum places at your fingertips!

Graduated in 2017? Find your entry in QUT’s Research Graduates Yearbook

Posted by Imogen on 14 February, 2018

Last year, all QUT research students and their projects featured in the inaugural Research Graduates Yearbook. The E-Yearbook showcases the depth and breadth of research being undertaken by QUT students, celebrating their achievements as they move into the early stages of their careers in industry, research, and academia. Click on the links below to explore, or download a PDF.

QUT’s 2017 Research Graduates Yearbook

Download a PDF of the 2017 Research Graduates Yearbook (1.9MB)