Students share top tips for a successful research journey

Data collection, time management and coping strategies for negative emotions were some of the topics covered at the recent UQ School of Tourism Research Higher Degree (RHD) Colloquium.

Students shared their advice on surviving the RHD study journey, from project conception and development, through to thesis submission and beyond.

The top tip for undertaking qualitative data collection was the ‘Five P’s’ – be Polite, be Punctual, be Professional, be Patient, and be Prepared – suggested by Ms Kuan Lee, who undertook interviews for her PhD in Italy, Argentina, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.

Mr Hayato Nagai provided advice based on his experiences as the RHD Student Representative and a tutor at the School of Tourism.

“Be realistic and do what you can do today, keep a record of meetings with supervisors, and use tutoring to learn from other students and improve critical thinking skills,” he said.

Ms Jianyu Ma discussed the emotional roller coaster of the PhD journey, and suggested coping strategies to combat negative emotions.

The Colloquium also enabled students to present their research in a friendly environment and receive constructive feedback from peers and academic staff.

There were nine student presentations, plus guest speakers from the School of Tourism, Tourism Research Australia and Destination NSW.

Dr Olivia Jenkins, Manager of Strategic Insights at Destination NSW, spoke about her PhD journey, with a focus on how to achieve a work-life balance while completing a research higher degree, as well as making the most of career opportunities post-graduation.

Dr Leo Jago, Chief Economist Tourism and General Manager at Tourism Research Australia, presented the closing address. He said it was important for RHD candidates to surround themselves with positive people, and also discussed career opportunities for graduates.

Using experiences from their research careers, staff members Dr Karen Hughes and Dr Richard Robinson presented a humorous conversation of research ‘bloopers’ and hard lessons learned.

Four student prizes were awarded during the cocktail networking function and Research Profile launch at the close of the Colloquium, including best Powerpoint presentation (Mr Hayato Nagai), best message/most helpful tip (Ms Kuan Lee), best abstract (Ms Jianyu (Jenny) Ma), and best overall presentation (also won by Ms Jianyu Ma).

Find out more about research higher degree opportunities in the School of Tourism at www.tourism.uq.edu.au/programs-and-courses.

Media: Claire Shuter, (07) 3346 9259 or c.shuter@uq.edu.au