University of Bath School of Management

What made you decide to embark on a PhD?

I had considered the possibility of following an academic career after my graduation but it wasn’t until I was given the opportunity to work as an assistant on a research project here at the School of Management that I learnt what research is all about, what it involves and how to approach different questions. Going through this experience, combined with my earlier wish, motivated me to pursue a PhD degree.

What attracted you to Bath and the School of Management?

One factor was that the School is so research intensive and has had consistently high ratings over the years. That it happens to be in this beautiful city is a very happy coincidence. What really made the difference though, was the help and support I received from the faculty from the very beginning, especially the Accounting and Finance Group.

What is it like to live and study in Bath?

I must admit that having come to the UK shortly before I started at the School of Management, I knew little about the wonderful city of Bath. Spending most of my day here on campus I have precious little time to walk around the city. Nevertheless, the student community is organised and very large, so there are always opportunities for different activities and nice breaks in the city and around the campus.

What is your research about and have you published any of your work yet?

My research is about pension fund portfolio allocation and it involves risk and return of different investment strategies, the interaction with stock markets, and the impact pension fund regulation has on it. Although I have one publication based on previous research and I am in the process of submitting a paper based on a project I have provided assistance in as co-author, I haven’t published any of my work yet. I plan to do so within the next year.

What does a typical week involve as a research student?

The biggest part of it is working on one’s research topic. This involves reading relevant literature, data collection and also thinking of different ways to approach concrete research questions. During term, one can attend seminars which provide research skills training and are given by other academics or organised by the University. Some of my hours are dedicated to teaching and this includes preparation, the actual teaching, and discussion with the students, as well as providing some research assistance in projects run by Professors in the department.

What are you finding most challenging about studying for a PhD?

Studying for a postgraduate management research degree means that I run my own research and this gives me a lot of freedom. However, this freedom comes with responsibility and requires a lot of self-discipline. Staying on track means I have to be constantly concentrated on what I do; there is no room for laziness.

What do you plan to do after completing your PhD?

As was my initial wish, I plan to follow an academic career. The next step after completing the PhD is to apply for a lectureship at a University. As a second option, I would consider finding work in a research organisation.