Accounting for Humanity

I am very pleased to report that 2 weeks ago today I emerged successful from my PhD viva (pause for celebration). But now, as you might expect from me (or if, not then I will tell you now that I cannot resist the opportunity to reflect), this is a milestone that induces much reflection.

“Discussion” or “Defence”?

The first thing that struck me about the viva was, how enjoyable it was… yes I really wrote that. For the past 4 years I have regularly encountered conversations that spoke of the viva being my “defending” of my thesis but, I was surprised to find my viva was very much a discussion about my work. Yes I was asked to explain why I chose certain methods or what I meant by certain statements, but this felt more like a “tell me more” rather than a “explain yourself” (you know, the phrase your parent/guardian let’s out when you know trouble is afoot). Now I expect the degree of defence will depend on the individual and the thesis and that I encountered a fortunate circumstance of having a panel that largely shared/agreed with my perspective but, I think there is also a recognition that if you know your work inside-out it comes through in your presentation.

I know that hearing the whole “no one knows your work better than you, you are the expert in your field” does start to sound like a cliché during the PhD, but there is something to be gained in the fact that you have lived and breathed this stuff for 3+ years. Sure you won’t possess all worldly knowledge in the field (I discovered that I actually should have included more literature about managment accounting since it did form a part of some of my observations) but, that does not mean that you are completely absent of knowledge. If you are confronted with something you didn’t think of, if you know your subject well enough, you will be able to see how it could (or couldn’t) fit with your research.

So yes, my thesis did not grant me the title of “fount of knowledge” in the field of accounting technology, but I have shown that I do have knowledge and I have laid a strong foundation for building expertise upon.

And on that note…what now?

So I have minor corrections but the PhD is virtually at its end. It has been a long (though it passed by far too quickly) and very interesting journey. The thing is though, this is not the end, I have simply reached the first checkpoint.

Admittedly, it is a difficult time in academia. Higher Education in the UK is facing extreme (and increasing) challenges. Costs are rising and AI is causing people to question what Higher Education actually contributes when technology can write you an essay in a few minutes (spoiler alert: it contributes a HUGE amount to your critical thinking and development, but more on that another time).

Putting the challenges aside for now (I have no control over that), the PhD taught me that research is something that brings me immeasurable joy. I think I always knew this, I have loved learning since childhood, but now realising that I can do this as a career means this is something I refuse to let go of. I have a temporary role for now and in this short time I hope I can get my “Early Career Researcher” title going strong.

Over the past 4 years I have been accumulating a research “wish list” and now I can finally get moving on it. I have 2 cross-disciplinary projects developing; Taphophile and a second I am currently pulling together to run over the next few years. Of course there is also publishing. I will try to record this experience as much as I can, I think there is a lack of visibility in this area at the early career stage so maybe by blogging this venture will be helpful to others at (and approaching) this stage.

And finally, here is my biggest (silly) regret about my viva…

This will sound ridiculous (because it is) but my viva stole all the thunder from another accomplishment shared on the same day, my first self-made waistcoat that I wore on the day. I am so proud of how it turned out that I wish I had shown it off earlier as it faded into the background the moment I heard “congratulations Dr Niezynski”.

So maybe now we can all take a moment to admire it!