Whether you’re applying for a PhD, part-way through one, or trying to reach the finish line, it’s completely normal to need extra support at times.
A PhD can be intellectually demanding, emotionally draining, and often isolating. While online advice can be useful, it doesn’t always account for the specifics of your situation. PhD coaching offers something more personal: one-to-one support tailored entirely to you.
For over seven years, through The Savvy Scientist, I’ve supported PhD students by sharing honest, practical advice about doctoral study.
I now offer a limited number of individual PhD coaching sessions for those who would benefit from focused, personalised guidance rather than generic answers.
You can book one here. Read on to learn more.
What Is PhD Coaching?
PhD coaching is one-to-one academic support designed to help you think more clearly, regain momentum, and make progress in a way that feels manageable.
These sessions focus on practical guidance. We might work on clarifying your options, improving how you manage your time, or talking through a specific issue that’s been difficult to resolve on your own.
Having applied for several PhDs and completed a PhD myself, I understand how confusing and overwhelming the process can feel – particularly when expectations are unclear or you’re unsure where to turn for support.
The current pricing can be found here and the sessions are designed to complement the 100+ freely available articles on this site.
Who Is PhD Coaching For?
PhD coaching is suitable for anyone considering a PhD, applying for one, or currently studying for a doctorate. I’m also open to supporting recent PhD grads who are considering career options, including applying for postdoc positions.
Some people book a session because they’re unsure whether a PhD is right for them. Others want support with applications or interviews. Many are already part-way through their PhD and feeling stuck or uncertain about how to move forward. Later-stage students often seek coaching when preparing for submission or preparing to defend their viva.
Sessions are suitable for both UK-based and international PhD students.
What Can We Work On in a PhD Coaching Session?
Sessions are led entirely by your questions, concerns and goals, with no fixed agenda. Below are four examples of the support I can provide.
1. PhD Applications Help
If you’re applying for a PhD, we can talk through which projects to apply for, how PhD funding works, and whether doctoral study fits your priorities. I can also help you refine your academic CV, strengthen your application and prepare for PhD interviews.
2. Support During Your PhD
For current PhD students, coaching often focuses on regaining clarity and direction. This might involve talking through project issues, getting started with writing a paper, or finding more sustainable ways to manage your time and workload. Some students also use sessions to explore practical questions, such as balancing other commitments alongside a PhD.
3. Thesis and Viva Coaching
If you’re approaching the final stages of your PhD, coaching can help you plan your thesis writing and submission, prepare for your viva, and approach corrections without feeling overwhelmed. Sessions focus on breaking large, intimidating tasks into clearer and more manageable steps.
4. Academic Coaching Beyond the PhD
In addition to providing coaching support during the PhD, I also offer academic support for early-career researchers transitioning beyond their doctorate.
This can include support with applying for postdoctoral positions, preparing academic CVs and supporting statements, and getting to grips with the expectations of a postdoc role. Some researchers also find coaching helpful once they’ve started a postdoc position, particularly when managing multiple projects, adjusting to greater independence, or applying for fellowships and grants.
One-Off Sessions or Ongoing Support
PhD coaching sessions can be booked as a one-off or used on a more regular basis – it’s entirely up to you.
You may wish to book a single session to work through a specific question or decision. Or you may find it helpful to meet periodically, to check in, maintain momentum, and talk through challenges as they arise.
There’s no obligation to commit to ongoing coaching, and any regular sessions are agreed based on what feels useful for you. My advice is to start with booking a one-off session, see how you find it, then we can discuss options if you’d ongoing support useful.
Why Choose Me as Your PhD Coach?
I’ve completed a STEM PhD myself (graduating from Imperial College London in 2020) and understand the realities of doctoral study, including the uncertainty and self-doubt that often come with it.
I’ve worked on research projects at seven different universities and now work as a postdoc and university spin-out company co-founder. Through this website I’ve supported thousands of PhD students over many years, combining practical advice with empathy and realism.
Coaching sessions are supportive and judgement-free. The aim is to help you gain clarity and be able to move forward with more confidence.
Book Your PhD Coaching Session Today!
Ready to book? You can reserve a personalised PhD coaching slot using the following button:
If you have any questions about the sessions before booking, feel free to get in touch.
PhD Coaching FAQs
Do I need to send any information ahead of time?
There’s no requirement to send anything across, though it can be useful for me if you can provide some context for what you want to cover. You can do so in the note at the time of scheduling the coaching session. If there’s a specific document you’d like for us to go through during the session (such as a CV, application, or short piece of writing), you’re welcome to email it over in advance to avoid potential technical hiccups during the call.
What if I just want your help reviewing some documents?
If you’ve got documents you’d like some input on, I’m open to spending at least some of the booked time reviewing content “offline” then providing feedback during a shorter call or over email, whichever you prefer. Either way I’ll likely leave comments and some tracked changes within the document(s) to help you.
Do I need to prepare anything before the session?
There’s no formal preparation required. Some people like to jot down a few points or questions in advance, but it’s equally fine to use the session to talk through topics as they come up during the session.
What if I’m not sure what I need help with yet?
That’s very common. Some people book a session simply because something doesn’t feel quite right, even if they can’t put their finger on it. We can use the time to clarify what’s going on and identify some useful next steps.
What happens after the session?
Usually I’ll follow-up over email with links to resources we’ve discussed during the call. There’s no expectation to book further sessions. Some people find a single conversation enough to move forward, while others choose to book additional sessions on an ad hoc or more regular basis.