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The experiences to be gained from undertaking a PhD can never be fully known at the outset. It is always a leap into the dark in some respects, so the opportunity to reflect is invaluable. Academically speaking the doctorate programme in gender studies has been transformational. Having written and submitted my thesis within a three-year time-frame, defending it in early February 2016, I have progressed from reading papers in leading journals with awe, to successfully publishing in them.
This would simply not have been possible without the inspiration and support of a core network of individuals I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by during my time at Cambridge. My future plans are to continue to publish, writing on core issues of gender in philosophy, economics, corporate governance and business ethics. And following the recommendations of my examiners, I am also developing the thesis into a monograph for publication, so hope to be able to contribute in some small way to the crucial feminist and gender studies canon.
Helen Mussell (March 2016)
The Centre for Gender Studies as a whole has been such an amazing support system during my time at the University of Cambridge. It has provided me with extensive academic and professional networks that have proven instrumental for my post graduate career. I successfully defended my thesis in October 2015. Following on from graduation, I have been granted a book contract – turning my thesis into a book looking at youth employment in the Middle East. In addition, I am currently working on a UN Women Project as a Regional Project Manager producing economic and gender profiles for the Arab Gulf states. I am looking forward to establishing new academic programmes in the UK and Qatar focusing on women and employment in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mona Hamade (October 2015)
I successfully defended my thesis in 2015 and am currently employed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City conducting African ethnographic research. My experience at the University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies taught me the process of enquiry and carrying out quality research. I was intellectually challenged and encouraged to search beyond the obvious answers. Overall, the experience undertaking a PhD in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies prepared me for a research position in one of the top institutions in the world.
Charmaine Koskinen (October 2015)