By Istiak Mohammad, Asma Zenagui and Shajida Rahman
Istiak
Day 1: August 5th
Our retreat commenced with an introduction to the Clifton Strengths framework, which helped us identify and understand our individual strengths and weaknesses. Following this, we participated in a team-building exercise led by KATALYTIK LIMITED , where we constructed and launched go-karts using LEGO-like connected pieces and pressurised air—a creative and engaging way to foster collaboration. In the evening, we enjoyed recreational activities including pool, card games, and table tennis, offering a wonderful opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow participants.
Day 2: August 6th
A leisurely walk to Windsor Castle with friends, a delightful way to begin the day. The formal sessions included a workshop on writing frameworks for research thesis led by Manni Bhatti, which provided valuable insights. We also enhanced our presentation skills through a session with Artesc, which was particularly impactful. This session offered a blend of role-play, practice, and a scientific exploration of human behaviour, all aimed at mastering the psychology and art of effective presentations. We played Rounder, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Day 3: August 7th
The final day featured a session on research ethics led by Rob Thompson, providing valuable insights into the values and impact of research, both within and beyond academia. We also conducted a literature review on a sample research paper, which was an excellent exercise in critical analysis. Additionally, we engaged in discussions about the UCL Research Hub, gaining an overview of the available resources and opportunities.
Lodge Experience
Cumberland Lodge is a remarkable location, nestled in the beautiful surroundings near Windsor Castle. The game room, equipped with amenities such as table tennis, card games, pool, and a piano, was a popular spot for relaxation and socialising. The outdoor green spaces offered stunning natural beauty, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation throughout the retreat.
I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat, which offered valuable insights into problem-solving and allowed me to connect with both academics and industry professionals. The experience broadened my understanding of academic and industrial career paths, and the discussions provided practical advice for pursuing a PhD and postdoctoral career. The connections I made will be valuable in my future career development.
I would like to express my gratitude to Danielle Knight, Ciara Byrne, In2scienceUK , Peter Munro and UCL Engineering for giving me the opportunity to attend this retreat – your support made this experience truly special.
Shajida
I had an amazing time at Cumberland Lodge and it was definitely an experience I will not forget. I found each of the sessions extremely insightful and informative. The lodge itself was beautiful and I had a great time getting to know other students. This definitely helped me learn more about what a PhD entails and I am grateful I was able to learn from both the students and lecturers.
I would definitely recommend the retreat to other students interested in a PhD as it was both highly helpful and I had a really nice time there. I have attached some photos that you may like to see.
Asma
The experience at Cumberland Lodge was truly amazing, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to participate.
One of the highlights for me was networking with PhD students from various fields of engineering and learning about the ups and downs of PhD life. It was fascinating to see how niche some of the PhD topics were. As an incoming Master’s student considering pursuing a PhD, this was incredibly helpful and insightful. I’ve always been interested in research, and participating in these workshops was particularly engaging. It was not what I expected—some workshops focused on improving communication skills, which even involved some acting, and that was a lot of fun. My favourite workshop was building and racing cars using K’Nex, which my group won, making it even more exciting!
We also had a lot of fun playing games like rounders and various board and card games, which provided a great opportunity to network in an informal setting. The connections I made with multiple PhD students were invaluable, as they helped me understand the process of applying for PhDs and the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies.
One quote that really stood out to me during the Q&A session was when a professor said, “You’re going to be working for the rest of your life, so why start at 21?” which made me stop thinking that if I did a PhD I would missing out on work and the feeling of being behind. He also mentioned the numerous travel opportunities available during a PhD, which definitely piqued my curiosity even more!
