In this fourth episode of Season 5 of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I'm sharing with you my conversation about nagivating the PhD journey and avoiding misconceptions about the doctorate with Merle van den Akker. Merle van den Akker finished a PhD in behavioural science and left academia to become an applied behavioural scientist in the financial services. She has blogged and written a book about her experiences inside and outside of academia, and how to make the most of both worlds! What we covered in the interview: Merle's early academic and professional journey Studying, interviewing, and deciding on a PhDStruggling with the PhD journey, finding supportThe importance of choosing your PhD supervisor wiselyPhD and academia careersHow tunnel vision during the PhDs can hinder your professional successHow venting about academia on a blog led into Merle's recently published bookSeeking support, prioritizing health, exploring alternatives This episode’s resources: Money On the Mind | BlogMerle van den Akker | TwitterThe Ultimate Guide to Doing a PhD | Book Thank you, Merle van den Akker! If you enjoyed this conversation with Merle, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on LinkedIn:Send Merle van den Akker a thank you message on LinkedIn!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David! Leave a review on Podchaser ! Support the show ! You might also like the following episodes: Jacob Kendall – The Stuff You Don't Plan for But ShouldKate Dahl – Reinventing Yourself after AcademiaStephanie Fuccio – When Time Comes to Leave Your PhDSirisha Kuchimanchi – Navigating Manufacturing and Engineering as a WomanAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :) Support the show on Patreon ! Or buy me a coffee :)