Lindiwe ⋅ York Graduate Research School

Researcher Details

Name
Lindiwe

Nationality
Lesotho

University
York

Research Pathway
Wellbeing, Health and Communities (WHC)

Thesis Project
Fertility, motherhood, family formation and trans people in South Africa

Mode of Study
Full-time

About the Placement 

Role Title

Project Coordinator

Mode of Placement

Full-time

Placement Location

Hybrid

How did you find your placement?

It was advertised on the WRDTP website / by email announcement

What were your main responsibilities during your placement?

I was part of a team that led a mixed method research, working on a project analysing postgraduate researchers’ (PGRs) housing preferences and commuting experiences. I worked with a fellow ESRC funded scholar from another university who led the qualitative aspect of the project. As the qualitative project lead, my responsibilities encompassed designing the project from the start up to the end. I conducted literature review, designed research questions, applied for ethical clearance, recruited research participants, conducted in-depth interviews with 16 participants as part of data collection process, and conducted data analysis.

Why did you choose this role with this particular host?

For both logistical and technical reasons. Proximity and logistical convenience was a motivator, and I also found the research area to be quite intriguing. I realised that I possessed the required skillset to successfully undertake the placement, and the position offered me an opportunity to refine my own research skills through independently undertaking a research project that had potential real-life policy impact.

What was your greatest achievement during your placement?

My greatest achievement was completing the project on schedule. I am pleased with the contribution I made since some of the recommendations from the study are already being put in place – this was announced in a recent YGRS Newsletter.

Were there any challenging aspects during your placement?

Familiarising myself with a new and unfamiliar project, undertaking literature review, and the pressure of completing the project within the stipulated time-frame.

How did your placement help you to develop your current skills and knowledge?

This placement granted me an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I learnt since the inception of my PhD in undertaking social research in the workplace to understand and solve a real-life problem. I was able to share my knowledge, ideas, viewpoints and skills with my co-counterpart and our Placement Supervisor which enriched my learning through a two-way process of knowledge sharing throughout the project implementation cycle.

How has your placement experience influenced your future career goals and aspirations?

The experience has strengthened my resolve in exploring future career opportunities that will allow me to get involved in meaningful work for public good. My goal and aspiration is to undertake work that has potential to change people’s lives.

What tips or advice would you give to current or future WRDTP postgraduate researchers interested in undertaking a placement?

Take your time to find a placement that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Apply to as many placement opportunities as you can until you find a perfect match. During your placement, keep showing up every day especially during moments of self-doubt as you navigate an unfamiliar territory, collaborate, seek support and guidance from your placement host and don’t struggle in silence.