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October 20, 2008
A decision...
In the past couple of weeks, I've decided to enrol on the professional doctorate programme in the Institute for Work Based Learning at Middlesex University. After several months of vacillating about this or another programme (which I blogged about in August), when it came to choosing, for me this programme really seems to acknowledge and celebrate my existing knowledge and experience, and at the same time provide the platform to develop and refine my research inquiry into coaching supervision.
At this stage, I'm still enjoying the fact that I've been offered and accepted a place on the programme, whilst feeling slightly anxious about what I'm taking on. I guess it's a bit like trekking. Take one step at a time. I certainly need to remember this each time I pick up the handbook and try to understand the language of academia – assignments and research projects and dissertations – and how this translates into my terms. I guess it will be come clearer as I take each step.
I also remember when I was trekking in the Himalayas some years ago that it took me quite some days before I could ask for or accept an offer of help from others to carry my day-pack. I hope I learned from that experience, that help will be available, and I just have to ask!
I'm sharing these reflections as part of my own process in accepting a new sense of my personal identity as a doctoral student. This is taking time and I want to notice the impact and my reactions. I'm aware that it gives me further appreciation of how clients (be they coachees or supervisees) integrate the learning and changes that they set out to achieve. So, coming into a new job or being promoted isn't just a question of the job title and surface artefacts like business cards, or names on doors. Once we have the label or mantle, we may take time to live it and so believe or accept it. It's a fascinating process and one I continue to enjoy exploring.
Posted by Alison at October 20, 2008 10:29 PM
