Unlock this story — it’s free
Key Takeaways
- Postgraduate survival strategies were central to Dr Farai Mlambo’s seminar, where he launched his new book at Mandela University.
- The guide focuses on emotional hurdles like procrastination, imposter syndrome, and the supervisor-student relationship.
- Dr Mlambo urges students to celebrate small wins, manage feedback, and view research as a long-term journey.
Dr Mlambo’s Journey
Dr Farai Mlambo is a proud alumnus of Mandela University. He completed all his studies at the institution. Today, he works as a Senior Lecturer in Digital Business at Wits Business School and is a Research Fellow at the MIND Institute.
Returning to Mandela University, Dr Mlambo launched his new book:
A Survival Guide for Every Postgraduate Journey: 30 Things You Need to Have Peace with Before You Get Frustrated as a Master’s or Ph.D. Student.
What the Book Covers
At the seminar, Dr Mlambo addressed key challenges faced by postgraduates. These included procrastination, perfectionism, isolation, and handling feedback.
He pointed out that unlike undergraduate studies, postgraduate research is often solitary. It requires emotional strength and internal motivation.
“Supervisors are passengers, not drivers,” he said. “Students must take full ownership of their work.”
He also explained how peer support through writing groups or accountability circles is essential, especially when supervisors are unavailable.
Handling Feedback and Writing
Dr Mlambo discussed the emotional weight of receiving feedback. He urged students not to take criticism personally. Instead, they should process it and grow from it.
He also advised against endless reading. Instead, he encouraged breaking down work into smaller pieces. This method, which he calls using “fractals,” helps students stay productive.
Mental Health Matters
A key theme of the seminar was mental health. Dr Mlambo reminded students that it’s okay to slow down. Research, he said, should not be rushed.
“Balance is everything. Research is a long-term journey not something to rush,” he said.
He also discussed imposter syndrome, urging students to recognise their progress and support each other.
Community Reactions
Prof Zenixole Tshentu, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science, said:
“The book is clear in its message, with sobering realities that are hard to ignore.”
Dr Palesa Mothapo, Director of Research Support and Management, called it:
“A timely and essential guide that highlights the shared responsibility of students, supervisors, institutions, and peers.”
The seminar sparked conversation across the university. Staff and students alike reflected on how institutions can better support postgraduates not just academically, but emotionally too.
