UNPACKING THE EXPERIENCES OF PAKISTANI PHD SCHOLARS: PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PHD COMPLETION

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of Pakistani PhD scholars while focusing the role of personal characteristics in PhD completion. This study draws on in-depth interviews with PhD enrolled scholars across four Pakistani universities-Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, International Islamic University Islamabad, The University of the Punjab Lahore, and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan. Five participants were selected from each of these universities (total 20) through purposive sampling and thematic analysis method was used to identify themes from the data. We have used two theoretical models-Tinto social integration model (1995) and Braxton’s revised integration model (2014) as theoretical lenses that guided the analysis on ‘how jobs beyond the academia remains a challenge or opportunity for PhD-Studies completion’, ‘family life as a challenge or opportunity for PhD completion’, and ‘peer support as a blessing in PhD-studies completion’. The study findings suggest diverse experiences of PhD scholars while completing their studies, for instance jobs beyond the academia remains a challenge for some PhD scholars while for others an opportunity where non-academic jobs support them financially. Similarly, family life influenced PhD-studies of some scholars while others got support in completion of PhD-studies. However, peer support remains a blessing for most of the participants in completion of their studies.