Mumbi Maria Wachira, PhD in Management (Accounting) – Institute of Public Finance, Fiscal Law and Law and Economics, University of St. Gallen, 2018

I was a doctoral candidate at the University of St. Gallen between 2015 and 2018. While I would like to say that my decision to study abroad was planned in advance, it was rather a series of happy coincidences that led up to the opportunity. I was working as a tutorial fellow at Strathmore University in 2014, when I was presented with the opportunity to study for my doctorate at the University of St. Gallen through a partnership between both institutions.

As a first step, I had to identify a group of potential supervisors who I would work with during my stay there. With lots of help from partners from the university, friends, and my dad, I identified five people who could potentially supervise my research. One out of the five agreed. This process is an essential step when one is applying for a PhD since part of the application usually requires candidates to have members of faculty who are willing to supervise their research. One has to review ‘hundreds’ of faculty profiles and their associated research publications and consultancy projects, etc. and make a strong case for how your research could contribute to their work. The second step was to apply for funding. Once again, with support from our partners at the University of St. Gallen, I put together an application for a Swiss Government Scholarship which provided funding for doctoral students in Eastern Europe and Africa. I am incredibly fortunate that both steps went smoothly, and I recognize that for several doctoral students this is hardly the case. Often, one must send out dozens of applications before they receive supervisory confirmation and scholarship funding.

I began my studies during the Spring semester which is right in the middle of winter in Europe. It was cold, though I was very excited about the snow – at least at first. Switzerland is a very beautiful country – home to the Alps, dense forests, quaint houses and stunning cities. At the same time, I became aware of the stark cultural differences between Kenya and Switzerland. Whereas I was used to the noise and sometimes chaotic life of Nairobi, life in St. Gallen, Switzerland was quiet and orderly. Trains and buses which were part of my daily commute arrived on time without much fuss, a far cry from the matatus and other forms of transport we use here in Nairobi. The language was also different. Though most people within the university spoke English quite well, I quickly realised that I would need to learn some German to get around the town and surrounding cities. Ultimately, I had to make many adjustments. In retrospect, I wish I had spent some more time learning about the country’s history, culture, and language before I arrived. Perhaps this is a lesson for those who plan to study abroad. You can never fully prepare for immersing yourself into another culture, but some research before venturing out doesn’t hurt.

The experience studying for my PhD was incredibly challenging. Like most PhD programmes, there was a coursework phase which lasted for one year. This part was quite enjoyable as I was familiar with some of the subject areas taught, plus I was spending a lot of time brainstorming with my main supervisor and colleagues around my prospective research topic which centred on exploring how sustainability reporting was emerging in sub-Saharan Africa. I also attended several workshops, conferences and seminars which helped me think critically about the purpose of my study. The years after that became much more difficult. The thing about a PhD is that it’s a lonely journey. While one draws a lot of strength and support from friends, family and even sometimes strangers, it is ultimately a journey one makes alone. I was tested many times. I found it difficult to find the motivation to write. I recall days where I literally wrote one sentence and ended up erasing it the day afterwards. Sometimes my ideas felt naïve and there were many days I felt as if I was out of my depth.

I feel it is important to share these experiences because we often see the end result of one’s PhD, i.e. thesis plus graduation plus celebration. The process though for many people, is much less glamorous and is fraught with uncertainty and inner struggle. What I would want those who read this to know is that your experiences, if they are like mine, are not unique. You are not alone in feeling out of depth or lonely or doubtful about your research. It’s normal and guess what, it does come to an end eventually. Embrace the process. Lean on your family, your friends and even people who you may not know. For example, I clearly recall the two men who printed out my PhD thesis 20 minutes before the set deadline for handing it in officially to the university. I had spent the whole morning and better part of the afternoon trying to do final editing and corrections only to realise I had very little time left to print out the work. They were very kind and patient despite my panic. They made me sit down and listen to a song by Drake (Hold on We’re Going Home) as they printed it out. Still love that song to date. They kept assuring me that it would be okay, that I would make the deadline. And I did. There are so many stories I could write here about how my friends and family came through for me at various stages of my study, however, the main message here is to allow yourself to be vulnerable with those who have your best interests at heart. It’s a difficult journey for most, but trust in the process and be persistent. Most importantly, remember who you are and what you are capable of.