This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed M Rafiq Islam. He is doing PhD in a field other than most of the interviewees of Scientific Bangladesh. He is doing it as a part-time student with many years of working experience. Here is what he says 
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic and, your University to our readers.
M Rafiq Islam: I am M Rafiq Islam; I have been living in the UK since 2007. • Academic background – BSc (Honours) and MSc in Mathematics, MA in Economics, PGDMS in management, (UK), MBA in Marketing (UK) • PhD (Studying) in Innovation Management and Leadership at University of Brighton, UK. The topic is “Impact of workplace Environment factors on Employee job performance: A case study of British Railway. I am studying as a part-time student. • Professional activities – I have been involved since 2019 as a Chairman and Managing Director in Trust in humanity (TIH), A British government authorized Charity organization.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing PhD?
M Rafiq Islam: I am pursuing PhD for my career development. After finishing my PhD I believe I will be promoted to Director. TFL is paying my university tuition fees.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) PhD topic and ii) Institute?
M Rafiq Islam: This topic is my work related. My Director and head of Revenue have approved my research proposal before submitting it to the University. I had got chance with universities like SOAS, Bristol, Reading, Cardiff, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool. Still, I have chosen the University of Brighton due to my flexibility as a full-time worker.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
M Rafiq Islam: 1. Minimum is a bachelor with honors or master’s degree with 1st class 2. IELTS score minimum 7
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do a PhD in your University/country, what steps should one follow?
M Rafiq Islam: You need to find a topic of your interest, a supervisor working or interested in that topic, a research proposal, a personal statement, a CV, and at least two references.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What mistakes should one avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
M Rafiq Islam: 1. Lack of confidence 2. Lack of understanding ability
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
M Rafiq Islam: By submitting a thesis
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
M Rafiq Islam: I checked in university website who might be my supervisor. Then I had sent an email, and within a short time, I have got positive response.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
M Rafiq Islam: 1. following instruction 2. Good manner 3. On-time feedback 4. strong communication skills 5. sharing and good understanding.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
M Rafiq Islam: I have no activities in the laboratory.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
M Rafiq Islam:
1. Seeking help from Allah
2. quality family time
3. identify my problem and instantly sort it out
4. hard work
5. good timekeeping.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week do you go to the lab? Why?
M Rafiq Islam: No lab work, not going to the laboratory.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: PhD is considered as training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing on developing or developed by this time?
M Rafiq Islam: I am applying my practical experience.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
M Rafiq Islam: I don’t have any chance to go to Bangladesh permanently as my family has settled down here. However, I always want to contribute to my country.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
M Rafiq Islam: If anybody wants to do it, please, do it as soon as possible, don’t waste your time.
Scientific Bangladesh: Thank you for your time and insights. Best wishes for your PhD journey.