“Remember, the journey is as enriching as the destination,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Alanda Venter, who’s earned four degrees from UP in ten years.

An academic journey that started ten years ago is about to earn 28-year-old Alanda Venter the title “Dr”. Since starting her studies at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2014 to pursue a BCom in Economics in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences (EMS), the soon-to-be Dr Venter now holds four qualifications from UP: In addition to her BCom, she also completed her BCom Honours and master’s degrees in Economics before pursuing a PhD.

Her doctoral journey commenced in 2020 under the supervision of acclaimed energy economist Professor Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Head of the Energy Economics Research Unit (EERU) in the EMS Faculty. Venter’s doctoral study, titled ‘The effect of institutions in the energy-growth-human development nexus’, examined the role of institutions in mitigating the negative impacts of emissions on human development.

Venter says she realised early in her PhD journey that pursuing doctoral studies requires resilience, dedication and great self-discipline. She found her journey fulfilling because, she says, “I not only realised my academic ambitions but also had the opportunity to engage in diverse research projects and youth leadership roles that honed my leadership and research skills.” Her leadership roles included serving as a youth ambassador for the International Association for Energy Economics and as Co-Chair for UP’s Department of Economics PhD and Mentorship Programme in 2023. During her doctoral studies she also presented her research at international conferences and collaborated with researchers globally, which she found very enriching.

She says maintaining a balance between her academic commitments and social life required self-discipline and a strong sense of prioritisation. “Although starting off with enthusiasm is crucial, maintaining balance in life can be challenging. Establishing a consistent but adaptable work schedule, nurturing a social life, and pursuing a de-stressing hobby like fitness were essential for me. Accountability for my schedule was paramount, ensuring I could sustain productivity without sacrificing personal relationships, which I prioritised throughout my doctoral studies.”

Aside from maintaining a balance to ensure success, she says a strong support network is essential. Starting her PhD in 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presented unique challenges. “PhD studies are often lonely journeys, but this was exacerbated by the pandemic, which made it difficult for me to network and engage with peers and debate ideas.” However, online seminars and virtual collaboration lessened the loneliness and helped her to stay connected with the research community.

“A strong support network holds you accountable for being social, while understanding that sometimes you need to focus on your work. Remember, a PhD is a journey, not just a degree,” she says. Her academic mentors – Prof Inglesi-Lotz and Dr Jessika Bohlmann, a research specialist in the EMS Faculty – along with fellow PhD-candidate friends, provided her with much-needed support and encouragement. This group’s constant pursuit of research excellence and continuous improvement motivated her profoundly, she says, encouraging her academic development.

With a PhD in hand, her eyes are now set on becoming a professor while conducting research that advances sustainability for future generations. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in the EERU, focusing on innovative research that aims to address pressing energy and sustainability challenges. Her PhD research and postdoctoral research have enabled her to combine her love for economics and her passion for the environment and sustainability, which were sparked while she was in high school. “I discovered that by combining these two interests, I could contribute meaningfully to the field of energy research. This allowed me to live out both of my dreams: fostering environmental sustainability and advancing economic understanding,” she says.

Her advice for anyone embarking on a PhD journey is to cultivate resilience and embrace new experiences, while prioritising academic and social commitments.

“Above all, maintain a deep-seated passion for your research and its potential impact on society. A PhD is a significant achievement for your CV, but it's equally important to demonstrate involvement in diverse activities. Seek roles that connect you with communities and offer accountability personally. Engaging in various projects beyond your thesis extends your research capabilities and networks.”

And when the going gets tough, as it does for PhD candidates, and you can’t find the motivation you need, the most precious advice she has to pass on: “Reflect on your initial motivation and the broader significance of your work. Remember, the journey is as enriching as the destination.”

Venter will graduate in September for her PhD during the UP Spring graduation season.