Ori Mautner (2016 cohort)
I was enormously fortunate to conduct my PhD research in the Cambridge Department of Social Anthropology. Along with being a department where cutting-edge anthropological research is carried out, this is a warm and friendly environment. The academic staff consistently offer constructive and generous feedback, and the students, while passionate and committed, are also overwhelmingly humble and considerate of each other. For me, the most important aspect of the programme was being able to receive regular written comments from my supervisor, and to have frequent discussions with him. He was extremely encouraging, attentive, and imaginative, and trained me in various aspects of becoming a more professional anthropologist and academic (writing, asking questions, giving feedback, holding meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds). I also benefited greatly from listening to lectures by academic staff; having many informal discussions with them as well as with fellow PhD students; and the excellent work of the patient, supportive, and efficient administrative team. Being a PhD student in the Department was a highly significant experience for me, which I strongly recommend to anyone who is seriously interested in anthropology.
