Advice for PhD students

By Allen Yang

January 1, 1970

About this collection

## PhD First Year Success Guide This collection provides comprehensive guidance for new PhD students navigating their crucial first year. The documents emphasize treating the PhD as a **learning journey rather than a test of perfection**, with consistent themes around work-life balance, strategic time management, and building support systems. **Key Strategic Insights:** - **Reframe expectations**: You're a "researcher in training," not expected to be a fully-formed expert - **Establish sustainable practices**: Treat it like a 9-5 job rather than an endurance test - **Build infrastructure early**: Regular supervisor meetings, organizational systems, and peer networks - **Invest in long-term success**: Focus on skill development, publishing preparation, and professional relationships The advice consistently challenges the "overwork Olympics" culture in academia, advocating instead for strategic productivity, regular breaks, and celebrating small wins. The collection emphasizes that PhD success comes from smart work habits, strong support networks, and maintaining perspective on the bigger picture rather than grinding through with unsustainable intensity.

Curated Sources

9 Lessons on Surviving and Completing Your Ph.D. | by Raymond Williams, PhD | The Post-Grad Survival Guide | Medium

The article '9 Lessons on Surviving and Completing Your Ph.D.' by Raymond Williams, PhD, offers guidance to future Ph.D. students based on the author's experiences. The author shares nine key lessons learned during their almost eight years in a Ph.D. program, including not dropping out, not being intimidated by other students, attending conferences, having hobbies, maintaining separate friend groups, forming a writing group, selecting a suitable dissertation committee, understanding that 'a good dissertation is a done dissertation,' and enjoying the doctoral program. The author emphasizes the importance of perseverance, strategic planning, and maintaining a work-life balance throughout the Ph.D. journey. The article is part of 'The Post-Grad Survival Guide,' a publication focused on healthier and happier living for 20-somethings.

Key Takeaways

The importance of perseverance is highlighted through the author's personal struggle to continue their Ph.D. program despite initial doubts and the advice to 'not drop out.'
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, as evidenced by the advice to 'have a hobby' and 'have at least two sets of friends' to avoid burnout and maintain mental well-being.
Strategic planning and support systems, such as attending conferences, forming a writing group, and picking the right dissertation committee members, are key to successfully completing a Ph.D. program.

Surviving the PhD Marathon: Tips for the Long Haul – blog @ precision

The document provides a comprehensive guide for PhD students to navigate the challenges of doctoral studies. It emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a support system. The article also highlights the need for self-care, effective time management, and stress management techniques. Additionally, it discusses the benefits of leveraging available resources, including academic and professional services, and adopting interdisciplinary approaches to enhance research capabilities. By following these strategies, PhD students can maintain their well-being, stay motivated, and successfully complete their doctoral journey.

Key Takeaways

PhD students should prioritize setting realistic goals and breaking their research into manageable milestones to maintain momentum and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Building a robust support system, including regular communication with advisors and peer networks, is crucial for emotional support and academic guidance.
Effective time management and self-care are essential for maintaining physical and mental health throughout the PhD journey.
Leveraging professional services, such as dissertation services and data consultants, can provide specialized support and enhance the quality of research.
Adopting interdisciplinary approaches and continuous learning can enrich the PhD experience, providing broader perspectives and innovative solutions to complex research problems.

How to Survive and Thrive in Graduate School

The document provides guidance for graduate students to navigate the challenges of graduate school, including adjusting to the unstructured nature of the process, managing expectations, maintaining relationships, and prioritizing self-care. It highlights common difficulties such as imposter syndrome, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, and offers practical tips for success, including setting realistic goals, seeking support from peers and mentors, and developing a growth mindset. The document also addresses specific challenges such as teaching as an Associate Instructor, preparing for qualifying exams, and writing a thesis or dissertation. It emphasizes the importance of balance, self-awareness, and seeking help when needed.

Key Takeaways

Graduate students must adapt to a new level of independence and self-motivation, requiring a shift in expectations and strategies for success.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to avoiding burnout and achieving academic success.
Seeking support from peers, mentors, and mental health resources is essential for navigating the challenges of graduate school, including imposter syndrome and anxiety.

A graduate school survival guide: "So long, and thanks for the Ph.D!"

This document is a comprehensive guide for prospective or novice graduate students in computer science, focusing on the skills and traits required to succeed in a Ph.D. program. It covers essential topics such as mental toughness, initiative, tenacity, flexibility, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and communication skills. The guide also discusses the realities of academia as a business, the differences between undergraduate and graduate education, and the job hunt after completing a Ph.D. It provides insights into various career paths available to Ph.D. holders, including startups, commercial businesses, industrial or government research labs, and academia. The author shares personal anecdotes and references to other resources to support the advice given.

Key Takeaways

To succeed in a Ph.D. program, it's crucial to have a clear reason for pursuing the degree and to be aware of the differences between undergraduate and graduate education.
Developing skills such as initiative, tenacity, flexibility, interpersonal skills, and communication skills is vital for success in graduate school and beyond.
Networking and gaining exposure through conferences, talks, and summer work are essential for a successful job hunt after graduation.
Ph.D. holders have various career paths to choose from, each with its pros and cons, and it's important to understand these options to make an informed decision.

Thriving: A survival guide to your PhD | by Valeria Fonseca Diaz | MV Learn | Medium

The article provides a comprehensive guide for individuals considering or embarking on a PhD journey, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation and planning. It highlights that pursuing a PhD is not just about passion for science, but also requires strong management and planning skills. The author shares their personal experience of doing a PhD after gaining industry experience and stresses the need to assess various factors before choosing a PhD program. These factors include the prestige and organization of the university and faculty, the culture and expectations of the research group and supervisor, opportunities for networking, and funding availability. The article also emphasizes the importance of tracking these aspects throughout the PhD journey to ensure success.

Key Takeaways

Pursuing a PhD requires a high level of management and planning, beyond just having a passion for science.
Carefully evaluating the university, faculty, supervisor, research group culture, networking opportunities, and funding availability is crucial before embarking on a PhD journey.
Tracking the performance of these core aspects throughout the PhD program is essential to ensure a successful culmination.

A Survival Guide to a PhD

The document is a comprehensive guide to navigating a PhD program in Computer Science, particularly in areas like Machine Learning and Computer Vision. It covers various aspects of the PhD journey, from deciding whether to pursue a PhD to tips on research, writing papers, coding, giving talks, and attending conferences. The author shares personal anecdotes and insights gained during their PhD experience, emphasizing the importance of developing a sense of 'taste' for research problems, understanding the adviser-student relationship, and producing high-quality research. The guide also discusses the significance of releasing code, practicing good academic writing and presentation skills, and being an active participant in the academic community.

Key Takeaways

Developing a 'taste' for research problems is crucial, and it involves understanding what makes a problem important, difficult, and 'sexy', as well as having a reasonable attack plan.
The adviser-student relationship is a symbiosis where both parties have their own goals and constraints; understanding the adviser's incentive structures and expectations is vital for a successful PhD experience.
Releasing code and being transparent about research methods and findings not only contributes to the academic community but also improves one's own research quality and reputation.
Effective academic writing and presentation skills are essential for communicating research; this includes identifying a single core contribution, structuring papers and talks around it, and avoiding common pitfalls like the 'laundry list' structure.
Active participation in the academic community, including attending conferences and engaging with other researchers, is critical for staying updated on the latest developments and building a professional network.

Getting to the Other Side: Surviving the Ph.D. | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

The author, an assistant professor of Philosophy at American University, shares their personal experience and insights on navigating the challenges of PhD programs. They highlight the high dropout rates, intense pressure of perfectionism, and the need for self-care, mentorship, and strategic planning to succeed. The author emphasizes that graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint, and that students must prioritize their mental and physical well-being to 'get to the other side.' They also stress the importance of thinking of graduate school as a career, not just an extension of undergraduate studies, and seeking help from various sources, including therapists, mentors, and peers. Despite the difficulties, the author remains optimistic about the value of pursuing a PhD and the positive impact academics can have on society.

Key Takeaways

Graduate students must prioritize self-care and seek professional help when needed to mitigate the high rates of anxiety and depression in academia.
Building a diverse network of mentors is crucial for navigating the varied challenges of graduate school.
Treating graduate school as a career requires setting boundaries, being strategic about opportunities, and maintaining a robust personal life outside of academia.

How to Survive Your Ph.D Program | 15 Tips & Expert Advice

The document provides 15 tips for PhD students to survive and thrive in their programs. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a routine, starting to write early, creating a positive community, and building effective networks. Other tips include managing finances, maintaining physical and emotional health, dealing with rejection, and finding a qualified graduate advisor. The document also highlights the need to balance academic pursuits with personal life, pursue non-academic interests, and address emotional health. Additionally, it suggests attending conferences and seeking help when needed. The tips are supported by expert advice from Dr. David Hall, a consulting psychologist with experience in organizational settings.

Key Takeaways

PhD students must balance academic rigor with self-care and emotional well-being to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
Building a support network of peers, mentors, and professionals is crucial for navigating the challenges of a PhD program.
Effective time management, financial planning, and prioritization are essential skills for PhD students to master in order to achieve their goals.
Embracing rejection and criticism as opportunities for growth and learning can help PhD students develop resilience and perseverance.
Seeking help and resources, such as counseling services and online support groups, can provide PhD students with the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

You’re only human: a six-step strategy to surviving your PhD

The article 'You’re only human: a six-step strategy to surviving your PhD' by Gauthier Weissbart discusses the psychological challenges faced by PhD students and proposes a six-step strategy to help them cope. The author, a PhD student in biophysics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, shares his personal experience of struggling with uncertainty, self-criticism, and mental pressure during his PhD program. The article highlights the importance of acknowledging that graduate students are not machines and need to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It references various studies on the topic, including those on burnout and work-life balance. The article is part of the Nature Careers Community, which shares professional experiences and advice for researchers.

Key Takeaways

The article emphasizes that PhD students face significant psychological challenges, including uncertainty, self-criticism, and mental pressure, which can be more daunting than the academic work itself.
It suggests that acknowledging the humanity of PhD students and promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for their well-being and success.
The proposed six-step strategy, although not detailed in the provided document, is implied to offer practical advice for graduate students to manage their PhD journey effectively.
The article relates to broader discussions on academic resilience, burnout, and 'quiet quitting' in academia, indicating a growing concern for researcher well-being.
By sharing personal experience and referencing relevant studies, the author provides a grounded and evidence-based perspective on surviving and thriving during a PhD program.

PhD survival guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide for PhD students, offering advice on navigating the challenges of a PhD program. It emphasizes that a PhD is not just a project to be completed, but a training period during which aspiring scientists must learn the right way to do science. The authors stress the importance of developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and effective communication. They also discuss the significance of publishing research, aligning expectations with supervisors and lab members, and managing pressure and stress. The guide highlights the need for PhD students to be proactive, independent, and open-minded, and to learn from failures and setbacks. By sharing their experiences and insights, the authors aim to help PhD students survive the bad times and enjoy the good.

Key Takeaways

PhD students must develop a scientific way of thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in their research and beyond.
Effective communication is crucial in a lab setting, and PhD students should be proactive in addressing potential conflicts and misunderstandings.
Publishing research is an essential part of a PhD program, and students should learn to write and present their work clearly and convincingly.
PhD students should be aware of the pressures and expectations of their supervisors and lab members, and align their own expectations accordingly.
The key to surviving a PhD is to be proactive, independent, and open-minded, and to learn to enjoy the process of scientific discovery.

Starting a PhD in the humanities | Students - UCL – University College London

The article provides an overview of the first year of a humanities PhD at University College London (UCL), sharing advice and experiences from a PhD student, Simone Webb. It covers various aspects such as interactions with supervisors, reading and writing expectations, and additional activities like conferences and seminars. The article also acknowledges the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on PhD life, including the shift to remote learning and digital communication tools like Microsoft Teams. Key points include the varying frequency of supervisor meetings, the importance of structuring reading plans, starting to write early, and taking advantage of opportunities to present at conferences and attend seminars. The article emphasizes the balance between the liberty to pursue academic interests and the need for structure to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Key Takeaways

The first year of a humanities PhD at UCL involves significant reading and writing, with varying levels of interaction with supervisors, and can be adapted to remote learning conditions due to COVID-19.
Structuring reading plans and starting to write early are crucial strategies for managing the PhD workload and developing one's thinking.
PhD students should take advantage of opportunities to present at conferences, attend seminars, and participate in departmental events to network and receive feedback on their work.

Blog - One day in the life of a PhD student in Humanities and Digital Sciences — AcademicTransfer

The blog post describes a typical day in the life of a second-year PhD student in the Department of Humanities and Digital Sciences at Tilburg University. The student shares their daily routine, work habits, and strategies for staying motivated and managing time effectively. The post highlights the importance of planning, tracking progress, and maintaining a work-life balance. The student discusses their use of techniques such as the Pomodoro technique and conscious postponement to stay focused and avoid burnout. They also emphasize the need to set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and use a combination of digital tools and handwritten notes to log their progress.

Key Takeaways

Effective time management is crucial for PhD students to balance research, writing, and personal well-being.
Setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks helps PhD students avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain progress.
Using techniques like the Pomodoro technique and conscious postponement can help PhD students stay focused and manage their workload.

Advice for Succeeding in Grad School | Department of Philosophy

The document provides advice for Stanford graduate students in philosophy on succeeding in their programs. It covers writing and rewriting, responding to criticism, publishing research, teaching, presenting research, departmental citizenship, and career prospects both within and outside academia. The document emphasizes the importance of regular writing, seeking feedback, and perseverance in the face of criticism. It also highlights the value of teaching experience, presenting research at conferences, and engaging with the departmental community. Additionally, it discusses career opportunities outside academia and resources available at Stanford to support graduate students in their professional development.

Key Takeaways

Developing a growth mindset is crucial for graduate students to handle criticism and improve their work.
Publishing research is increasingly important for junior hiring, and students should aim to have at least one publication accepted by the time they go on the market.
Teaching experience is valuable for academic jobs, and students should seek opportunities to teach and receive feedback from faculty members.

Advice to first-year PhD students | Lane Kenworthy

Lane Kenworthy's document 'Advice to first-year PhD students' provides guidance on becoming a successful scientist in sociology. Kenworthy emphasizes creating publishable research early, selecting interesting research questions, and developing a broad skill set including methodology and data visualization. He advises students to write well by thinking clearly and editing extensively, and to present their research frequently. Kenworthy shares his personal experiences with the publication process, including dealing with rejections, and the job market, highlighting the importance of persistence. He also discusses the dissertation process, suggesting a detailed prospectus and a brief literature review. Additionally, Kenworthy touches on public sociology, recommending caution when engaging in non-peer-reviewed online work before achieving tenure.

Key Takeaways

PhD students should prioritize creating publishable research early in their graduate career to establish a strong foundation for their academic journey.
Persistence is key in both the publication process and the job market, as rejections are common and should be expected.
Developing a range of skills, including data visualization and extensive editing, is crucial for producing high-quality research and presentations.

What I Wish I Knew as a First Year Ph.D. Student | Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies | Rice University

A 4th year Ph.D. student at Rice University reflects on their graduate school experience, sharing advice they would give to their first-year self. The author discusses the challenges of research rotations, the importance of planning ahead, and the need to take care of oneself during graduate school. They also touch on the uncertainty of career goals and the value of taking breaks to recharge. The author shares their personal experiences, including the struggle to balance lab work with classes, the pressure to perform during rotations, and the discovery of new hobbies and interests. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the present and taking advantage of opportunities available at Rice and the Texas Medical Center.

Key Takeaways

Graduate students should prioritize understanding their learning style and finding a supportive lab environment during research rotations, rather than trying to collect publishable data.
Effective time management and planning are crucial for success in graduate school, and can be achieved through strategies like weekly planning sessions.
It's normal for Ph.D. students to be uncertain about their career goals, and this uncertainty can be alleviated by focusing on the present and taking advantage of available opportunities.
Self-care is essential for maintaining productivity and overall well-being in graduate school, and can be achieved through activities like exercise, hobbies, and socializing.

Hongtao Hao

Philip Guo's advice for early-stage PhD students covers 27 key points, emphasizing the importance of focusing on research over classes, developing research taste, managing uncertainty and isolation, and maintaining productivity. He stresses the need to make consistent progress, get regular feedback from mentors, and prioritize research over other obligations. Guo also advises students to understand their advisor's goals and limitations, be patient, and develop a fixed work schedule. Additionally, he highlights the importance of protecting morning productivity, avoiding negativity, and seeking peer support. Other key takeaways include the need to develop transferable skills, manage advisor expectations, and maintain a healthy online presence. Overall, Guo's advice is geared towards helping early-stage PhD students navigate the challenges of graduate research and achieve success.

Key Takeaways

To succeed in PhD research, students must develop resilience, perseverance, metacognition, and self-discipline through self-reflection and mentorship.
Effective time management is crucial, with a focus on making consistent daily progress and protecting morning productivity.
Understanding the advisor's goals and limitations is vital, as is developing strategies to manage their expectations and leverage their skills efficiently.

Top ten tips for new PhD students - RGS

The document provides guidance for new PhD students, drawing from the author's personal experience. It offers 10 tips to help navigate the challenges of postgraduate study, including understanding the role of a researcher in training, seeking help when needed, celebrating small successes, managing finances, maintaining a work-life balance, and staying organised. The tips are designed to help students adjust to the demands of PhD research and avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

New PhD students should focus on their role as researchers in training, rather than comparing themselves to established academics.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to avoiding burnout and ensuring long-term productivity.
Effective organisation and time management are key to successfully completing a PhD, and students should develop systems that work for them.

How to Thrive During Your First Year of a PhD: A Comprehensive Guide

The first year of a PhD program is a critical period of intense growth and learning, marked by immersion in coursework, research, and the development of a research proposal. Students must navigate the challenges of academia, refine their research interests, and establish a close working relationship with their academic advisors. To thrive, it's essential to build a strong support network, maximize university resources, enhance academic writing and presentation skills, and maintain a balanced life. By investing time and effort in mastering the fundamentals of their field and honing their research skills, students can position themselves for success in the years to come. The guide provides practical advice and strategies for PhD students to not only survive but thrive during their first year, covering topics such as embracing the challenge, selective participation, professional development, and staying motivated.

Key Takeaways

Building a strong support network is crucial for PhD students to navigate the challenges of their first year and beyond.
Maximizing university resources, such as research training courses and academic writing workshops, can significantly enhance a student's research skills and academic success.
Maintaining a balanced life by prioritizing self-care, exercise, and social activities is essential for mitigating the risk of burnout and ensuring overall well-being during the PhD journey.

Advice for 1st Year PhD : r/GradSchool

The document is a discussion thread on the r/GradSchool subreddit where users share advice and experiences on managing time as a 1st year PhD student in STEM fields. The original poster is starting their PhD program and is concerned about balancing classes, research, and personal life. Respondents suggest treating grad school like a 9-to-5 job, setting boundaries between school and personal life, prioritizing self-care, and using tools like calendars and Pomodoro timers to stay organized. They also recommend forming reading or writing groups, attending talks outside of their department, and exploring hobbies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Other tips include being social, getting enough sleep, and carefully selecting an advisor.

Key Takeaways

Establishing a routine and setting boundaries between school and personal life is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Prioritizing self-care, including getting enough sleep and engaging in hobbies, is essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining productivity.
Forming connections with peers and colleagues, such as through reading or writing groups, can provide valuable support and networking opportunities.

Recommendations for first-year Ph.D. students (opinion)

David F. Labaree offers advice to new Ph.D. students based on his experience as a doctoral adviser and teacher. He recommends that students stop being 'good students' and instead become producers of academic knowledge. Key strategies include taking control of one's program, building a conceptual framework for the field, learning to skim effectively, and developing one's own academic voice and brand. Labaree also cautions against getting caught up in 'professionalism lite' and losing sight of one's original research interests. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the doctoral experience and not treating it as a chore.

Key Takeaways

To succeed in a Ph.D. program, students must transition from being consumers to producers of academic knowledge.
Developing a personal conceptual framework for the field is crucial for navigating the vast amount of literature encountered in graduate school.
Ph.D. students should focus on developing their own academic voice and brand to stand out in their field.

My Advice and Tips for New PhD Students - The Savvy Scientist

The author shares their personal experience and insights gained during their PhD journey, offering actionable advice for new PhD students. Key recommendations include setting up regular meetings with supervisors, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, working smart and taking breaks, starting to think about publishing early, developing good habits, getting involved in various research activities, and enjoying the PhD experience. The author emphasizes the importance of not overworking, leveraging the flexibility of a PhD, and making the most of the research environment. They also suggest that new PhD students should focus on building good habits, such as effective time management, healthy eating, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Additionally, the author encourages students to participate in collaborations, present at conferences, and explore side projects to enrich their PhD experience.

Key Takeaways

New PhD students should prioritize setting up regular meetings with their supervisors to stay focused and receive valuable guidance.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial; working '9-to-5' can be sufficient for completing a PhD in a reasonable timeframe.
Developing good habits, such as effective time management, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular breaks, is essential for productivity and overall well-being during the PhD journey.
Getting involved in various research activities, such as collaborations and conferences, can significantly enhance the PhD experience and provide opportunities for growth.
Starting to think about publishing early, even through review articles, can help build confidence and familiarity with the publishing process.

Advice for incoming PhD students? : r/GradSchool

The document is a discussion thread on the r/GradSchool subreddit where users share advice for incoming PhD students. The conversation covers various aspects of graduate school life, including managing imposter syndrome, maintaining a work-life balance, building relationships with peers and advisors, and navigating the challenges of PhD programs. Users share their personal experiences, tips, and strategies for success, emphasizing the importance of self-care, organization, and seeking support from others.

Key Takeaways

Incoming PhD students should prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Building relationships with peers and senior graduate students can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the PhD journey.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience among PhD students, but recognizing one's worth and abilities can help mitigate its effects.
Effective time management and organization are crucial for success in PhD programs, and tools like planners and Google Calendar can be helpful.
It's essential to be mindful of one's financial situation and make informed decisions about housing, budgeting, and other expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the 'regular supervisor meetings' recommendations from The Savvy Scientist compare with the 'don't be afraid to ask for help' advice from the RGS guide in terms of building effective mentorship relationships?
What specific organizational systems mentioned across these sources (foldering, reference managers, notebooks) would work best for managing the transition from coursework to research focus described in the Reddit discussions?
How can the 'researcher in training' mindset from the RGS guide be practically applied to the time management challenges discussed in the Reddit thread about balancing classes with research projects?
What connections exist between the 'celebrate little successes' philosophy and the 'work smart and take breaks' advice in terms of maintaining long-term PhD motivation?
How do the professional development strategies (PPD groups, skill-building) mentioned in the comprehensive guide relate to the 'get involved' recommendations from The Savvy Scientist?
What role does the 'PhD does not define you' principle play in implementing the sustainable work practices advocated across all these sources?