PhD First Year Advice - 20 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started

Summary

This video offers essential advice for new PhD students to help them navigate the challenges of academic life. The speaker covers key topics such as understanding your research area, setting clear goals, establishing routines, networking, and maintaining a work-life balance. They emphasize the importance of early writing, time management, and seeking help when needed. Additionally, the video provides tips on ethical considerations, funding opportunities, and staying healthy during the demanding PhD journey. Overall, it encourages students to stay motivated, curious, and organized while making the most of their academic experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand your research area early by reading key papers and familiarizing yourself with recent findings and major contributors in your field.
• 😀 Set clear goals from the start, both short-term and long-term, to help you stay focused and measure progress throughout your PhD.
• 😀 Establish a consistent routine that works for you, balancing reading, writing, and research to maintain productivity without feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor to track progress, but also maintain daily communication for any immediate questions or challenges.
• 😀 Network actively by attending conferences, seminars, and joining research groups to expand your academic circle and gain broader perspectives.
• 😀 Get familiar with key research tools and techniques early on to accelerate your ability to produce results in your experiments and studies.
• 😀 Stay organized from the beginning by maintaining a detailed lab book and utilizing digital note-taking apps to keep your work streamlined and accessible.
• 😀 Start writing parts of your thesis or research papers as soon as possible to ease the pressure during later stages of your PhD.
• 😀 Identify gaps in existing literature that your research can address, and be flexible in adapting your research to explore these gaps.
• 😀 Plan and apply for ethical approvals early, especially if your research involves sensitive topics, to avoid delays later on in your project.
• 😀 Prioritize your physical and mental health by maintaining a work-life balance, setting boundaries for when to work and when to rest to avoid burnout.
• 😀 Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it’s from supervisors, peers, or external resources. Collaboration is part of the academic process.
• 😀 Look for teaching opportunities or other work experiences at your university to enhance your CV and earn extra income during your PhD.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with the university's resources, such as libraries and study spaces, to create a more conducive and varied work environment.
• 😀 Master time management by setting clear deadlines and sticking to them. Develop strategies to stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Q & A

What is one of the most important things to focus on in the first few months of a PhD?

In the early stages of your PhD, it's crucial to focus on understanding your research area. This includes reading papers suggested by your supervisor, exploring recent publications, and learning about the key players in your field.

Why is it important to set clear goals and timelines during a PhD?

Setting clear goals and timelines helps create a structured plan for your PhD journey. While these goals may change, having a roadmap can help you stay on track, manage expectations, and navigate challenges with a sense of direction.

How can establishing a routine benefit PhD students?

Having a routine helps PhD students manage their time more effectively, reducing chaos and increasing productivity. It allows for consistent reading, research, writing, and lab work, making the process smoother and less daunting.

How often should PhD students meet with their supervisors?

The frequency of meetings with supervisors depends on the research field. In biological sciences, students may meet their supervisors daily, but having a scheduled weekly sit-down to discuss progress and challenges is highly recommended.

Why is networking important for PhD students?

Networking is vital because it allows you to connect with other researchers, attend relevant conferences, and expand your understanding of your broader research area. It also opens doors for future opportunities and collaborations.

What are journal clubs and why should PhD students join them?

Journal clubs are informal research discussion groups where students and researchers gather to discuss recent papers. Joining one helps PhD students engage with the latest research, learn from peers at more advanced stages, and broaden their academic network.

How can PhD students stay organized throughout their research?

Staying organized is essential for tracking methods, experiments, and results. Using tools like lab notebooks and digital note-taking apps (e.g., Notion or Evernote) can help ensure that your research is well-documented and accessible for future use.

What is the benefit of starting to write during the early stages of a PhD?

Starting to write early allows PhD students to document their methods, literature review, and other early results. This practice not only aids in the writing process later but also makes it easier to structure the thesis or a paper for publication.

Why is identifying gaps in the literature important during a PhD?

Identifying gaps in the literature allows PhD students to refine their research focus, target new areas of exploration, and contribute to expanding knowledge within their field. This can also help in shaping subtopics or additional research objectives.

What advice is given regarding work-life balance during a PhD?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is critical. One recommended strategy is to set boundaries, such as designating weekends for rest and personal activities, to avoid burnout while still committing to productive weekdays for research.