PhD Student Advice - 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a PhD
TLDRThe speaker, a final-year PhD student in Europe, shares valuable insights and experiences from her PhD journey, highlighting the importance of understanding the PhD assessment process, recognizing that a PhD is more than just a scientific contribution, and acknowledging the unique challenges of each PhD journey. She emphasizes the inevitability of feeling inadequate and the unpredictability of delays, while also stressing the significance of maintaining a research diary, organizing code, and embracing digital note-taking systems. The speaker reflects on the rapid passage of time during a PhD and the necessity of accepting that not all ideas can be pursued. She underscores the importance of a strong supervisor relationship and the reality that a PhD will transform one's perception of achievement. Finally, she advises on the benefits of planning and understanding one's own learning style to enhance productivity throughout the PhD experience.
Takeaways
- π Understanding the PhD assessment process, including the Viva and the examiners' roles, is crucial for setting realistic expectations.
- π Knowing that a PhD is not just about scientific contribution, but also about demonstrating the capability for future independent research, eases the pressure of achieving a large scientific impact.
- π Recognizing that every PhD journey is unique and avoiding comparison with others is essential for maintaining a healthy mindset throughout the process.
- π« Accepting that feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome are common among PhD students and do not necessarily diminish with time or progress.
- πͺ Being prepared for unexpected delays and challenges, such as a global pandemic or personal circumstances, which can significantly impact the PhD timeline.
- π Keeping a detailed research diary is invaluable for tracking progress, making sense of past decisions, and aiding in the writing process.
- π Organizing code and files systematically from the start of the PhD is vital for efficient revisiting and building upon previous work.
- π± Embracing a digital note-taking system streamlines the note-checking process and enhances productivity in the long run.
- β³ Appreciating that a PhD goes by quickly and making the most of the time by focusing on essential tasks and letting go of less critical ideas.
- π€ Cultivating a strong relationship with supervisors and advisors provides a solid support network and can significantly influence the overall PhD experience.
- π Realizing that the transition from being an academic overachiever to an 'underachiever' in a PhD is a common experience as the focus shifts to simply completing the degree.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is sharing 15 things the speaker wishes they knew earlier in their PhD journey.
How is a PhD assessed in European universities?
-In European universities, a PhD is assessed by submitting the thesis to examiners who have a few weeks or maybe a month to read it in detail. Then, a Viva (oral defense) takes place where the candidate presents their work and answers questions. Examiners include an internal examiner from the candidate's university and an external examiner from another university.
What are the possible outcomes of a PhD Viva?
-The possible outcomes of a PhD Viva include passing without corrections, passing with minor corrections, passing with major revisions, or failing and potentially receiving a research master's degree.
Why is the supervisor relationship important in a PhD?
-The supervisor relationship is important in a PhD because the supervisor provides guidance, support, and feedback throughout the research process. A good relationship with supervisors can significantly impact the success and well-being of the PhD candidate.
How does the speaker feel about the unexpected challenges during their PhD journey?
-The speaker acknowledges that unexpected challenges, such as the global pandemic and running a business, are inevitable and cannot be planned for. These challenges can be difficult to deal with, especially for someone who likes to excel in their work, but they are part of the PhD experience.
What is the speaker's advice on keeping a research diary?
-The speaker advises keeping a research diary to track the research process, results, and decisions made during the research. This practice is crucial for recalling why certain approaches were taken and can greatly assist in writing up the research later.
Why did the speaker transition from physical notebooks to digital note-taking?
-The speaker transitioned from physical notebooks to digital note-taking because it became easier to search for specific notes, organize information, and maintain a structured system. Digital note-taking systems like Notion offer better search functions and the ability to keep everything in one accessible place.
How does the speaker describe the feeling of inadequacy during a PhD?
-The speaker describes the feeling of inadequacy as a common experience among PhD candidates, often referred to as imposter syndrome. This feeling may persist throughout the PhD, and even accomplished professors may experience it. The speaker suggests accepting this feeling as a normal part of the PhD experience.
What is the speaker's perspective on the duration of a PhD?
-The speaker initially thought a four-year PhD would be a long time, but now in their final year, they realize how quickly time has passed. They advise not to worry about the length of the PhD, as time goes by faster the further along you get.
How does the speaker's experience with organizing code reflect their learning process?
-The speaker learned the importance of organizing code the hard way, as their early code was poorly organized. They now understand that having a clear structure and organization in code is crucial for revisiting old work and saving time.
What misconceptions does the speaker address about people's understanding of a PhD?
-The speaker addresses misconceptions that people often have about PhD students, such as the assumption that they don't work full-time or that they can take extended breaks. They explain that a PhD is a full-time commitment and that people outside of academia may not fully understand the challenges and demands of the process.
Outlines
π Understanding the PhD Assessment Process
The speaker, a final year PhD student, shares insights on the PhD assessment process, which includes submitting the thesis to examiners, undergoing a Viva (oral defense), and the potential outcomes such as passing with minor corrections, major revisions, or even failing. They emphasize the importance of knowing this process beforehand and discuss their personal apprehensions about the Viva.
π Beyond Scientific Contribution: The True Value of a PhD
The speaker highlights that a PhD is not just about contributing to the scientific field but also about the ability to conduct independent research. They discuss the realization that the PhD journey is unique for everyone and that comparisons are unproductive. The speaker also talks about the universal feeling of inadequacy among PhD students and the importance of accepting this as a common experience.
π Embracing the Unpredictability of the PhD Journey
The speaker acknowledges that unexpected delays are an inevitable part of the PhD process, using personal experiences such as the global pandemic and managing a company. They stress the importance of keeping a research diary to track progress and decisions, and the value of organizing code for future reference.
π Adapting to the Fast-Paced Nature of a PhD
The speaker reflects on the speed at which the PhD years pass, from the initial perception of a four-year duration being lengthy to realizing how quickly time flies. They discuss the transition from physical to digital note-taking systems, emphasizing the benefits of digital organization and searchability for research and productivity.
π€ The Significance of Supervisor Relationships in a PhD
The speaker discusses the crucial role of supervisor relationships in a PhD, drawing from personal experiences and the impact of a supportive network. They highlight the shift from being an academic overachiever to an 'underachiever' in the context of a PhD, and the common misconceptions people have about the commitment and challenges of pursuing a PhD.
β° The Time-Saving Power of Planning in a PhD
The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning and understanding one's own learning style in a PhD. They share personal strategies such as writing out steps before programming and using digital tools for organization, which have significantly improved their productivity and efficiency in their PhD work.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘PhD
π‘Viva
π‘Research
π‘Imposter Syndrome
π‘Planning
π‘Supervisor Relationship
π‘Digital Note-taking
π‘Time Management
π‘Underachiever
π‘Productivity
π‘Personal Growth
Highlights
The speaker is a final year PhD student in Europe, currently in their fourth year of the PhD journey.
The speaker runs a speech and drama school in Ireland alongside their PhD studies.
The process of how a PhD is assessed was not fully understood by the speaker before starting their PhD.
The Viva (defense) is a significant part of the PhD assessment, where the candidate discusses their research with examiners.
Passing the PhD can involve minor corrections, major revisions, or even failing and receiving a research master's degree.
The PhD journey is unique for each individual, and comparing oneself to others is not productive or beneficial.
Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among PhD students, and even accomplished professors can experience it.
Unexpected delays are an inevitable part of the PhD process and cannot always be planned for.
Keeping a research diary is crucial for tracking progress, results, and thought processes throughout the research.
Organizing code and files is essential for efficientει‘Ύ and continuation of research work.
The transition from physical to digital note-taking systems can greatly improve research organization and accessibility.
A PhD can feel like a long commitment, but in reality, the time passes quickly, especially as one gets closer to completion.
The supervisor relationship is vital for a successful PhD experience, and having a strong network of advisors can be beneficial.
PhD students often shift from being academic overachievers to focusing solely on the completion of their degree.
People who have not done a PhD may not fully understand the commitment and challenges involved in the process.
Planning and organizing projects can save time and increase productivity, contrary to the assumption that it is a waste of time.
Understanding one's personal learning and working style is crucial for effective PhD research and progress.
Transcripts
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