PhD Student Advice | 5 insider secrets no one tells you about a PhD

Andy Stapleton

21 Apr 202014:53

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker, a chemistry PhD graduate, shares five key insights about pursuing a PhD that were unmentioned in their journey. They emphasize the critical role of a supportive supervisor, the competitive nature of academia, the importance of publishing peer-reviewed papers, the pressure of securing grant funding, and the anxiety of working towards an uncertain end. The video serves as a candid advisory for prospective PhD students, urging them to understand the realities of academia before embarking on their doctoral journey.

Takeaways

🎓 The success and enjoyment of your PhD experience largely depend on your relationship with your supervisor, so choose wisely.
🤺 Be prepared for a highly competitive environment both within your research group and in the broader academic community.
📈 The importance of publishing peer-reviewed papers and having a high H-index can significantly influence your academic career trajectory.
💰 Securing grant funding is crucial for career progression in academia, and it's a competitive process that can be influenced by the popularity of your research area.
🤔 The anxiety of not knowing the end goal can be challenging; a PhD requires continuous effort and persistence with no clear finish line.
📚 There is an expectation to apply for funding towards the end of your PhD, which adds another layer of responsibility and stress.
🔍 The competitiveness within labs can be extreme, with stories of students competing for the same project and the pressure to be constantly present in the lab.
📈 The system for academic success is often manipulated, with individuals sometimes adding their names to papers they didn't contribute to, just to boost their H-index.
🧐 The reality of academia is that job security and high earnings are not guaranteed, even after extensive education and research contributions.
't 📈 Peer-reviewed papers are a critical component of academic success, and there is an increased expectation to publish more than ever before.
🚀 Having good project management skills and internal motivation is essential for a successful PhD journey, as you are largely responsible for driving your own research.

Q & A

What is the significance of having a good relationship with your PhD supervisor?
-The relationship with your PhD supervisor is crucial as it can determine the success, enjoyment, and overall experience of your PhD journey. A supportive and available supervisor can provide guidance, regular meetings, and prompt feedback, which are essential for progress and personal development.
How does the competitiveness in academia affect PhD students?
-Academic competitiveness can manifest in various ways, such as competition within research groups, the pressure to publish more papers, and the pursuit of higher H-index scores. This competitiveness can lead to a high-stress environment and may encourage some to manipulate the system, such as by adding their names to papers they didn't significantly contribute to.
Why are peer-reviewed papers so important in academia?
-Peer-reviewed papers are critical because they are a measure of one's academic success and contribution to the field. They are necessary for building an academic career, securing funding, and establishing a researcher's reputation. The number of papers and their citations can greatly influence a PhD student's trajectory and future opportunities.
What challenges do PhD students face when it comes to securing grant funding?
-Securing grant funding is challenging due to the competitive nature of research funding and the reliance on external sources. Even successful scientists with strong publication records and high H-indexes may struggle to secure grants, especially if their research area is not considered 'sexy' or in demand at the moment.
How does the lack of clear end goals in a PhD program contribute to anxiety?
-The uncertainty and lack of a defined end goal in a PhD program can cause anxiety because success is heavily dependent on producing novel results and papers. This requires continuous effort and persistence without the structure of set exams or clear milestones, which can be daunting and stressful for many students.
What was the speaker's experience with the academic system during their PhD?
-The speaker experienced a system that was competitive and demanding, with a strong emphasis on publishing papers and securing grants. They found the system to be flawed and heavily reliant on external validation through peer-reviewed papers and H-index scores.
What advice does the speaker give to those considering starting a PhD?
-The speaker advises prospective PhD students to carefully understand the culture and expectations of the program, especially the supervisor's style, as this will greatly impact their experience. They also emphasize the importance of being prepared for the competitiveness, the significance of publishing papers, and the challenges of securing funding.
How does the academic system reward researchers in terms of career progression?
-The academic system primarily rewards researchers based on their publication record, including the number of peer-reviewed papers and their citations, as reflected in their H-index. This system can sometimes lead to an unhealthy focus on quantity over quality and manipulation of the publication process.
What is the speaker's perspective on the modern academic system?
-The speaker views the modern academic system as flawed and overly competitive, with an unhealthy emphasis on publishing and grant securing. They believe that the system can be gamed and that it does not always reward genuine contributions to research in a fair manner.
What are some unexpected challenges of starting a PhD that the speaker wishes they had known about?
-The speaker wishes they had known about the intense competition, the pressure to publish multiple papers, the difficulty of securing grant funding, and the anxiety associated with the uncertainty and long-term commitment of a PhD program.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 The Impact of a Supervisor in PhD Journey

The speaker, a PhD graduate in chemistry, emphasizes the critical role a supervisor plays in a PhD student's experience. They share their fortunate experience with a supportive and professional supervisor who provided ample time and prompt feedback. The speaker warns that not all supervisors are like this, with some expecting extreme commitment and even being absent, which can negatively impact the student's PhD experience. The choice of supervisor is crucial for the success and enjoyment of the PhD journey.

05:01

🏆 The Competitive Nature of Academia

The speaker discusses the high level of competitiveness in academia, which was unexpected to them when starting their PhD. This competitiveness manifests in various ways, such as internal competition within research groups, the pressure to produce a high number of peer-reviewed papers, and the manipulation of the academic system for personal gain. The speaker mentions the importance of the H index, a measure of a researcher's productivity and citation impact, which heavily influences a researcher's career trajectory.

10:03

📜 The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Papers

The speaker highlights the significance of peer-reviewed papers in academia, which was not fully understood by them at the start of their PhD. They explain that the expectation to publish multiple papers during a PhD is now higher than ever, with some labs even expecting three papers per year. The pressure to publish can lead to students adding their names to papers they didn't significantly contribute to, as a way to game the system. The speaker laments this flawed aspect of academia and stresses the importance of peer-reviewed papers in determining career success.

💰 The Role of Grant Funding in Academic Research

The speaker talks about the expectation for PhD students to apply for funding towards the end of their studies. They explain that academia relies heavily on external funding, and a PhD is a training ground for this aspect of academic life. The difficulty of securing grants can impact a researcher's career, even if they have a strong publication record. The speaker also mentions the insecurity of academic jobs, which can be lost if funding runs out.

🤯 The Anxiety of Uncertain Outcomes in a PhD

The speaker shares the anxiety and uncertainty associated with starting a PhD, as the end goal is not as clearly defined as in undergraduate studies. They describe the pressure to produce novel results and the continuous effort required to contribute significantly to a field of research. The speaker emphasizes the need for persistence, project management skills, and internal motivation to succeed in a PhD, as the end result is not guaranteed and can be anxiety-inducing due to the ever-shifting goalposts.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡PhD

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that one can earn in many fields. It involves original research and the production of a substantial thesis based on that research. In the video, the speaker reflects on their personal experience with pursuing a PhD in chemistry and shares insights into the challenges and realities of doctoral studies.

💡Supervisor

A supervisor in the context of a PhD is a faculty member or an expert in the field who guides and mentors the student throughout their research. The quality of the relationship with one's supervisor can significantly impact the PhD experience. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good supervisor who provides support, regular meetings, and timely feedback.

💡Competitiveness

In the context of academia and particularly a PhD, competitiveness refers to the intense rivalry among researchers to achieve recognition, publish papers, and secure funding. This competitiveness can manifest in various ways, such as competing for resources within a research group or striving for a higher H-index, which measures the impact of one's published work.

💡Peer-Reviewed Papers

Peer-reviewed papers are scholarly articles that have been evaluated and approved by experts in the same field before they are published. These papers are a critical part of academic research and are often used to assess a researcher's contributions to their field. The speaker highlights the importance of publishing peer-reviewed papers for a successful academic career and the pressure to produce a significant number of them during a PhD.

💡H-Index

The H-index, or Hirsch index, is a measure of the impact and productivity of a researcher's published work, calculated based on the number of papers they have published and the number of times those papers have been cited by others. A higher H-index typically indicates a greater research impact. In the video, the speaker discusses the significance of the H-index in shaping an academic career and the competitive pressures it creates.

💡Grant Funding

Grant funding refers to the financial support provided for research projects, often from external sources such as government agencies or private foundations. Securing grant funding is crucial for conducting research, as it covers the costs of experiments, equipment, and sometimes salaries. The speaker talks about the challenges of obtaining grants and how it can influence a researcher's career and job security.

💡Job Security

Job security refers to the stability and continuity of one's employment. In the context of academia, it is often influenced by factors such as grant funding and research output. The speaker discusses the misconceptions about job security in academia, noting that even with a PhD, one's job is not guaranteed, and the income may not be as high as expected.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety in the context of the video refers to the stress and unease that PhD students may experience due to the uncertain and long-term nature of their research. The speaker talks about the anxiety of not knowing when or if the research will yield results, the pressure to produce novel findings, and the continuous effort required to make progress towards a thesis.

💡Persistence

Persistence refers to the continuous effort and determination to keep working towards a goal despite challenges or setbacks. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of persistence in a PhD, as success often depends on the ability to consistently work on research, make small progress, and overcome obstacles.

💡Project Management Skills

Project management skills involve the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate tasks and resources to achieve specific goals within a given timeframe. In the context of a PhD, these skills are crucial for managing the research process effectively. The speaker mentions that having good project management skills is essential for driving one's own research and ensuring timely completion of the thesis.

💡End Goal

The end goal refers to the final objective or desired outcome of a project or endeavor. In the context of a PhD, the end goal is typically the completion of a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field of study. The speaker discusses the challenges of working towards an end goal that is not clearly defined and can shift over time, as is often the case with research.

Highlights

The importance of a supervisor in shaping the PhD experience.

The competitive nature of PhD programs and academia.

The critical role of peer-reviewed papers in academic success.

The expectation for PhD students to secure grant funding.

The lack of job security and financial rewards in academia.

The anxiety and uncertainty associated with the open-ended nature of a PhD.

The need for continuous persistence and small, incremental progress in a PhD.

The transition from the structured undergraduate experience to the self-driven PhD journey.

The importance of project management skills for PhD students.

The personal drive and internal motivation required to succeed in a PhD.

The potential for a PhD to take significantly longer than expected due to lack of results.

The challenge of working towards a goal with constantly shifting objectives in a PhD.

The necessity of adapting to a new way of working and learning during a PhD.

The advice to understand the supervisor and culture before starting a PhD.

The overall message of the video: a candid look at the realities of pursuing a PhD.

Transcripts

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