PhD first year tips! DOMINATE your first year!

Andy Stapleton

21 Dec 202015:53

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video offers six essential tips for first-year PhD students to thrive academically. It emphasizes the importance of extensive reading, establishing a routine for deep work, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, mastering research techniques and analysis, learning to say 'no' tactfully, and engaging in hobbies unrelated to academia to maintain a balanced perspective. The speaker shares personal insights and recommends 'Atomic Habits' and 'Deep Work' for further guidance.

Takeaways

📚 Embrace the shift from structured learning to the self-directed nature of a PhD, where feeling lost or experiencing impostor syndrome is common.
🔍 Develop a reading habit by consuming literature related to your field, including past theses, literature reviews, and papers, to build a comprehensive understanding.
📈 Organize your readings using tools like PowerPoint to keep track of key studies and findings for easy reference and review.
🛠 Establish a routine early on, focusing on deep work to maintain momentum and consistency in your research efforts.
📚 Read 'Atomic Habits' and 'Deep Work' to understand how to build and maintain productive habits throughout your PhD journey.
🚀 Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, pushing boundaries and taking risks to grow and innovate in your research.
🧑‍🔬 Become proficient in the techniques and analysis methods relevant to your field to ensure you can interpret and present your research effectively.
📊 Enhance your understanding of statistical analysis and data visualization to communicate your findings with confidence.
🚫 Learn to say 'no' tactfully, using negotiation skills to prioritize your PhD work without directly offending supervisors or colleagues.
🎷 Engage in hobbies and activities unrelated to academia to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid becoming overly consumed by academic pressures.
🤝 Use platforms like meetup.com to connect with people from diverse backgrounds to broaden your worldview and relieve academic stress.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script provided?
-The main theme of the video script is to provide tips for first-year PhD students to navigate their initial year effectively, with an emphasis on overcoming challenges such as imposter syndrome and establishing good research habits.
What does the speaker suggest as the first tip for first-year PhD students?
-The first tip suggested by the speaker is to read extensively, including past theses, literature reviews, and papers related to their field of study.
How does the speaker recommend organizing the information from the readings?
-The speaker recommends organizing the information using a PowerPoint document, with each slide dedicated to a paper, including the main points and figures, to facilitate quick review and recall.
What is the significance of establishing a routine for PhD students according to the script?
-Establishing a routine is significant as it helps PhD students transition from a structured undergraduate environment to a more independent research setting, fostering self-discipline and consistency in their work.
Which two books are recommended in the script to help with building habits and focusing on deep work?
-The two books recommended are 'Atomic Habits' and 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport.
Why is failing considered a positive aspect during the first year of a PhD program according to the script?
-Failing is considered positive because it encourages students to take risks, step outside their comfort zone, and learn from their mistakes, which is crucial for personal and academic growth.
What is the fourth tip mentioned in the script for first-year PhD students?
-The fourth tip is to become an expert in the techniques and analysis that will enable students to analyze their results better than anyone else.
Why is it important for PhD students to understand the analysis techniques and instruments used in their research?
-It is important for PhD students to understand these techniques and instruments to operate them confidently and to ensure accurate and meaningful analysis of their research data.
What negotiation skill is suggested in the script for PhD students to manage additional requests from supervisors?
-The script suggests learning to say 'no' without actually saying it, by using phrases that express willingness but also highlight current commitments, prompting the supervisor to reconsider the request.
What is the purpose of having a hobby unrelated to academia for PhD students, as mentioned in the script?
-Having a hobby unrelated to academia provides a means of escape from the academic bubble, offering a different perspective and helping students maintain a balanced life outside their research.
How does the speaker recommend PhD students find a hobby or group unrelated to their academic field?
-The speaker recommends using platforms like meetup.com to find common interest groups and engage with people from various professional backgrounds.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Embracing the PhD Journey: Tips for First-Year Success

The speaker addresses new PhD students, emphasizing the uniqueness of the first year and the challenges that come with it, such as the shift from structured learning to a more independent approach. The speaker introduces 'top six tips' for navigating this phase, hinting at unique advice not commonly heard. The first tip is about extensive reading across various academic materials to build a strong foundation in one's field. A personal method of organizing research using PowerPoint is shared, suggesting a system of summarizing and reviewing literature for easy recall.

05:02

🔄 Building a Routine for PhD Productivity

The speaker discusses the importance of establishing a routine early in a PhD journey, contrasting the structured environment of undergraduate studies with the self-directed nature of doctoral research. The concept of 'deep work' is introduced, advocating for focused, uninterrupted work periods. The speaker recommends two books, 'Atomic Habits' and 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport, to help build and maintain productive habits. The idea of failing as a learning opportunity is also presented, encouraging students to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

10:02

🧑‍🔬 Mastering Techniques and Analysis in Research

The speaker advises PhD students to become proficient in the techniques and analytical methods relevant to their research. The emphasis is on understanding the instruments used for data collection and the statistical tools for data analysis. The speaker reflects on their own experience, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these areas would have been beneficial. The advice is to not just get by, but to truly grasp the concepts and techniques to enhance the quality of research and analysis.

15:04

🚫 The Art of Saying No in Academia

The speaker addresses the challenge of managing expectations and requests from supervisors and colleagues, suggesting that learning to say 'no' without directly refusing is a crucial skill. Various strategies for negotiating tasks and prioritizing one's own research are offered, such as redirecting requests or highlighting existing commitments. The goal is to maintain focus on the PhD work without being overwhelmed by additional demands.

🎶 Balancing Academia with a Non-Research Hobby

The speaker shares the personal benefit of engaging in a hobby unrelated to academia, using their involvement with a samba group as an example. The importance of having an outlet outside of academic pursuits is highlighted as a means to maintain perspective and reduce stress. The speaker encourages finding or joining groups through platforms like meetup.com to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and interests.

🌟 Top Tips for First-Year PhD Students

In conclusion, the speaker recaps the top six tips for first-year PhD students, inviting feedback and further suggestions in the comments. The emphasis is on the importance of these tips in setting a strong foundation for a successful PhD journey. The speaker also encourages subscription for more insights into the academic experience.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡PhD

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and it represents the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields of study. In the context of the video, the speaker is addressing the unique challenges and strategies for success during the first year of a PhD program, which is often marked by a significant shift from structured coursework to independent research.

💡Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a 'fraud'. The speaker mentions it as a common feeling among academics, including PhD students, who may feel out of their depth despite their achievements, and it's a concept that's integral to understanding the mental challenges faced during the PhD journey.

💡Literature Review

A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previously published research on a topic. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading literature reviews, among other academic materials, to build a foundational understanding of one's field of study, which is crucial for a PhD student's research.

💡Deep Work

Deep work refers to focused, uninterrupted work on cognitively demanding tasks. The video script mentions 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport, advocating for the establishment of a routine that includes blocks of deep work to maintain momentum in PhD research, which contrasts with the cramming approach often used in exams.

💡Atomic Habits

'Atomic Habits' is a book by James Clear that discusses the power of small changes in habits. The speaker recommends this book for PhD students to help build productive habits that support their research and academic progress over the long term.

💡Failure

In the script, failure is presented as an essential part of the learning process, especially during the first year of a PhD. The speaker encourages embracing failure as a means to push boundaries, take risks, and ultimately learn and grow from mistakes, which is a critical mindset for academic exploration.

💡Techniques and Analysis

Techniques and analysis refer to the methods and processes used to examine and interpret data. The speaker advises PhD students to become experts in these areas to enhance their ability to analyze results effectively, underscoring the importance of a solid grasp of research methodology.

💡Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills are the ability to discuss and reach an agreement while maintaining one's interests. The video emphasizes the importance of learning to say 'no' without directly refusing, which is a form of negotiation that helps PhD students manage their workload and maintain focus on their research.

💡H-Index

The H-Index is a metric used to measure the productivity and citation impact of a researcher's work. While it's a significant academic metric, the speaker suggests that it's less important outside of academia, encouraging PhD students to maintain a balanced perspective on such measures.

💡Samba

Samba is a Brazilian music genre that often involves group performances with rhythm instruments. The speaker mentions their personal involvement with samba as a way to step outside of the academic environment, highlighting the importance of hobbies and interests unrelated to one's research for mental well-being.

💡Meetup.com

Meetup.com is a platform for finding and building local communities and groups with shared interests. The speaker recommends it as a resource for PhD students to find social groups outside of academia, which can provide a broader social network and a sense of balance in life.

Highlights

The first year of a PhD is a unique and challenging experience, often marked by a significant shift in academic structure and personal expectations.

Imposter syndrome is common among academics, including new PhD students, and it's important to recognize that others share the same feelings of inadequacy.

Tip #1: Extensive reading is crucial in the first year of a PhD, including past theses, literature reviews, and papers related to the field of study.

Organizing papers in a PowerPoint document can help with retention and quick reference, using a simple note-taking system within the presentation.

Establishing a routine is essential for PhD students, with a focus on deep work and consistent daily efforts towards the degree.

Books like 'Atomic Habits' and 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport are recommended for building effective daily routines and habits.

Tip #3: Embracing failure in the first year of a PhD is encouraged as a way to learn, grow, and push beyond the boundaries of comfort.

Tip #4: Becoming proficient in the techniques and analysis methods relevant to one's research is vital for effectively interpreting results.

Learning to operate research instruments confidently and understanding statistical analysis are key skills for a successful PhD journey.

Tip #5: Developing negotiation skills to say 'no' without directly refusing is important for managing expectations and maintaining focus on one's research.

Strategies for indirect refusal include suggesting alternatives or highlighting current commitments to re-prioritize tasks.

Tip #6: Engaging in hobbies or activities unrelated to academia can provide a necessary break and perspective on the importance of academic achievements.

Joining non-academic clubs or groups can offer a social outlet and a sense of balance outside of the university environment.

The speaker shares personal experience with samba as a hobby that provides a creative and social outlet separate from academic pursuits.

Meetup.com is suggested as a resource for finding interest groups and engaging in activities outside of the academic sphere.

Maintaining a hobby or interest outside of academia can help to keep academic pressures in perspective and provide a sense of normalcy.

Transcripts

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