The basic principles every PhD student needs to know

The speaker begins by sharing their personal experience of starting a PhD, describing the initial excitement and high expectations, followed by the reality of the program's difficulty. They discuss the common feeling of being overwhelmed and the tendency to accept this stress as a normal part of the PhD process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that overwhelming stress is not healthy and can hinder one's ability to think, learn, and solve problems effectively.

The speaker challenges the conventional understanding of a PhD, suggesting that it is not just an original contribution to knowledge but also a fundamental change in the approach to learning. They argue that a PhD is not the culmination of the education system but rather the entry point into professional academia. The aim of a PhD is to develop and demonstrate the skills of a professional academic researcher, which involves producing work of a publishable standard and understanding the existing literature in the field.

The speaker discusses the importance of knowing how to approach academic literature effectively. They highlight the need to identify common concepts and techniques in the field, as well as understanding major breakthroughs and current trends. The speaker advises focusing on the fundamentals and building a solid knowledge base before attempting to absorb large amounts of information, emphasizing that understanding the basics allows for faster and more effective learning.

The speaker uses the analogy of a marathon to explain the importance of focusing on fundamentals and skill development over simply striving for results. They argue that just like in sports, the bulk of time in academia should be spent working on the component parts of a skill, rather than constantly pushing oneself to the limit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of practice, breaking down processes, and refining each individual part to build a strong foundation for success.

The speaker shares a personal story of facing setbacks during their PhD and the realization that focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, was crucial for success. They discuss the importance of being meticulous, seeking help when needed, and collaborating with others. The speaker also highlights the need to build confidence by accepting the risk of failure and focusing on可控 factors, rather than worrying about potential examiners' opinions.

The speaker discusses the role of supervisors in a PhD student's journey, emphasizing that supervisors are not trained to supervise and can vary greatly in their approach. They suggest that students should be open about their knowledge gaps and seek early feedback to improve their work. The speaker also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships with others in the field, as these connections can lead to future opportunities.

The speaker addresses the challenge of balancing the need to produce publishable work with the pressure to focus on the research process itself. They argue that while publications are essential, the focus should be on finding interesting, worthwhile problems to work on. The speaker suggests that by focusing on the smaller components of a research project, one can naturally produce publishable work without sacrificing quality or rushing through the process.

The speaker discusses the common fear among PhD students that their work or ideas might be stolen, leading to isolation and missed opportunities for collaboration. They argue that while idea theft can happen, the greater risk lies in isolating oneself from potential sources of support and improvement. The speaker encourages students to be open about their work and to build a strong research skill set as a safety net against such risks.

The speaker shares strategies for managing stress during a PhD, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and engaging in activities outside of research. They suggest that maintaining social connections, pursuing hobbies, and ensuring adequate rest are crucial for mental well-being and can actually enhance one's research productivity. The speaker also highlights the value of group interactions and the positive impact of a supportive research environment.

The speaker encourages PhD students to maintain a well-rounded life, including hobbies and personal interests, as a way to cope with the pressures of their studies. They argue that having other aspects in life can provide a necessary break and can even contribute to problem-solving within the PhD work. The speaker stresses the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and ensuring that it is not sacrificed solely for the sake of academic work.