8 Top Tips and Pieces of Advice for New PhD Students
The Doctor of Philosophy degree opens up new possibilities for a rewarding career, yet, it is a challenging experience. So here, we have compiled a few top tips and expert advice to help make PhD an enriching experience for you.
- You are important! Look after yourself.
The pressure can get real at times while doing a Doctor of Philosophy. Remember that no degree can define who you are at the end of the day. Exercise, eat healthily, give yourself regular breaks, spend time with friends and family, and live your life.
- It gets easier if you are super organised.
Create a routine to help you finish the most important tasks first. It gets easier if you can reach out to all your essentials without any struggle, so have a dedicated workspace free from clutter and distractions. As time passes, the research content also multiplies, so it is good to have a system to arrange this content so that it is easily accessible.
- Establish a good association with your supervisors.
Your supervisor is a vital research resource person. Make sure you communicate clearly to build a good working association with them. This will help you utilise their expertise and experience alongside your knowledge.
- Have a good research network.
When the going gets tough, your peers can offer you the best advice as they face similar situations. Therefore, establish good associations with your peers. Networking must be a crucial part of your PhD irrespective of your field of study. Attend and participate in national and international events, including conferences, seminars, and meetings. These events are a great way to build and maintain an illustrious research network.
- Write, write and write.
New ideas or probable solutions to an existing problem can creep up anywhere. It is always a good idea to write what comes to you.
- Ask as many questions as you have.
An out of the box idea or solution to a complex problem, new avenues of research open up when you start asking questions. Also, do not hesitate to ask your supervisors about things you aren’t sure of; it will only fortify your relationship with them.
- Do not compare yourself with your peers.
Different people would approach the same problem in different ways. If your data, published papers, or scale of the project is not like your peers, it should not bother you. Don’t compare yourself with other people since you were accepted onto the program because you are deserving.
- Changes are okay as you progress. Be self-appreciative.
PhD is a life-changing experience. A Doctor of Philosophy scholar is constantly working towards developing new ways of thinking. It is normal if, in this journey, you find yourself challenging your existing beliefs. It is absolutely fine to have a change in your initial plan of action. Appreciate yourself for coming this far.
Conclusion
In most countries, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is an essential requirement for a career in academia. Doctor of Philosophy introduces and familiarises scholars with the world of independent research and intellectual potential. As you embark on this journey, the right tips and advice will make it worthwhile.
If you want to have a fulfilling and richly rewarding career in research, academia, or industry, the Swiss School of Management – Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) program offered by the Swiss School of Management is just the right course for you. The Swiss School of Management is approved by UNESCO through the International Association of Universities. This 3-year program is designed to enable professionals to specialise in Economics and Management. The Swiss School of Management is one of the top-ranked global management institutions that offer an international level of expertise to accelerate your career. Check out their offerings today!
