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Starting a PhD in normal circumstances is daunting, never mind during a pandemic. Here’s a thread of some advice I wish I’d had before starting
#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter
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#AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter
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From the get go decide on a referencing system.
This will save you so much time later when writing up and will also help when reading around the subject. Examples include mendeley and endnote. [2]
This will save you so much time later when writing up and will also help when reading around the subject. Examples include mendeley and endnote. [2]
Start reading around the subject early on.
By reading around the subject it’ll help improve your confidence in the field and will allow you to get involved in lab conversations (which will help you feel a part of the team) [3]
By reading around the subject it’ll help improve your confidence in the field and will allow you to get involved in lab conversations (which will help you feel a part of the team) [3]
Ask questions. Ask LOTS of questions.
The only way you will learn is by asking questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. The people you’ll be working with have a lifetime of knowledge in the field, utilise it. Plus questions show you’re interested. [4]
The only way you will learn is by asking questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. The people you’ll be working with have a lifetime of knowledge in the field, utilise it. Plus questions show you’re interested. [4]
Decide on how to keep track of your reading.
I didn’t do this and I’m regretting it. I’d make notes here and there but was never consistent with it. I’ve just started an interactive spreadsheet which allows me to filter through my reading! Check out @SteMcQuilliam for tips [5]
I didn’t do this and I’m regretting it. I’d make notes here and there but was never consistent with it. I’ve just started an interactive spreadsheet which allows me to filter through my reading! Check out @SteMcQuilliam for tips [5]
Don’t compare yourself to others.
This is a big one. Remember, we all start a PhD from different places, we are all different and our projects are all different so there is no point comparing your progress to those around you. You just do you. [6]
This is a big one. Remember, we all start a PhD from different places, we are all different and our projects are all different so there is no point comparing your progress to those around you. You just do you. [6]
Start writing early on.
This is something I found really helpful. I’ve never really liked my writing but I knew I’d need to write LOTS in my PhD so start early. Start that lit review, help write a review with some lab mates, start a blog. Whatever you do just do some writing [7]
This is something I found really helpful. I’ve never really liked my writing but I knew I’d need to write LOTS in my PhD so start early. Start that lit review, help write a review with some lab mates, start a blog. Whatever you do just do some writing [7]
Life - work - balance.
A PhD is all consuming at times BUT you are not your PhD and you need to have a life outside it to avoid burnout. Start a hobby, socialise (socially distanced ofc). I like to treat my PhD as a 8-5 job, taking off weekends. Look after yourself. [8]
A PhD is all consuming at times BUT you are not your PhD and you need to have a life outside it to avoid burnout. Start a hobby, socialise (socially distanced ofc). I like to treat my PhD as a 8-5 job, taking off weekends. Look after yourself. [8]
Sleep.
Is there anything better than a good night sleep? Don’t let your PhD encroach on your vital sleep. Sleep is good for memory. Plus if you’re struggling with a problem a good night sleep usually helps you solve it too [9]
Is there anything better than a good night sleep? Don’t let your PhD encroach on your vital sleep. Sleep is good for memory. Plus if you’re struggling with a problem a good night sleep usually helps you solve it too [9]
Take breaks where possible.
It’s easy to get to the end of a PhD and realise you’ve booked no time off. A lot of Phds have annual leave so book some time off. You’ll be surprised at how a break can improve productivity. [10]
It’s easy to get to the end of a PhD and realise you’ve booked no time off. A lot of Phds have annual leave so book some time off. You’ll be surprised at how a break can improve productivity. [10]
Believe in yourself.
If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid imposter syndrome then I’m super happy for you. BUT at some point you will probably think that you don’t know enough to be doing a PhD. Ignore that imposter syndrome. You are right where you’re supposed to be [11]
If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid imposter syndrome then I’m super happy for you. BUT at some point you will probably think that you don’t know enough to be doing a PhD. Ignore that imposter syndrome. You are right where you’re supposed to be [11]
Be prepared to fail.
There’s this perception that academics are all really gifted and get everything right the first time - WRONG. We are human, we fail all the time. Failed experiments, failed grants, failed job applications. Failure is normal so don’t let it put you off [12]
There’s this perception that academics are all really gifted and get everything right the first time - WRONG. We are human, we fail all the time. Failed experiments, failed grants, failed job applications. Failure is normal so don’t let it put you off [12]
Get involved.
This is more difficult if you’re starting your PhD online but there are academic spaces online for you to get involved in. I’ve met some amazing people through #AcademicTwitter and on Instagram who have been super supportive throughout the highs and lows [13]
This is more difficult if you’re starting your PhD online but there are academic spaces online for you to get involved in. I’ve met some amazing people through #AcademicTwitter and on Instagram who have been super supportive throughout the highs and lows [13]
Have honest and open discussions with your supervisors.
I’m lucky to have such amazing supervisors, which doesn’t always happen. Try and meet them regularly, let them know if you don’t understand something. They are there to mentor and train you and to help you succeed [14]
I’m lucky to have such amazing supervisors, which doesn’t always happen. Try and meet them regularly, let them know if you don’t understand something. They are there to mentor and train you and to help you succeed [14]
Have fun.
Don’t forget how hard you’ve worked to get here. A PhD is an amazing learning experience. Don’t forget to enjoy it. It’s going to be difficult but it’s also going to be so rewarding. [15]
Don’t forget how hard you’ve worked to get here. A PhD is an amazing learning experience. Don’t forget to enjoy it. It’s going to be difficult but it’s also going to be so rewarding. [15]
I hope this advice helps at least one person. If anyone has any questions about starting a PhD my DMs are open.
Also if you start and realise it’s not for you that’s also okay! Let’s normalise looking after ourselves during PhD study. Good luck everyone! [16]
Also if you start and realise it’s not for you that’s also okay! Let’s normalise looking after ourselves during PhD study. Good luck everyone! [16]
