Getting the Most Out of Your PhD - Stop being a spectator and get involved!
Welcome to academia, where your journey through the PhD landscape is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
So, why the bloody hell are you doing a PhD?
The pursuit of a PhD is not merely about acquiring a degree; it's a journey of intellectual exploration, personal development, and professional growth. As a PhD candidate, you're not just a student; you're a scholar, a researcher, and a future leader in your field. The PhD offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into your chosen area of study, push the boundaries of knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to your discipline. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the world of academia, collaborate with like-minded peers, and engage in groundbreaking research that has the potential to shape the future. Ultimately, the PhD journey is about honing your expertise, expanding your horizons, and becoming an employable professional.
Let's face it, you may not stay in academia, and that's completely fine. But, then why are you doing it? Beyond the specialized knowledge and expertise gained in your field, a PhD also offers invaluable opportunities to develop essential soft skills that are highly sought after in various industries. From critical thinking and problem-solving to communication and collaboration, the PhD journey equips you with a diverse skill set that transcends disciplinary boundaries. These soft skills are not only essential for success in academia but also highly valued in the workplace, making PhD graduates desirable candidates for a wide range of career paths. So, while your PhD may open doors to academic opportunities, its true value lies in the versatile skill set you acquire along the way, preparing you for success in whatever path you choose to pursue.
Why I'm writing this?!?
As someone who's navigated the highs and lows of doctoral research firsthand, I understand the stakes involved. That's why I'm here to provide you with a roadmap for success – a guide to help you make the most of your time in the PhD club and emerge as a confident, capable researcher ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
In this dynamic realm, passivity is a luxury you cannot afford. Procrastination is the enemy; if you're not moving forward, you're falling behind.
1. Show Up: The First Rule of PhD Success.
It cannot be overstated: if you're not showing up, you are wasting your time.
Your time in the PhD program is limited, and every moment counts. So, don't squander it by staying on the sidelines. Get in the game, immerse yourself in the scholarly community, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. SAY YES!
When you're on campus, you have access to invaluable resources – from libraries and research facilities to seminars and networking events. Not only this, but you have the opportunity to engage with your peers, and to seek guidance from your supervisors, other faculty members, technical staff, students, postdocs, executives, etc. People are at the heart of your success, and you need to engage and learn from others.
Isolating yourself or staying home all the time will leave you with a lop-sided experience and sub-par skill set. An aside: It is completely fine to work from home… sometimes… However, I do firmly believe that you maximise your learning experience by being present and on campus.
Treating your PhD like a job – working a 35 - 40 hour work week, sticking to a schedule, and maintaining a consistent work ethic – is key to success. Remember, consistent effort leads to exponential growth, so don't underestimate the power of showing up and putting in the work day in and day out.
This sentiment should extend further, however, in that you should also take leave and attempt to "put the PhD down" in your free time. Take breaks, look after yourself, and be cautious of your mental health. Doing a PhD is a fine balance between doing too much and not enough. For more tips, see my previous thoughts on taking care of your mental health during your PhD and some other musings.
2. Engage with Others: Harness the Power of Collaboration
Isolating yourself in your PhD is a sure path to failure.
Your success in academia is not solely determined by your individual efforts; it's also influenced by your ability to collaborate and engage with others. In the fast-paced world of academia, collaboration is not just a luxury – it's a necessity. By engaging with your peers, seeking feedback from your supervisors, and participating in collaborative research projects, you're not only expanding your knowledge base but also building valuable connections that will serve you well in your academic career and beyond.
But collaboration isn't just about working with others – it's also about leveraging the expertise of your colleagues to enhance your own learning and development. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and share your own insights with others. By engaging with your academic community, you'll not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to the collective knowledge of your field.
Learning from others is one of the most important skills you can develop during your PhD journey. Remember, you're only as good as your team and network. By surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and supportive peers, you'll not only enhance your own learning but also contribute to a vibrant and collaborative research environment. And it all starts with showing up – so make sure you're present, engaged, and ready to learn from those around you.
3. Become the Expert: Master Your Domain
Becoming an expert is not an option; it's a necessity in the world of academia. To excel in academia, you must strive for excellence in everything you do. Mediocrity isn’t really an option if you want to be an academic. To stand out as a researcher, you need to become the expert in your field - someone who is respected for their knowledge, skills, and contributions to the scholarly community. This means diving deep into your research, exploring new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge in your discipline.
Becoming the expert requires dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge. Remember the 10,000-hour rule—the concept popularized by psychologist Anders Ericsson, which suggests that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in a particular skill. Now, consider the length of your PhD program—typically 3 to 5 years. Hint, hint: why do you think we do a 3 - 5 year PhD? Use this time wisely to immerse yourself in your research, acquire new skills, and become a true expert in your field.
Whether you're conducting experiments, analyzing data, or writing papers, strive for excellence in everything you do. Remember, you're not just a student; you're a scholar, a researcher, and a future leader in your field. So embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity, and claim your rightful place among the leading minds in academia.
Conclusion:
Your PhD journey is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, intellectual exploration, and the development of invaluable skills. By following these guiding principles—showing up, engaging with others, and becoming the expert—you'll not only make the most of your time in the PhD club but also lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in academia and beyond.
Final note: In academia, intelligence is abundant—after all, everyone here is pretty smart. However, what sets the successful apart from the rest isn't just raw brainpower; it's resilience, determination, and the willingness to persevere in the face of challenges. So, show up, engage, become the expert, and make the most out of your time in your PhD. Your PhD is ~4% of your total life (estimated based on living to 80). Why would you want to waste that time?
