Beyond planning - some reflections on what makes a PhD program resilient and fulfilling
Ilaria Barletta, PhD
Mercati energetici | sostenibilità | ricerca e innovazione Esperienza lavorativa in Italia, Svezia e Australia
Over the course of the last year or two, I’ve been bumping into more and more contents around how to successfully conclude a PhD program. From what I saw, most of the discussions revolve around two themes
There is a plethora of resources, department bodies and even trained professionals and small start-ups that can help PhD students to combine 1) + 2) in a way that is healthy and fulfilling. The leitmotif I noticed in most conversations was planning, and rightly so. Plan your research proposal. Plan your studies. Plan your publications. Plan your workout time and stick to it (yes, you need to plan that too, together with cooking healthy meals and the likes).
Planning is an indisputable component for the successful achievement of a project: it sheds a light on priorities and needed resources, and it brings up points to discuss with the supervisory team, because a good plan is very good at exposing constraints and risks.
However, as we all know, planning alone won’t make a project successfully close on time and on budget just because that thing drawn in your whiteboard – with probably an illegible handwriting - will scare the unforeseen away. Research projects might get delayed for reasons above our control (as I write this, the world is fighting a pandemic), a team might be short on people, or personal circumstances might hinder students to be ready to take on tasks that are complex and time-consuming, as they normally are in research.
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The message I would like to bring to this conversation is about what’s below – and beyond – a plan. It is that solid foundation that absorbs shocks and brings that much-needed constructive perspective back when things are not on track.
How to build this foundation then? I’d start with two items
What other foundational items would you include?
Director Research and Development at NCC AB
3 年Thanks for sharing your insights Ilaria! I agree with your thoughts completely. Maybe I would like to add that I see the PhD study as a marathon, and to be able to make it all the way to the finishing line you need to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. And we also tend to see only the final outputs of other researchers (sometimes with envy): great papers, but fail to see the sweat and the tears behind each success. So, instead of celebrating only published papers, I would recommend celebrating also minor milestones. Thus, they become check points on the (rollercoaster) ride and you can actually see your progress. Take care!
Associate Professor at Chalmers University of Technology
3 年Excellent points Ila! I believe strongly that the planning _together with_ that social network to help you re-evaluate and shift focus is an immense asset - not only towards managing the tasks and challenges of a PhD, but also to mentally last long, recover frequently and not burn out. Great 2 cents, as always! Miss you, dear friend and colleague! ??
Postdoctoral Researcher at Chalmers University of Technology
3 年How nice to bump into this text. I missed reading your writing Ilaria! I truly agree with your reflection. Having a network of people who can provide you with a different perspective, noticing that there are similar patterns and challenges in working environments that might not be academia and having a strong support system makes a huge difference in a student's life. What would I add? - I agree with Daniel, the PhD is a journey. And the learnings from situations that might seem purely academic will stay with us in whichever role in life we adopt next. If we see the outcome of our PhD as a thesis, a publication or a degree, we miss on the huge personal development that comes with a highly self-driven journey. -Talk and ask. I will always treasure lunch breaks, walks and long coffee breaks with colleagues, especially those that have been around for a longer time. We might all have to make our own mistakes, but there is an indescribable degree of warmth in a colleague that wishes you good and hopes to help you avoid mistakes. (Smile as I think of walks in Tradgard'n ?? with coffee! come back!) - Although I believe in the power of planning, being practical and goal-oriented; I would truly advise new students to give themselves some time to dream. To just think about what the next position, job, country or LIFE could look like. Planning can be a lot more fun if it starts from true passion and hope. I hope you are doing very good and looking forward to seeing you again (hopefully soon?! ? )
PhD | Operations manager BCG (Battery Centre Gothenburg) p? GTC
3 年Nice write-up Ilaria! I would add to your points to remember that, at least to my experience, the PhD program is a journey. There will be ups and downs, be sure to reflect and learn from all of them. There is something to learn from a rejected paper, mean comments, a lack of interest in a presentation, just as there is from insightful discussions, citations, and awards. On planning: By having created a plan and worked out an understanding of the various elements that are included in that plan, one can manage setbacks and surprises while still reaching the goal - that is the whole point of the plan. This understanding is vital. Never be afraid to alter you plan if you need to! PS. Hope all is well and that you are doing great Ilaria ??