Embarking on a PhD program? Twelve things I learned

I’m often asked about what advice I have for doing a PhD. I’m going to assume you’ve already done the individual cost-benefit analysis and that it makes sense for you – because doing a PhD may not be right for everyone. You may have applied and gotten in, and are now just starting the new fall semester. Doctoral programs will test and challenge your limits, but it has the power to set you on a course for a different career trajectory. PhD programs are not for the faint of heart. When I was pursuing my doctoral studies at Harvard, I learned a few things along the way and I’m sharing them with the world now.

1. Diversify Interests and Going Interdisciplinary

PhDs are all about specialization and going in depth. Indeed, the research world still highly values unidisciplinary training as a sign of pedigree, despite lip service to become interdisciplinary. But don’t narrow down too early. Embrace a range of subjects and build a broad foundation of knowledge across many subjects and disciplines. Read, if not write , blogs broadly including from think tanks . Get a feel for what policy makers are concerned about, which you can more easily do by spending a summer in Washington, DC through your university (such as the UT Dallas Archer Program ). Having diverse intellectual interests not only makes you more versatile but it also opens up unexpected opportunities. In a crowded academic market, you can differentiate yourself by having work in different areas or disciplines.

2. Choose the Right Mentor

Picking mentors and building the relationship you build with them will be one of the most important decisions of your PhD experience. Think of it as a professional partnership. Seek out a mentor whose research excites you and whose approach to academia aligns with your own. A good mentor will not only advise you as you navigate your research obstacles, but they will also be an advocate for you. Remember, the best mentor is someone who is invested in your success as much as their own.

3. Pick Your Committee Wisely

Selecting your dissertation committee is a crucial step of your PhD journey. Your committee members should bring diverse expertise and perspectives to your research, but they should also be people you can work with effectively. Look for faculty who are not only leaders in their fields but also accessible and supportive. Pick a chair who is someone senior and who “goes to bat for you” (as someone advised me) if there are disagreements or issues between committee members. Ensure that your committee has a good dynamic—interpersonal conflicts between professors (which is remarkably common) can derail your progress like student collateral damage. Lastly, understand their expectations regarding your dissertation, as these can vary widely across individuals, let alone disciplines.

4. Start Research Early and Learn by Doing

Starting on research and engaging different research ideas early is smart. Explore many topics, consult with faculty, and refine your ideas until you find a question that is both original and feasible. A strong dissertation resolves a puzzle, challenges established wisdom, or introduces new data and methods to the field.

Getting involved in research assistant positions can really help in learning how specific professors think and tackle problems, like being an apprentice. “Learning by doing” is invaluable. But as you embark on research, you’ll begin to get more familiar with the big debates in your fields, but don’t add pressure to yourself to work on the most brilliant or important work of your life.

5. Network and Engage

Academia is as much about connections and networking as it is about knowledge. Attend seminars, subscribe to relevant listservs, and engage with your academic community—not just on campus but other campuses and conferences related to your department or discipline or professional field (more on that next). Go to conferences and use it as a chance to not just present your research but to practice job talks and project professional demeanor. Networking isn’t just about finding jobs; it’s about finding your voice and building those relationships as you grow your professional reputation. Needless to say, be nice and stay humble! The most brilliant professors I’ve met have also been the most accessible and humble.

6. Identify and Join a Professional Association

Professional associations play a crucial role in your academic and career development. Early in your doctoral studies, as your hone in on your disciplines, identify the key associations in your field—such as the American Economic Association, the Population Association of America, or the International Health Economics Association. These organizations offer valuable resources, including journals, conferences, and networking opportunities. Joining and actively participating in these associations is lifelong, and your professional reputation is also in part about being a good association member, providing service to the community and profession. It’s also a requirement of promotion and tenure in many universities.

7. Funding is Competitive—Be Strategic

Securing funding and staying financial afloat is one of the biggest challenges of doctoral studies. Doctoral poverty is a real thing. Scholarships, grants, and research assistantships are competitive, so start your search early. Apply widely, and don’t hesitate to pursue funding opportunities outside your primary discipline. The best kind of money has no strings attached; some have work requirements. Doctoral students also struggle with balancing multiple competing jobs or sources of income, so don’t bite off more than you can chew!

8. Fieldwork vs. Secondary Data?

Fieldwork can be an exciting part of your research, offering unique insights and data. However, it’s resource-intensive and risky. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and always have a backup plan involving secondary data analysis. This approach not only mitigates risks but also ensures that you remain productive if your primary plan doesn’t go as expected. Besides, if your fieldwork plan doesn’t finish in time, it’s perfect to use for your post-doc!

9. Publishing and Authorship

Get involved in not just research but also publishing. In some fields, co-authoring with your peers and faculty can be an excellent way to start. However, be clear about authorship agreements upfront—document everything to avoid misunderstandings later. Publishing is critical for building your academic reputation, so take it seriously and start as soon as possible.

10. Teaching is More Than Just a Requirement

If you’re aiming for an academic career, teaching experience is invaluable. It’s a chance to refine your communication skills, develop a teaching portfolio, and interact with students and faculty in new ways. It can help you to develop your teaching style which in turns help you to write your teaching statement. Teaching undergraduates, in particular, can be rewarding and is highly regarded in academic circles, especially at liberal arts colleges. Teaching also further solidifies your relationship with a professor who can further vouch for you and help you network in the profession. While being a teaching assistant (TA) may seem like a thankless task, if your professor is brilliant, it can be a huge honor to be their TA!

11. Manage Your Time and Stress

Doctoral studies are a marathon, not a sprint. The workload can be overwhelming, and stress is inevitable. Learn to manage your time effectively—break down your tasks into manageable chunks, set realistic deadlines, and stick to them. Discipline and time schedules are essential, just like a regular job. Don’t forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, and ensure you get enough rest. Remember, burnout and even a sense of failure can happen to anyone. Building a resilient growth mindset and practicing self-care are best when preventive.

12. Seek Advice for the Job Market Early

It’s never too early to start thinking about life after the PhD and your first job out. Whether you’re aiming for academia, government, international organizations, or the private sector, start preparing early. Tailor your CV, polish your job market paper, and seek feedback from your mentor and peers. If you don’t ask for advice, you won’t get it. Professors are really busy and they aren’t able to read your mind or know what you are thinking. You must seek and ask in order to find.

Imagine the End ?

A PhD is as much about challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt and imposter syndrome. But there will also be triumphs, discoveries, and moments of satisfaction and pride. As I look back to my own PhD experience, I’m so grateful. It was one of the most formative experiences of my life. I feel incredibly blessed to have studied at an amazing university and have had fantastic classmates and teachers whom I still keep in touch with and have taught me so much.

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#PhD #DoctoralStudies #HigherEducation #AcademicResearch #Mentorship #GradSchool #PhDLife

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