Starting a PhD – How Does It Differ from Your Previous Academic Experiences?

Is doing a PhD difficult? If I received a penny for every time, I've been asked that question, I would be rich. However, I believe there's a more important question to consider when embarking on a PhD journey. To answer the initial question: everything is achievable with effort and hard work, so the difficulty of a PhD should not be your primary concern. Instead, you should ponder, "How does a PhD differ from your previous academic experiences?" In other words, what should you expect when beginning your PhD program?

While each PhD project is unique, there are some commonly overlooked aspects that can overwhelm any new PhD student. Without further delay, here are a few pointers to help you avoid common pitfalls and get off to a great start.

1. Understanding the Structure of a PhD Program

Let's start with the obvious: this isn't the traditional lecture-and-exam academic format you're accustomed to. Although there are certain milestones you must achieve, when and how you reach them are entirely up to you.

However, the absence of mandatory lectures or exams doesn't mean there's no learning involved. You're expected to take charge and attend training courses or workshops that benefit both you and your research. This raises an important question: "How do I know which courses to attend?" Well, there are three types of approaches to consider:

• Person 1: "I'll attend everything in the training catalogue because more courses equal more progress." NO! Please avoid being that person. Not all training courses are relevant to your PhD, especially at the beginning.
• Person 2: "Great, no mandatory classes. I won't attend anything and will solely focus on my research." Once again, NO! Please don't adopt this approach.
• Person 3: "I will attend courses that are currently relevant to my project. These include courses on conducting a review, critically analyzing literature, academic writing, literature search techniques, and expectations for my transfer/first-year viva." Yes! Strive to be that person.

2. What to Expect from Your Supervisor

The student-supervisor relationship is crucial to a PhD student's success. Put simply, if you don't grasp the fundamentals of this relationship, you'll encounter difficulties. There are two key aspects to acknowledge from the outset:

1. Supervisors are there to guide you, but this doesn't mean they'll be available 24/7. They may not respond to your emails instantly or always have time to meet with you. If this happens, it doesn't mean they've abandoned you.
2. With great supervision comes constructive criticism. Supervisors may critique your work because they want your PhD project to meet the highest standards. Leave your ego behind and accept criticism instead of assuming your supervisor is conspiring against you (trust me, I've heard many such conspiracy theories).

3. Don't Hesitate to Seek Assistance

ASK ASK ASK ASK! As mentioned earlier, PhD programs lack a specific syllabus, and information specific to your project isn't always readily available. One of the most valuable resources for a new PhD student is "word of mouth," so don't hesitate to ask your fellow PhD colleagues for advice and insights based on their experiences. This can save you a lot of time and effort when you're uncertain.

4. Expect Deviations from Your Plans

Almost EVERYTHING about your PhD is subject to change! Yes, you read that correctly. The reality is that it's extremely rare for PhD projects to unfold exactly as planned. So, don't be surprised if adjustments are made once you start your PhD. More importantly, don't panic if your PhD progress doesn't align with the time intervals you initially anticipated. Remember, you have supervisors, co-supervisors, academic advisors, and tutors who monitor your project to ensure it stays on track.

Key Takeaway

A PhD is substantially different from any other academic pursuit. However, by staying realistic, preparing for setbacks, taking charge of your project, and utilising all available resources, you can make this endeavour smoother and more manageable.

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