The beginning of a doctor of philosophy can feel like entering an unknown territory. Although universities offer orientation programs, and managers provide research management, some of the most valuable lessons come from those who have gone earlier.
NatureIn 2025, in a PHD poll, asked candidates for doctoral studies around the world, what tips they will give to someone who considers a similar degree (see “Recommendations for my preliminary PhD SELF”). Many answers gave advice on what to take into account when choosing a leader, research topics and laboratories, as well as the importance of studying personal motives to obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. These quotes were taken from answers to the survey and were anonymized, although they include gender, nationality, nationality of the author, location and academic year.
Find the right leader and laboratory
The people you work with are important, just like the project that you choose.
“Choose your leader (and) very carefully. I saw how too many students mocked, pursued and kicked out of the program with their confidence in pieces. ” -Fourth -year student in South Africa
“When conducting interviews on the phd slot, pay attention to how your potential consultant relates to others in the laboratory and department. My laboratory was really clicks, because certain people are excluded because my adviser plays favorites. ” -Western student in the United States
As money, politics and technology, reduce doctoral degree
“Do not come directly from the degree of bachelor to the doctor of philosophy. Work for a year, if possible, at work that will give you the best understanding of the problems that you want to solve. Thus, your study may have the greatest influence. ” -Anadskaya woman-student, based in the UK
“The culture of the institution is more important than almost everything else. Listen to your intuition when you feel that university or laboratory culture is not suitable. ” -second -year student in the United States
“Take the opportunity, if it is offered, turn through a few laboratories. You can be surprised at which laboratory you feel attracted – I joined the laboratory, which was not originally in my radar. ” -Student third year in the United States
Determine your goal
Doctor of Philosophy is a long obligation. Know your reasons to do one and take steps to protect your well -being.
“Obtaining a doctor of philosophy is the work of love. Take your time to find out that this is really what you want to continue, and if so, make sure that you will balance your mental health throughout the process. The struggle is much easier to avoid than trying to recover. ” -second -year student in the United States
Class 2025: Five graduate students disclose converted priorities in the case of Covid and Cuts
“Be loudly about what you want, no one will defend you and give you what you want. Only you can focus on you, which means that you want to get what you want to advance your career. ” -Inchy student of the fifth year, based in the United States
“Think about what you will do after a doctor of sciences from the very beginning. Create your own path using your own solutions, create your own burning torch to light your path. Because it can be a little dark here. ” -Fourth -year student in Turkey
“Do not allow the fault to manage your doctoral degree. Do your work during working hours and give yourself a disconnection permit after that. Take your vacation without shame. No one ends with everything they plan. ” -The woman is a student in Croatia
“If you feel that you are not doing what you really love, and sincerely believe, leave it. Trust your intuition. If you are not in that train, it is better to understand this as quickly as possible. ” -Wenwoman-Sitty Student in Poland
Form your project and skills
The choice of topic is only the beginning. Your success depends on curiosity, perseverance and skills associated with the transfer of buildings along this path.
“Make sure you are deeply interested in this process, and not just the result. If you sincerely like to study, solve problems and delve deeply into questions that no one answered before, this passion will lead you through difficult parts. ” -A student of a second -year male in Brazil
11 reasons why we stayed in the academies
“Adhere to your tasks … do not link the details too much, but see how your research develops from a greater point of view of the picture. Celebrate small victories: the completion of the essay for the conference, the completion of a review of literature for a specific goal, and so on. ” -Kyniy man of the third year based in Germany
“Use every opportunity to find out how to write. -A student of the fourth year male in Canada
“Do not depend on artificial intelligence tools in order to perform critical work on reading, understanding and writing. You need to analyze the results and not allow AI to do this, as it can give prejudice results. ” -The woman is a student in India
“Try to clearly define your personal restrictions on the load. This will help you more effectively plan and avoid overload too much responsibilities or side projects. ” -Fourth -year student in Brazil
Clean obstacles
Find out how to cope with laboratory policy, heavy workloads and cultural or institutional obstacles.
“You will face more complex problems along this path than in your past student career, which can be in your academic work or, most likely, interpersonal relationships. The academic community is no more harmless or innocent than the outside world. ” -Fifth -year -core transventor student in Taiwan
