PhD in itself is a rollercoaster. First year especially is challenging if you don’t have resources or guidance. Well, sometimes even despite the guidance.
The beginning of anything new is always overwhelming. I remember, during my orientation week, there was so much information to take in, trying to remember everyone’s names, taking mental notes, and top of it, getting oriented to the new lab which was going to be my happy place in the coming years.
I have attended 3 orientation weeks for each of my academic degrees and it is safe to say that I did not remember even half of it because of the information overload. What happens is you end up figuring it out as you ease into the program and have the opportunities to ask questions.
All this to say that many things can be easily missed initially. I wish there was a clear checklist for students to kick-start their journey. I know it is not that simple. But, we can at least try. As simple as a checklist can save students hours of time and energy in finding out the “how’s” and the “why’s”. So, here are 10 absolutely “MUST-DO” things to make your life easier and not missing out on opportunities.
This becomes even more crucial if you are an international student navigating a new education system. If you are still unsure of pursuing a PhD, stop right here and learn about how you can make that decision.
Trainings
Photo by Migle Siauciulyte on Unsplash
Although every university functions differently, they will always have some type of training to complete within the first few weeks or semester. This may seem like a not-so-important thing to remember but sometimes, your enrollment comes to a hold when those requirements are not fulfilled so it is better to prioritize completing these mandatory trainings.
Example, I completed the CITI training for scientific integrity in research and others like HIPAA, fire safety, and sexual assault trainings.. This will differ with the institution and it is better to reach out seeking information. Being proactive will not do any harm. In fact, it will save you the unnecessary stress that administrative process sometimes causes.
Mandatory classes
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Similar to trainings, there will always be a mandatory course around scientific integrity or ethics in research. Usually this needs to be completed within the first semester or year in PhD programs but will vary by institution. Do not assume that if no one has asked you to take the course, that means you don’t have to. Always ask questions because you are in-charge of your academic enrollment and performance.
Program of study
Thinking about research
Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash I know, I have been saying the first year is overwhelming. That is 100% true. And now, I am suggesting thinking about your research interests on top of it. Well, you don’t have to start it right away. Take your time. Get settled. Let yourself breathe. But, when you feel ready, it is time to think about your research interests. By this time, you will either be completing rotations in different labs or working in your chosen lab. Either way, this is the BEST time to explore. Start with reading a research article. Or maybe a video on the research area you like. One step at a time. Let yourself wander before you reach your destination. If you still feel hesitant to put in time and if it might be too much too soon, that is okay. My suggestion in that case is start with 1 hour per week. Just one hour. Let yourself wander, get those creative energies flowing, note down ideas, it doesn’t have to be a paragraph. Just write whatever thoughts cross your mind while you are researching a topic. You will be surprised how your thoughts will gradually lead you to the research question that you are passionate about. The point is, do these small exercises and you will have the gift of clarity. Feels amazing when you have clarity. Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash Student organizations are common for most universities. It is usual to get involved with any student organizations during undergraduate and graduate degrees. I strongly recommend getting involved with 1 organization. Don’t wait for that one perfect year when you will be done with your classes and then you will have time. No, there is never enough time. Besides, PhD life can be lonely because you have fewer and fewer people to relate to you. Being in touch with your peers will make navigating new PhD waters bearable. It will offer a space to share your experiences and seek help. Having said that, realize that you are a PhD student. Use your time wisely. Choose the student organization wisely. This is a tip my mentor gave me and that saved me from committing to something that I may not have time for or may not mean so much to me. Do your research. Choose something that you are personally interested in. So, it becomes an enjoyable time while contributing your efforts. Most committees or student bodies have a low time commitment so it will not take too much time yet provide an escape regularly. Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash Your peers can be a great resource if you let them be. Ask questions. All of them have been where you are now. So, there is no judgment or silly question. Asking questions to peers and your faculties is way better than stressing out about it and losing your peace of mind over it. If there are no other PhD students in your department, getting involved with student organizations will provide you just what you are looking for. There you go! Here is the reason to get involved NOW. Attend a conference
Presentations. Public speaking. Representing your college. Dive right in. Academic conferences and annual meetings happen every single year. Thousands of academics attend these events every year. It must mean something, no? I cannot emphasize the importance of discovering your identity outside of your lab or your department enough. Conferences will provide you with a valuable chance to learn about other people’s research from different career stages and regions. It will also give YOU a chance to let yourself known to the world. Talk to your advisor and submit an abstract. If there is nothing to present, still attend one. Don’t miss out. I see students not attending any conference well into their PhD. It is unfortunate because it rips them off of the incredible experience of attending one and building a professional network early on. No matter how impactful your research is, how is it useful if it stays within the four walls of your lab and never really discussed in the real world? Also, wouldn’t you want to stay up-to-date, at least with research areas that you are passionate about? The more you attend, the less awkward it will get. The more you attend, the more enjoyable it becomes. If you would like to know more on this topic, listen to this podcast where Nivi (a fellow PhD student) and I talk about the importance of societies and conferences in a doctoral student’s professional journey, how and where to get started, and much more. Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash Scholarships and awards hold importance in academia and can be a great way to (i) supporting yourself and paying fees or health insurance; (ii) feel more confident about yourself that your work holds value; and (iii) provides a tangible evidence of your potential on your CV as a student (which is a perk). Information related to scholarships and awards is usually available on university and college websites but if you don’t find anything, ask. Ask your peers. Ask your mentor. Not only university scholarships, but if you are an international student, search for some scholarships even outside of your university and apply. I am not capable and I don’t think I have enough experience. I am just starting out so I may not qualify”. Having these thoughts. But, you can’t get an award that you don’t apply for. I often remind myself of this too. You can’t get a job you don’t apply for. Another thought passed down by my mentor to me. Worst thing happening is that you will not get an award. But, at least you tried. Give yourself the grace of trying. Put yourself out there. Let yourself be known 🙂 Photo by Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash This is one of those things I cannot stop talking about. It changed my life. Yes, setting goals changed my life. It made me a better, more productive professional. Setting goals is SO important during PhD because it helps you stay on track, record your progress, and help you visualize what your year is going to look like. Set some goals each year and break it down into actionable steps so you can start working towards achieving your goal. If you don’t set actionable steps, eventually, it is common to forget about the goals, do things last-minute, which I discourage, and fall off track feeling frustrated of not having made progress. Sounds stressful? It does, to me. So, set goals, work towards them, and come one step close to success. Attending a conference can be a goal. Joining a student organization can be one. Attending a defense can be one. Reading for one hour each week to figure out your passion can also be a goal. You see how you now have a purpose to achieve these milestones? Let’s dive deep into the “why” and “how to” of setting goals in the upcoming weeks. To sum up, I know this is not an exhaustive list of essential tasks during the first year of your PhD, but it definitely has you covered in many aspects as you navigate your new PhD waters. If you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to connect with me on my socials and sign-up for free to receive upcoming blogs straight to your inbox. Featured photo for this blog – photo by Migle Siauciulyte on Unsplash
Join a student organization
Ask questions
Attend a defense
Scholarships and awards
Setting goals and actionable steps
