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Some actionable unsolicited advice for first-year PhD students:
1- when you are confused or lost, SAY IT OUT LOUD. You are very smart. If something is confusing it is not a sign of weakness to point it out so that it can be explained better. Alot of research communication is bad.
1- when you are confused or lost, SAY IT OUT LOUD. You are very smart. If something is confusing it is not a sign of weakness to point it out so that it can be explained better. Alot of research communication is bad.
2- do things that will build your confidence.
Do not take a class that is too hard
Do tasks that utlize your skills. If you're a good engineer, engineer something.
Do not take a class that is too hard
Do tasks that utlize your skills. If you're a good engineer, engineer something.
3- apply for a fellowship and/or submit a poster or workshop paper in your first semester
This will help you build confidence and begin the difficult task of communicating your research. Better to start this early and practice practice practice.
This will help you build confidence and begin the difficult task of communicating your research. Better to start this early and practice practice practice.
4- find a hobby outside of research.
Mine was board games.
Mine was board games.
5- find friends within and outside of the department.
Go to organized social events. You will need friends so put in the time and effort to make them.
Go to organized social events. You will need friends so put in the time and effort to make them.
6- change advisors if it's not a good match
I have no experience with this but the sooner you figure out it's not a good match and make a change, the better
I have no experience with this but the sooner you figure out it's not a good match and make a change, the better
7- do stuff in the town that you live
Be a part of the larger community, not just the bubble of your University.
Be a part of the larger community, not just the bubble of your University.
8- sleep
Do not pull all nighters before advising meetings. Sleep is critically important to mental health so don't let it slip.
Do not pull all nighters before advising meetings. Sleep is critically important to mental health so don't let it slip.
9- meet twice a week with advisors
If advising meetings motivate you to get work done, meet more frequently than just once a week. If your advisor is too busy to make this happen, perhaps they are not a good fit
If advising meetings motivate you to get work done, meet more frequently than just once a week. If your advisor is too busy to make this happen, perhaps they are not a good fit
10- utlize campus resources to learn "soft" skills
Utilize writing centers and teaching centers. Attend seminars focused on improving writing and speaking and teaching.
Utilize writing centers and teaching centers. Attend seminars focused on improving writing and speaking and teaching.
11- spend time polishing research communication. Start things early that are communications of your research. Spend weeks putting together talks and papers.
