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To close the #SLSAPG2021 conference yesterday, we held an ECR panel, which included some PGRs at the final stages of their PhD, some awaiting vivas, some fresh from the viva, some thinking about next steps, and some now working in their first jobs.
We asked each ECR to share a piece of advice that they wish they’d known at the beginning of the PhD process. It was a brilliant range of advice, so I thought I’d collate some highlights into a thread for any PGRs who couldn’t make the conference.
1. Say no when you need to. Be direct about your needs and the direction you want your research to go.
2. But also make sure to use all the feedback available to you - it will increase your confidence and help you grow (as a person, as well as a researcher)
3. The PhD journey is not linear. There will be big highs and big lows. Cope with this by making sure that you maintain a degree of separation between your research and your personal life, if possible.
4. During the lows, don’t disconnect from your supervisors and support networks. Never stop asking for help or guidance.
5. Relatedly, “find your tribe” - communities are essential, and can be found within PGR cohorts, reading groups, or organisations like the SLSA.
6. Never work on a supervision day. Never read supervisor feedback when you are tired and/or hungry!
7. It’s OK to not know what you want to do after you finish your PhD. Plans change, that’s normal.
8. (My favourite, saved for last): “Find the joy”. Your research might bring you joy, but it won’t all the time. The rest of the time, find joy in the things that doing a PhD brings you - take opportunities to travel, make friends, read freely, have fun!
Thanks so much to all the ECRs who came along last night. Hope to see you all again soon at #SLSA2021!
