Now that you are about to begin your research degree, parents, friends, professors, and the internet will advocate advice. All this advice from so many sources can make it difficult to differentiate between correct and wrong.
Your research degree will be the cornerstone of your career, and you need to refer to credible sources that will make the most significant difference to your research in the long run. Here are ten things you should do early in your research degree, bound to save you from distress and empower you to make correct choices as you board the boat to a Ph.D. research degree.
1. Begin scheduling
The first step is to stop daydreaming about a Nobel prize and admit you have just begun your journey. It is essential you schedule milestones you wish to accomplish within a defined timeframe. It will take a few rough drafts before finalizing your roadmap to the Nobel prize. Ensure you jot down all the intricacies like reading material you need to refer to or case studies critical to this Ph.D.
2. Wiki to the end
Wikipedia contains more than 6 million pages of information that has been compiled using trusted sources and approved after rigorous scrutiny. Take your time researching semantic keywords closely related to your research topic. It is vital to ensure you note down all the crucial points as this will create a 360-degree overview of your research and help you in case you waver out of track.
3. Knowledge management
Use applications or editors like Zotero, Mendeley, or Jabref; these will help you create, collect and organize research sources directly to your preferred word text editors.
4. Find working space
A place where you are comfortable and can find motivation is essential. Find the right place for you as you will spend considerable time here researching.
5. Decide what question you want to answer?
When you have data, your thesis will automatically emerge from your research. Asking the question you want to answer will help you source new material contributing to your research.
6. Take it slowly, one step at a time!
You have ample time to think and decide. Don't get flustered and try to find answers to every subject together. Instead, follow your schedule; it will connect provided you tackle things systematically.
7. Build a strong rapport with your supervisors
Usually, Ph.D. supervisors are allocated or can be chosen. Ensure you meet them regularly and get to know their preferences and expectations. The PhD. is your research; however, you need a supervisor to guide you through tough times.
8. Find a Ph.D. community
The struggle emotionally, mentally, and professionally in a PhD. research is real. At some point, you will experience highs and lows, which is typical. Mental health problems in Ph.D. researchers are alarming. A PhD. community will support you with everything you need to find success. Before you start your research degree, ensure you join a Ph.D. Community.
9. Identify competitors
Every research topic will have several competitors. Competitors are good, and they keep you motivated. Closely follow your competition, and they will keep you pushing hard to achieve success.
10. Ask for help
It is important to remember you are human; we all tend to make mistakes and lose track at some point. Always remember your family and friends care about your well-being. Ask them for help at any time; they will be delighted you did, and so will you!
We at Edamba aim to promote and facilitate cooperation, provide a network of information exchange and help schools and students increase the quality of their PhD. Visit our website to read more articles like this on our blog page. Call us at +32 (0)2 226-66-61.