Are you new to the Ph.D. programme and looking forward to a momentous occasion in your life? Nevertheless, suppose you're also worried about how to get this big project off to a good start. We have it all right here for you: Our five must-know advice for new Ph.D. researchers. But before we dive into the details, the most significant thing to remember is that even though you are pursuing a Ph.D., do not get consumed by it or let it take a toll on your health.
1. Make no comparisons between your Ph.D. project and that of others.
Don't make comparisons to other people's Ph.D. projects. Don't fret if you have more or fewer data, articles, or experience than your peers; they're all different. You were chosen for the programme because you are deserving of it. The learning curve for a Ph.D. is steep. Looking around and comparing yourself to others, whether you're pursuing a Ph.D. in:
- Accounting & Finance,
- Biomedical Engineering,
- Environmental Sustainability,
- Media & Cultural Policy,
- Management and Business Studies
- Planetary Science
It never helps, especially since every Ph.D. researcher is on their path. Managing your expectations and having a positive mindset and work ethic are critical to keep moving forward.
2. Attend conferences, even if it's only one
Attending a conference lets you network with more advanced researchers, experienced senior professionals, and academics. Attending seminars and presentations might expand your mind to new approaches about a topic or possibly give you a fresh idea that you had not considered before. Above all, it's a great way to network and get feedback on your early stages of research.
3. Selecting and outlining a research topic
In a world where people's attention spans are getting shorter, it is essential to focus on the basics. Choose your concerns with a degree of cautiousness and consider these two crucial questions mentioned below before choosing a research topic:
- What is the core problem you are addressing?
- Will the issue be of interest in five or ten years?
4. Create a research network for yourself
Networking is an essential element of Ph.D. researchers, no matter the research topic or where you are pursuing the degree. It is vital to find colleagues in the same boat but with more experience than you have. Ph.D. students should network with people they feel comfortable talking to, whether through an online medium or not, or even in the same research group or department. Attending and participating in domestic and global events like conventions, seminars, research meetings, and even graduate program sessions is an excellent way to establish and develop professional and social ties.
5. Do not be concerned if your project evolves as you go.
It is entirely normal to accept that your original plan of action may alter. Don't be upset if your project modifies as you progress, and if it does, don't get affected if you feel a little lost and unclear about where you are headed with the research. Acquiring a Ph.D. entails contributing to the knowledge; thus, it's natural for your contributions to evolve. Instead, students should think of it more as questioning established ideas and practices while generating new ways of thinking. But even if you catch asking yourself, remind yourself that you opted to pursue a Ph.D. to make a meaningful contribution to your area. Check-in regularly to see where you are in sync with your timetable, but keep in mind that issues and unanticipated developments are unavoidable.
It's critical to get your Ph.D. off to a good start and avoid the pitfalls that often strike among Ph.D. researchers. Contact us on +32 (0)2 226 66 61 for further enquiry.