Q&A | PhD applications, time management, finance, reading papers

TL;DR

Lucy answers questions about preparing for a PhD, dealing with advanced maths and coding, time management, part-time jobs, literature review, reading scientific papers, writing a thesis, and future plans after the PhD.

Transcript

hey it's Lucy okay this is something I've been meaning to do for ages and that is go through all my most recent videos and answer any questions I find that if you asked a question I really hope I cover it let's get going pre ph.d stuff talk about your PhD application process and interview experience well first of all please might have been nice so ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Applying for a PhD in the UK typically involves submitting a CV, personal statement, and an essay on a chosen topic.
• 👨‍🔬 Preparing for a PhD involves reading research papers, working on research projects, and enjoying personal freedom before starting.
• ⌛ Managing time as a PhD student requires finding productivity patterns, prioritizing self-care, and actively making time for socializing and hobbies.
• 💨 Taking part-time jobs during the PhD may be distracting and shift focus away from research and self-improvement.
• 😀 Important tools for a PhD student include hard drives for data backup, cloud storage options like Dropbox, and note-taking apps like Evernote.
• 🫠 Reading scientific papers effectively involves starting with the abstract, focusing on relevant sections, and taking systematic notes.
• 👨‍🔬 Writing a thesis requires a flexible plan that accommodates evolving research needs and recognizes the importance of gradually filling up the pages.
• ✍️ Staying motivated in writing involves recognizing the accumulation of each word as progress and treating writing as a necessary task to be completed.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did you prepare for your PhD before being accepted into the program?

Lucy read numerous papers to understand pressing research issues and identify her areas of interest. She also worked on her Master's research, which helped her understand her field and sharpen her argumentation skills.

Q: How did you handle the first six months of advanced maths and coding?

Lucy initially disliked coding, but she gradually learned by coding projects she found interesting. She recommends googling for solutions and suggests practicing googling and using reference books to improve coding skills.

Q: How did you manage your time as a PhD student and maintain work-life balance?

Lucy realized she was most productive in the mornings and adjusted her daily schedule accordingly. She advises actively carving out time for self-care, like exercise and spending time with loved ones, which becomes more challenging as the PhD progresses.

Q: Did you do part-time jobs alongside your PhD?

Lucy does not recommend taking part-time jobs during the PhD, as it may distract from the research. She advises focusing on the PhD and pursuing fulfilling side projects instead of prioritizing money.

Q: What tools and resources do you recommend for a PhD student?

Lucy emphasizes the importance of hard drives and multiple backups to protect research data. She also recommends using the Evernote app for note-taking, as well as signing up for email alerts from key journals. Additionally, she suggests using cloud storage options like Dropbox.

Q: Can you provide tips for reading and taking notes on scientific papers?

Lucy uses Evernote to systematically take notes on scientific papers, including key details like title, author, year, and her own summary. She advises reading abstracts and introductions for relevance and focusing on key sections based on research needs.

Q: Can you offer advice on writing a thesis and sticking to a plan?

Lucy acknowledges she hasn't fully embarked on her thesis writing yet but recommends a flexible and evolving plan. She suggests focusing on the writing process, filling up the pages gradually, and recognizing that editing is easier than initial writing.

Q: How do you stay motivated in writing and handle struggles with writing?

Lucy acknowledges that thesis writing can be repetitive and challenging but treats every word written as progress toward completing the PhD. She emphasizes the importance of treating writing as a necessary task and the inevitability of completing it, pushing aside procrastination and stress.

Q: What are your plans after completing your PhD?

Lucy keeps her future plans undisclosed but mentions that she will continue her YouTube channel. She intends to share her plans in a future video.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lucy applied to Oxford and London universities in the UK for her PhD and had to submit a CV, personal statement, and a 500-word essay on a topic of interest.

• She advises not to let one mistake or piece of advice deter you during interviews and emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on internet advice.

• Lucy recommends reading papers, working on research projects, and enjoying personal freedom before starting the PhD.

• She discusses how she overcame her aversion to coding, how she managed her time as a PhD student, the importance of self-care, and the potential downsides of taking part-time jobs during the PhD.