Q&A: Advice for new PhD students? Why did I choose a PhD? Possible careers after my PhD?

TL;DR

A chemistry PhD student gives advice for starting a PhD, discusses the flexibility and diversity of her favorite part about it, and shares potential career paths after completing a PhD.

Transcript

hello welcome back to my youtube channel if you're new here and you don't know me my name is jessica and i'm a third year phd student at the university of aberdeen in the department of chemistry so today i thought i would do a little q and a video where i'd give you guys the opportunity to ask me any questions you have about some phd advice or abou... Read More

Key Insights

• 💻 Enjoying the first year of a PhD and not putting excessive pressure on oneself can contribute to a more positive experience.
• 👻 The flexibility of a PhD allows for convenient scheduling and diverse tasks, making it an attractive option for some.
• 😄 Organizing research papers and having a system for filing and naming them is crucial for future reference and ease of writing assessments.
• 🧑‍🎓 PhD students can collaborate with others in their lab and internationally, fostering a supportive and diverse research community.
• 👨‍⚕️ Various career paths exist after completing a PhD in chemistry, including academia, post-doc positions, and industry roles.
• 👨‍🔬 The preferred career path may vary for individuals, with some enjoying the teaching aspect of academia and others opting for research in industry positions.
• 💦 The schedule of a PhD student can be flexible, with the ability to work outside of traditional 9-to-5 hours to accommodate experiments and personal preferences.

Questions & Answers

Q: What advice do you have for PhD students who are just starting their program?

It is important to enjoy your first year, not put too much pressure on yourself, and establish a system for organizing research papers.

Q: What is your favorite part about doing a PhD in chemistry?

The flexibility is my favorite aspect, allowing me to schedule appointments and experiments at my convenience. Additionally, the diversity of tasks, ranging from lab work to data analysis, keeps things interesting.

Q: Do you have a favorite element in the periodic table?

While I don't have a favorite element, I find neon aesthetically pleasing, especially in shiny neon signs.

Q: What made you decide to pursue a PhD?

After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked in a pharmaceutical company and realized my interest in research. The opportunity to pursue a PhD aligned with my passion for academic settings and gaining qualifications.

Q: Do you collaborate with others during your PhD?

While I primarily work on my individual project, I collaborate with fellow students in my lab and other researchers internationally. We assist each other and communicate through platforms like Zoom.

Q: What is your schedule like as a PhD student?

I aim to work from 9 am to 5 pm to establish a routine and maximize productivity. However, I have learned to listen to my body and take breaks or leave early when necessary, as the PhD provides flexibility.

Q: What are potential career options after completing a PhD in chemistry apart from academia?

Besides academia, one can pursue post-doc positions to continue research. Alternatively, industry roles, such as working in research and development labs or providing technical support, provide diverse opportunities.

Q: Can one pursue personal research projects alongside a job?

While it is possible for some PhD students to work part-time jobs while doing their program, many rely on grants or funding. The ability to pursue personal research projects alongside a job depends on individual circumstances.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The student advises new PhD students to enjoy their first year, not put too much pressure on themselves, and establish a good system for organizing research papers.

• Her favorite part of doing a PhD in chemistry is the flexibility it offers in terms of scheduling and the diverse range of tasks involved.

• After completing her PhD, she is open to various career options, including academia, post-doc positions, and industry roles.