What you should do on the first day of your PhD | A formula for success!

TL;DR

On your first day of your PhD, the most important thing is to meet with your supervisor and discuss expectations and communication. Other key tasks include creating a schedule, addressing tech needs, and establishing relationships with key people in the department.

Transcript

on the first day of your phd you need to do these things and the first and most important thing the thing that will dictate your success for the rest of your phd is speak to your supervisor like the first thing the first thing you should do you should arrange to meet them in the morning when you first turn up if they are not willing to do that they... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 Meeting with your supervisor on the first day is crucial for a successful PhD journey.
• 💦 Creating a well-structured schedule and prioritizing deep work sessions can enhance productivity.
• 👨‍🔬 Addressing tech needs and minimizing distractions in your workspace contribute to effective research.
• 🤩 Introducing yourself to key people in the department can provide valuable support and resources.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the most important task to do on the first day of your PhD?

Meeting with your supervisor is the most crucial task. It sets the foundation for a strong supervisor-student relationship and allows you to understand expectations and ask questions.

Q: What should be included in your daily schedule as a PhD student?

Your schedule should block out non-negotiable meetings, deep work sessions, time for admin tasks, and breaks. Use the "eat the frog" technique to tackle important but challenging tasks early in the day.

Q: How can you ensure your tech needs are met for your PhD?

Speak to the appropriate people to ensure your laptop connects to necessary software, printers, Wi-Fi, and other devices. Set up your workspace to minimize distractions, including keeping your smartphone away.

Q: Why is it important to introduce yourself to key people in the department?

Building relationships with key individuals, such as admin staff, instrument controllers, and experts in statistical analysis, will make it easier for you to access the necessary resources and receive assistance when needed.

Key Insights:

• Meeting with your supervisor on the first day is crucial for a successful PhD journey.
• Creating a well-structured schedule and prioritizing deep work sessions can enhance productivity.
• Addressing tech needs and minimizing distractions in your workspace contribute to effective research.
• Introducing yourself to key people in the department can provide valuable support and resources.
• Asking questions, taking notes, and showing engagement are important for building a positive reputation as a proactive and inquisitive PhD student.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The first and most crucial task on the first day of your PhD is to meet with your supervisor, discuss expectations, and ask questions to understand the supervisor's expectations of you.

• Create a schedule by blocking out non-negotiable meetings, deep work time, and lunch. Prioritize deep work sessions focusing on the most important tasks for your research.

• Address tech needs by ensuring your laptop connects to necessary software, printers, and Wi-Fi. Set up your workspace to minimize distractions, including keeping your smartphone away.

• Introduce yourself to key people in the department, such as admin staff, instrument controllers, and experts in statistical analysis. Establishing relationships early on will be beneficial later on when you need assistance.

• Don't hesitate to ask questions to your supervisor, fellow students, and other individuals. Take notes to remember the answers and show your engagement and commitment to learning.