PhD Student Q&A: Advice, Tips, Motivation, Working from Home, Stress | Vlogmas Day 6

TL;DR

In this video, Kira answers questions about working and studying during a PhD, managing stress, improving scientific writing skills, staying connected with team members during lockdown, and more.

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome back to my channel today we're doing a little phd student q a if you're new here my name is kira i talk about all things phd and being productive while working from home or doing a phd and i'm doing vlogmas because this is my first december here on youtube and typically people will do vlogmas where they vlog every day of ... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Working and studying during a PhD depends on personal time management and the nature of the job. It is important to consider the impact on research and ensure sufficient time for rest and rejuvenation.
• 🤩 Personal routines, such as morning and nighttime routines, can significantly impact productivity and well-being during a PhD. Experimenting with different routines and finding what works best is key.
• 😨 Managing stress efficiently involves recognizing signs, incorporating relaxation techniques, evaluating triggers, and taking time for self-care. Understanding personal limitations and finding the right balance is important.
• ✍️ Improving scientific writing skills requires practice, reading papers critically, seeking feedback, and potentially taking academic writing courses. Engaging in peer review and collaborations can also enhance writing ability.
• 🚂 Staying connected with team members during lockdown can be facilitated through virtual co-working spaces and regular meetings. Collaboration and networking are key to maintaining productivity and a sense of community.
• 🗯️ The advisor-student relationship in a PhD program varies, and finding the right advisor who suits individual needs and taking responsibility for one's own research are important for success.
• ⌛ A PhD is a full-time job and requires adequate time commitment. Setting achievable goals and maintaining a well-structured project plan are essential for productivity and work-life balance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Would you recommend working and studying during a PhD?

Working and studying during a PhD can be manageable depending on time management skills and the nature of the job. It is important to consider the type of work outside of the PhD and ensure it does not significantly impact research.

Q: How do you manage stress efficiently?

Managing stress involves recognizing signs of stress, incorporating relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness, paying attention to triggers, and taking breaks when needed. It is essential to prioritize self-care and find strategies that work best for individual needs.

Q: How to improve scientific writing skills for publications?

To improve scientific writing skills, it is recommended to take academic writing courses, read papers frequently, analyze them critically, and practice writing and receiving feedback from peers and supervisors. Writing and reading extensively will contribute to enhancing writing ability.

Q: How do you stay connected to other team members during lockdown?

Virtual co-working spaces and weekly team meetings can help maintain connections with team members during lockdown. Engaging in platforms like Gather can provide opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Q: Are advisors as mean as they say?

While experiences with advisors can vary, it is important to remember that advisors are meant to assist and guide the research process. Establishing good communication and finding a supervisor who suits individual needs can greatly influence the advisor-student relationship.

Q: How many hours should I study for a PhD?

A PhD is equivalent to a full-time job, and the number of hours required may vary. It is essential to prioritize and set achievable goals within a manageable timeframe.

Q: How do you stay motivated during a PhD?

Setting short-term goals, maintaining a well-structured project plan, and holding oneself accountable are effective ways to stay motivated during a PhD. Celebrating small achievements and focusing on the learning process can also help maintain motivation.

Q: What key criteria should I consider when choosing a PhD program?

When choosing a PhD program, important criteria to consider include the range of projects and supervisors, additional opportunities and requirements (such as internships or teaching hours), assessment processes, and the potential for collaborations and academic networking.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kira discusses the pros and cons of working while pursuing a PhD, highlighting the importance of time management and choosing a job unrelated to the research.

• She shares her experiences with morning and nighttime routines, emphasizing the benefits of starting the day early and the challenges of establishing a consistent evening routine.

• Kira provides insights on managing stress, including recognizing signs of stress, incorporating relaxation techniques, and paying attention to triggers like caffeine intake.

• She offers tips for improving scientific writing skills, such as taking academic writing courses, reading papers frequently, and seeking feedback from peers and supervisors.

• Kira shares strategies for staying connected with team members during lockdown, such as virtual co-working spaces and organizing weekly meetings.

• She reflects on the relationship between advisors and students in a PhD program, highlighting the importance of choosing the right supervisor and taking responsibility for one's own research.

• Kira discusses the time commitment required for a PhD, explaining that it is a full-time job but can offer flexibility in scheduling.

• She provides tips for staying motivated during a PhD, including setting short-term goals, maintaining a project plan, and holding oneself accountable.

• Kira answers questions about the application process, tips for introverts, entry requirements, and maintaining momentum over a long period.