ADVICE FOR 1ST YEAR PHD STUDENTS: Part 1 | My PhD and Me

TL;DR

First-year PhD tips: Absorb info, write as you go, don't compare, ask questions for success.

Transcript

hello guys welcome back to my youtube channel for anyone who's new here my name is jessica and i'm a third year phd student at the university of aberdeen in the department of chemistry and i make vlogs here on youtube i make videos showing what i'm doing in the lab i make advice videos so thank you for coming along to my channel there's a few new p... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Utilize the first year to absorb information and learn new skills.
• 📽️ Maintain detailed documentation of methods and results throughout the project.
• ❓ Avoid comparing yourself to experienced peers and focus on your own growth.
• 😚 Overcome feeling lost by understanding that learning and progress take time.
• 😷 Asking questions is essential for gaining knowledge and guidance in a Ph.D. program.
• 🆘 Don't hesitate to seek help from supervisors and colleagues when in doubt.
• 🤩 Continuous learning and practice are key to developing expertise.

Questions & Answers

Q: What should first-year PhD students focus on?

First-year Ph.D. students should focus on absorbing information, learning skills, and familiarizing themselves with the project. It's a year for growth and learning rather than stressing about results.

Q: Why is it important to write up methods and results as you go along?

Writing up methods and results as you progress helps in keeping all information in one place for easy access later. It also aids in preparing reports efficiently without having to search through lab notebooks.

Q: How can first-year PhD students overcome feeling lost?

Feeling lost is common in the first year of a Ph.D. program. By understanding that it's a learning process, practicing, and asking questions, students can gain confidence and control over their projects with time.

Q: Why is asking questions important for first-year PhD students?

Asking questions is crucial for learning and progressing in a Ph.D. program. It helps in clarifying doubts, understanding techniques, and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues and supervisors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Use the first year to absorb information, learn skills, and familiarize yourself with the project.

• Write up methods/results as you progress to have easy access later.

• Don't compare yourself to experienced students, ask questions when in doubt.