Here's How To Keep Track of PhD Supervisor Meetings!

TL;DR

Learn how to effectively track and manage supervisory meetings as a new PhD student through scheduling, clear communication, and note-taking.

Transcript

as a new phd student how can you keep track of all the meetings you had with the most important person in your phd that is your supervisor welcome back to phd coffee time this is the online community for you as phd student to get motivation peer support and practical tips during your phd this video is an answer to one of your comments xiao yushu sh... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌱 Scheduling and planning ahead for supervisory meetings is essential for effective management.
• 🪡 Clear communication with your advisor about your needs and expectations is crucial for a successful PhD journey.
• 🥡 Taking notes during meetings and sending a meeting acknowledgement afterward helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a clear record of agreements.
• 💁 Using tools like OneNote for note-taking and organizing information is beneficial for tracking progress.
• ⌛ Reverse gantt charts can be useful for reviewing and discussing how your time has been spent during your PhD.
• 🤗 Remaining open to feedback and being agile and flexible in your research direction is important for growth and success.
• 👣 Tracking your time and focusing on the main direction of your work helps you stay on track and graduate on time.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I keep track of all my meetings with my PhD supervisor as a new student?

Start by scheduling and planning ahead for meetings. Clearly communicate your needs and expectations, and send a reminder with an agenda before the meeting. Use note-taking tools like OneNote to keep track of important information discussed during the meeting.

Q: Should I use professional language during my supervisory meetings?

Yes, it is important to maintain a professional demeanor during your meetings. While some advisors may be more casual, treating the meeting as a professional environment ensures clarity and effective communication.

Q: How can I ensure that my advisor remembers our agreements and tasks discussed during the meeting?

After the meeting, send a meeting acknowledgement email with a summary of the discussed points and any actionable items. This helps both you and your advisor have a clear record of what was agreed upon and avoids any misunderstandings.

Q: Is it necessary to document and remind people of their own tasks through emails?

Using emails to document and remind people of their tasks is a helpful practice. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and provides a reference point for future discussions. It is not about mistrust, but rather a practical way to avoid misunderstandings or forgetting important details.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• As a new PhD student, it is crucial to schedule and plan ahead for supervisory meetings with your advisor.

• Clearly communicate your needs and expectations from your advisor before the meeting and send them a reminder with an agenda.

• During the meeting, maintain a professional demeanor, take notes, and send a meeting acknowledgement afterward.