Summer as a PhD Student - Live Q&A: PhD Advice, Procrastination, Thesis Tips, Preparing for your PhD

TL;DR

Get advice on preparing for a PhD, managing motivation, handling procrastination, taking vacations, publishing papers, managing industry projects, and more.

Transcript

hey hello i see we have some of you back so we'll see if everyone else can find this i'm just going to throw it up on my community tab so everyone can see the link okay i screenshotted your guys's questions from before so i can get into answering those in a second i'm just going to share this with everyone the other link and we have lola here today... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🔬 Gain research experience and learn about research processes before starting a PhD.
• 🤩 Motivation can be managed through goal setting, eliminating distractions, and focusing on completing key tasks each day.
• 😫 Procrastination should be tackled by setting specific tasks and breaking them down into smaller steps.
• 😣 Taking vacations is essential for rest and rejuvenation during a PhD.
• ❓ Communicating with your supervisor and planning ahead are crucial for a smooth PhD experience.
• 👨‍🔬 Research internships and industry projects can be valuable experiences during a PhD.
• ✍️ Academic writing skills can be improved through practice and learning from other researchers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I prepare for the first term of my PhD?

Gain research experience, learn about research processes, work on small projects, and improve any skills that need attention beforehand, such as programming or statistics.

Q: Any advice for managing motivation during a PhD?

Create a schedule, set specific goals, eliminate distractions, focus on completing key tasks, and measure your progress to stay motivated.

Q: How can I deal with procrastination during my PhD studies?

Set specific tasks, break them down into smaller steps, and focus on completing them. Avoid measuring work time, and instead focus on task completion to increase motivation.

Q: Is it possible to take vacations while doing a PhD?

Yes, taking vacations is important for rest and rejuvenation. Communicate with your supervisor, plan ahead, and ensure backup plans to complete any necessary work during your absence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Preparing for a PhD: Gain research experience, learn about research processes, and work on small projects in your field of interest.

• Managing Motivation: Create a schedule, set goals, eliminate distractions, and focus on completing key tasks each day.

• Dealing with Procrastination: Set specific tasks, break them down into smaller steps, and focus on completing them to stay motivated.

• Taking Vacations: Communicate with your supervisor, plan ahead, and ensure backup plans while taking time off to relax and rest.