How to Start a PhD during COVID-19?

TL;DR

Learn how to stay productive and connected as a PhD student during the pandemic by focusing on research, planning ahead, taking care of your mental health, improving illustration skills, utilizing social media, attending webinars, and organizing virtual coffee breaks.

Transcript

there this one extreme energized rabbits that would say this is the perfect time i can write 50 paper in my home and if i'm not doing five online courses and finish all of this backlog of data analysis then i am not doing my pandemic right but man this is a pandemic welcome back to phd coffee time this is the online community for you as phd student... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Planning ahead and conducting preliminary research at home can help first-year PhD students make progress despite not being in the lab.
• ❓ Productivity during the pandemic should be approached realistically, considering personal circumstances and mental well-being.
• 👨‍🔬 Developing illustration skills can save time and enhance the presentation of research projects.
• 🛟 Social media can serve as a valuable platform for networking and seeking advice from experts.
• ❓ Attending webinars and virtual conferences can provide learning opportunities and a sense of community.
• 🧑‍🎓 Organizing virtual coffee breaks or journal club meetings can foster social interaction and support among PhD students.
• 😨 Prioritizing mental health and self-care is essential for maintaining productivity during challenging times.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can first-year PhD students start their research during the pandemic?

First-year PhD students can start familiarizing themselves with their research topic, methodology, and resources by reading journals, watching research protocols online, and coordinating with their PI to plan ahead for necessary reagents or equipment.

Q: How should PhD students manage their motivation during these challenging times?

It is essential to prioritize one's mental health and not compare oneself to others who may appear highly productive on social media. Setting reasonable goals, focusing on one or two tasks per day, and practicing self-care can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout.

Q: How can illustration skills benefit PhD students during the pandemic?

Illustration skills are valuable for creating visuals that can effectively convey research ideas and save time during project presentations or thesis defenses. Developing these skills can be done at home using available resources and software tools.

Q: How can PhD students stay connected with the academic community during the pandemic?

Utilizing social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, joining webinars and virtual conferences, and organizing virtual coffee breaks with colleagues or research groups are effective ways to maintain connections and receive support from the academic community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video offers advice for first-year PhD students on how to start their research despite the pandemic and provides tips on research planning and resource coordination.

• It emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's mental health and setting realistic goals for productivity, considering the unique challenges the pandemic brings.

• The video suggests brushing up on illustration skills to create visuals for research projects and discusses the significance of maintaining a sense of identity as a scholar during these isolating times.

• It highlights the benefits of using social media platforms, attending webinars, and organizing virtual coffee breaks to connect with others in the academic community.