Being a PhD student is all about research, deadlines, and let’s be real, endless cups of coffee. But everyone talks about the obvious skills: critical thinking, writing, and pipetting! However, there are some underrated skills that are beneficial to learn that can make your PhD life a whole lot easier! You may not hear about these in lectures, but trust me, they’re key to surviving the next few years (or decades, depending on how your research goes, hehe).

1. Public speaking and Presentation Skills
2. Networking (Yes, academics need to network too!)
3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
4. Conflict Resolution (Or How to Win at Lab Drama)
5. Adaptability
6. Negotiation Skills (But Not for Your Netflix Subscription)
7. Self-Advocacy
8. Critical Thinking (Beyond the Research)
9. Time management (In an Unpredictable World)
10. Teaching and Mentoring

1) Public speaking and Presentation Skills

Let’s face it, if you can’t explain your research without making people doze off, you might be in trouble! Public speaking isn’t just for TED Talks. It’s essential for conferences and presenting papers. It also helps when explaining your research to your non-scientist friends and family. They might politely nod but secretly have no idea what you’re talking about! If you have a fear of public speaking, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Glossophobia (fear/anxiety of public speaking) is very common, but with practice and the right mindset, you can build your confidence and reduce anxiety!

Tip: Begin with simple conversations; talk to your pets, plants, or friends who aren’t scientists! Get comfortable explaining your work to anyone interested. Joining Toastmasters or a similar group is also a fun way to practice public speaking.

2) Networking (Yes, academics need to network too!)

Networking isn’t just handing out business cards at conferences. It’s about building real relationships because eventually, you’ll need someone to explain what went wrong with your experiment again! Plus, you never know when your next collaborator (or future boss) will be in the room! If you don’t believe networking is important in academia, check out this blog post, and if you want to know how to network, check out this blog post!

Tip: Attend as many conferences, symposiums or academic meetups as possible! If you don’t like crowds, aim for at least one good conversation per event. You’re better off with a few meaningful connections than hundreds of award small exchanges! (Bonus tip: Remember to connect with them on LinkedIn!)

3) Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

EQ isn’t just for therapists! As a PhD student, you’ll need to handle stress and setbacks. You’ll also deal with, well, your own emotional meltdowns when an experiment goes horribly wrong (again). Having a high EQ helps you keep it together during the “let’s move this email again” and still maintain your sanity. It’s crucial for students. It enhances their ability to navigate the unavoidable emotional complexities of academic life. This improvement, in turn, boosts your academic performance!

Tip: Practice breathing through frustration; when you feel the urge to scream, take a 30-second break, grab a snack (preferably chocolate), and reflect on how you emotionally affect your work. Not only will you stay calm, but your supervisor might start respecting your composure.

4) Conflict Resolution (Or How to Win at Lab Drama)

Let’s be real: lab life isn’t all smooth sailing. It is almost 100% certain that you will run into a few disagreements about techniques, paper citations, or even who ate the last cookie in the break room! Being capable of resolving conflict professionally means you’ll stay on everyone’s good side and get things done! This will also help maintain positive relationships in your academic career!

Tip: When lab disputes arise (or you need to decide who’s cleaning the lab this week), don’t make it personal; just focus on solutions! A calm, rational conversation is way better than passive-aggressive notes on the whiteboard!

5) Adaptability

Research is always full of surprises (and not always the good kind)! Your initial research proposal will rarely be what you’re doing at the end of your PhD! Experiments fail, and things don’t go to plan, and it’s very easy to let this get to you. However, learning how to pivot and embrace change is an essential skill during a PhD!

Tip: Develop a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. Embrace change! Experiment didn’t work? No problem, let’s try again from a different angle. The more you can adapt, the more you’ll enjoy the ride (even if it’s a bumpy one!).

6) Negotiation Skills (But Not for Your Netflix Subscription)

Many people don’t realize that negotiation is not just needed in business! It’s needed in academia as well! Whether you’re asking for a grant extension or just trying to get a better deadline (or, you know, asking for more time off), it’s all about asking for what you need while keeping things fair and professional!

Tip: Start by practicing small negotiations in everyday situations (e.g., negotiating deadlines with colleagues). Learn to frame requests positively and justify why your proposal benefits both parties. Reading books on negotiation tactics, like Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher can also provide useful strategies.

7) Self-Advocacy

You’re the only one who truly knows what you need to succeed! As a PhD student, you often need to speak up for your needs, whether it’s asking for feedback, requesting resources, or seeking mentorship. It may seem like you’re being annoying at first, but this is all in your head! Being able to advocate for yourself is not only essential during your PhD but for the rest of your life!

Tip: Practice say “no” or “I need more time” without feeling guilty. Being assertive isn’t about being rude: it’s about making sure your needs are met so you can do your best work!

8) Critical Thinking (Beyond the Research)

Yes, you’re a research wizard! You’re able to troubleshoot any experiment with no problem at all! But critical thinking also means looking at your work (and life) with a sharp, questioning eye. Critical thinking is essential for your broader academic and professional development. It’s something you’ll need for everything from writing papers to making career decisions. Don’t just accept everything because it’s the status quo; challenge assumptions and dig deeper.

Tip: Try to question everything, even your own research methods. Go outside your comfort zone by reading opposing viewpoints or stepping into someone else’s shoes. This will not only improve your work but also help you see the bigger picture.

9) Time management (In an Unpredictable World)

Let’s face it, PhD life can be chaotic. The standard 9-5 workday may not apply to every PhD student, but managing your time is vital to staying productive without burning out. You might find yourself juggling experiments, papers, and the occasional breakdown! The key to managing it all is figuring out how to structure your time in a world where everything is constantly changing!

Tip: Break your task into manageable chunks and set specific and realistic goals for each day! Use time-blocking methods to create uninterrupted periods for deep work! Also, remember to schedule rest to prevent burnout!

10) Teaching and Mentoring

Whether you’re tutoring students, mentoring undergrads, or helping a lab mate, being a good teacher and mentor is more than just explaining concepts. In academia, people learn by learning from others—that’s how the world of academia runs! Being a good mentor is about inspiring, guiding, and developing others’ skills.

Tip: Reflect on the best teachers or mentors you’ve had. What made them so great? Try to model your own teaching after the people who inspired you! Also, reflect on some of the not-so-good mentors you’ve had! Don’t make the same mistakes they did! Be patient, encouraging, and provide constructive feedback that helps others grow.

Conclusion: The Hidden Skills That Can Make a Big Impact

While we’re all focused on getting the technical stuff right, these essential skills are often overlooked! But they can truly make a difference in your PhD journey! Develop these skills early, and you’ll find yourself not just surviving, but thriving throughout your academic career!