Introduction
I officially started my PhD journey four months ago! (Read more about my academic joureny here!) It’s been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges and growth. This transition to a PhD has been a significant adjustment. I have navigated new research techniques and balanced academic demands with personal goals. In this short time, I’ve learnt so much about my field. I have also gained insights into resilience, time management, and embracing uncertainty. While pursuing a PhD has been undoubtedly demanding, it has been incredibly rewarding. Here’s what I learned in my first term as a PhD student.
Adjusting to PhD life
During my first rotation project, I felt that there was a steep learning curve. With just three months to complete my experiments, write a report, and prepare a presentation, balancing these responsibilities was a challenge! Learning new laboratory techniques I had never done before was particularly challenging. At the same time, I had to keep up with the latest literature in my field.
What I learnt:
This experience taught me the importance of effective time management and organisation. Moving forward, I intend to write clear daily goals in my planner every morning. I plan to incorporate more structured planning into my work, dedicating specific blocks of time for reading, lab work, and writing. I also intend to maintain a journal for tracking my progress and reflecting on challenges I also recognise how valuable it is to ask questions and guidance when I am unfamiliar with something new, this can save both time and effort. These adjustments will help me work more efficiently and ensure I continue to learn and grow throughout my PhD.
Learning new skills
Before becoming a PhD student, I worked as an in vivo research assistant. My master’s project also had an in vivo focus. Transitioning into a PhD program with rotations allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new techniques. So, I decided to work with stem cells during my first rotation!
Working with stem cells has been a fascinating but challenging experience. I quickly learnt that working with stem cells is far more meticulous than I anticipated.. Every step, from maintaining cell cultures to ensuring optimal conditions for differentiation, requires precision and patience. It’s not as straightforward as following a set protocol; the cells often have their own “mood,” and things don’t always go as planned.
What I have learnt:
- Patience and attention to detail: I’ve realised the importance of being patient and double checking every step, as every small mistake can lead to a setback
- Problem-solving: When something goes wrong in an experiment, I’ve learnt to troubleshoot systematically, reviewing every aspect of the protocol
- Keeping an open mind: diving into a new research rea has taught me to embrace uncertainty. It is okay now to have all the answers but each challenge is an opportunity to grow
Handling challenges
We’ve all heard of the term impostor syndrome, right? It’s the feeling that you’re a fraud and you do not deserve your achievements. Everyone will feel like this from time to time. In my first term, I wondered if I was truly capable of succeeding in a rigorous program. To combat these feelings, I reminded myself that being a PhD student is about learning and growth. Having my amazing PhD cohort around was honestly the best as we were all going through the same thing.
What I learnt:
Dealing with impostor syndrome has taught me the importance of self-compassion and recognizing my progress. Setbacks, such as failed experiments, reminded me that science often requires persistence and problem-solving. Reaching out to peers and mentors has been invaluable—I’ve learned that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Work/life balance
One of my goals this year was to prioritize balance and avoid stress. Sometimes in a PhD, stress can be unavoidable, especially when you have deadlines or a lot of experiments to do. Towards the end of my rotation, it did get quite intense, but that is the reality of a PhD! However, it is important to try and avoid burnout if you can, as it can negatively impact your mental and physical health. Ultimately, it can lead to a loss of productivity and a loss of your passion for your work.
What I learnt:
I’ve learned how to maintain productivity without sacrificing my well-being by sticking to my non-negotiables and prioritizing organization. This approach will ensure I can sustain my efforts throughout the years of my PhD while keeping stress levels manageable.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my first term as a PhD student, I realize how much I’ve grown both academically and personally. I learned to navigate the steep learning curve of rotations. I built resilience in the face of challenges. These months have been a whirlwind of growth and discovery. I’ve gained invaluable skills, developed a deeper appreciation for time management, and learned the importance of balancing ambition with well-being.
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