Embarking on your PhD journey is exciting! You’re entering uncharted waters of research, contributing to the world’s knowledge and mastering the field you are passionate about! But let’s be real-this path is often filled with stress, imposter syndrome, and an overwhelming sense of self-doubt. As someone who is in their first year of thier PhD, I am trying to avoid this as much as possible! But the good news? You don’t have to simply survive your PhD; you can thrive! Here’s how.

Find you academic tribe

Having a community is vital in life! Especially when you are undertaking a PhD. A PhD can be isolating, especially after hours in the lab and having to analyze endless amounts of data. Building a strong support network is essential. Your academic tribe can include lab mates, fellow students, or even an online community of like-minded researchers.

For example, when I first joined my program, I met with other people in the same program. Seeing as we are all going through the same experience, it was nice that we could socialize outside of the lab! Prior to starting my PhD, I followed current PhD students on Instagram. Seeing their candid posts about both successes and struggles helped me realize I wasn’t alone. So, whether it is attending networking events, talking to fellow PhD students in the lab, or joining an online community, finding your people will make your journey a lot less lonely!

Master time management

Time is the most valuable resource during your PhD. Three to four years may sound like a long time, but it will fly by! Without a solid structure, it is easy to spend weeks chasing experiments that lead to nowhere or to procrastinate on writing reports.

Organisation is key! Start by breaking down your goals into manageable chunks and write a To-Do list every morning. Tools such as Notion or OneNote can help you track progress. Even if it’s not official, I personally like to set myself deadlines to make sure I don’t spend too long on a task.

For example, if your goal is to finish a literature review in a month, set weekly goals like reading 10 papers or writing one section. Also, don’t forget to schedule rest and downtime. Burnout is real! A rested brain can often lead to the best ideas!

Be Kind to Yourself

Let’s be honest- the PhD process is riddled with rejection, failed experiments, harsh feedback and self-doubt. But it is important to never forget that setbacks are part of the process and not a reflection of your worth.

During your PhD, you should remember to always celebrate your wins! Create a ‘wins’ folder where you save positive feedback and small successes! On a tough day, looking back at these can remind you how far you have come. Also, if you are having a tough time, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it is a mentor, a therapist, or a trusted friend, speaking about your problems can make all the difference.

Utilise you supervisor

Your supervisor is an expert in your field, whose role is to guide and support you throughout your PhD process! Everybody’s supervising style is different. For example, some are more relaxed in their approach and meet with students on a casual basis whenever they need. Others, on the other hand, prefer structure and timetables in weekly, biweekly, or monthly meetings with their students. Personally, I feel that a supervisor who is more structured is beneficial. If you meet with your supervisor regularly, you are less likely to go off track; this will likely save you time in the long run. If your supervisor does not initially set up regular meetings, it is still okay to ask! They would likely be happy to do this, especially if you take the initiative!

During your supervisor meetings, make sure to come with a list of everything you have done since the last meeting. Be ready to take detailed notes of any suggestions they may have!

Embrace the adventure!

A PhD is more than a normal degree; it’s a journey of growth. You’ll learn to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop resilience. Celebrate the little things, like perfecting a protocol or getting through a long day of experiments. These moments are just as important as the big milestones.

I still remember the first time I kept my cells alive for a whole week during my first rotation of my PhD. Yes, it wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a small victory that reminded me why I chose this path!

Final thoughts

Your PhD will undoubtedly have highs and lows. However, with the right mindset, it can be a fulfilling experience. Thriving during your PhD is about progress, not perfection.

If you’re starting or currently in the thick of your PhD, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram (@SikaInScience). And don’t forget to check out my blog for more tips on navigating academia.