My Honest Advice for Someone Who Wants To Do a PhD (Must Know)

In this video, I dive into some essential PhD advice for anyone thinking about pursuing this academic journey. I want to help you answer an important question: "Why do I want to do a PhD?" It's crucial to distinguish between being drawn to the title of having a PhD and being genuinely interested in the process of earning it. Many people fall in love with the idea of being called "Doctor," but the reality of getting there is often challenging, frustrating, and, frankly, boring at times.

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If you're asking yourself, what do I need to know for grad school, this video offers valuable insights. I talk about how vital it is to understand the daily life of a PhD student before you commit. There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and it's easy to overlook the mundane but necessary tasks that take up much of your time during a PhD.

I also share some PhD hacks and PhD student tips that can make your journey a bit smoother. From selecting the right research group and supervisor to managing your time effectively, these tips are designed to help you avoid common pitfalls. One of the key points I emphasize is the importance of choosing a supervisor carefully. Not enough people spend time researching who they'll be working with, and this can make or break your experience.

This video is packed with grad school advice that I wish I had known before a PhD. I talk about the reality of post-PhD life, where the title might not open as many doors as you expect, and why it's important to consider all your options before committing to this path. Lastly, I touch on PhD productivity and how to stay motivated even when the going gets tough.

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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Just liking the idea of being a doctor
02:20 Liking A Subject
03:39 Research group & supervisor
05:20 Think ur cleva?
06:59 Don't rely on supervisors for advice

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[boredscientist]

I personally did my PhD just to have a PhD and because I was bored after my Master not finding a job 😂. I just wanted the title, to have a salary and to travel. I literally did it for the wrong reasons hahahaha.

[josh_prada]

If you're thinking about doing a PhD: I promise you, there are excellent reasons to do a PhD, you might be an excellent candidate to do a PhD, and may find great research groups and PIs to support you and guide you through to completion. Some (actually, many) of us, supervisors and PIs care very much for our students and postdocs, and push back against a system that, as Andy states well in his videos, kind of sucks. But while llfe as a PhD student and, becoming and being an academic doesn't need to be this dark at all, it's a tough profession. Money isn't great, and the pressure only grows over time as you become the PI. I really appreciate the video's emphasis on 'don't do it because of the title' which is so often the case among PhD applicants. The number of applicants who go onto PhD research just because of the prestige badge is pretty high, and in many (most?) cases it shows sooner than later. Always fun to watch your videos, Andy!

[LucidProgramming]

While those initial properties you mention (boring, frustrating, anxiety-inducing, etc.) as attributes of a PhD indeed are things one would generally wish to avoid, I wonder whether anything in life truly worth doing that does not have one or all of these qualities. Sure, PhDs might only be for some, and it is wise to consider the best option for the individual. However, I caution against making this decision based on the supposition that the path before you is difficult. Most things worth doing are difficult, anxiety-inducing, tedious, etc.

[GabrielGutierrez-mels]

Ego driving me to live in science and publish. I am 24 and i have 3 articles and JCR. Not do a PhD would betray my trajectory and my desires. I think is the best i can do, i think i am ready to take the challenge

[padmeasmr]

I tried YouTube and I am currently working part time for a local newspaper (I hate writing about stuff I don't care for other people) and teaching Italian to foreigners 5-8 hours a week and I always thought academia was not for me. Then I suddenly realized I would love to do a PhD bc I sincerely loved writing my two thesis and papers and I found a research project that I would love so much to explore. While I was doing my thesis I used to think "if only I were paid to do this". I honestly think I could fit in the world, I also am good now at networking. I also love teaching and doing presentations.

[TDrake-iqcp]

Well, I loved getting my PhD and I love research. In many science fields, if you want to have a career doing research, a PhD is necessary -- it's how you learn how research is carried out, both in the day-to-day and how it fits into our larger society. BUT it is a research degree, so figure out if you like research first! It can be a shock for many to make the transition from student who can reasonably expect answers to their questions to exist to a researcher who is not only creating new knowledge that no one else has but who is asking brand new questions as well.

However, it can be a great time! Plenty of people love the PhD life!

[ulaat]

I truly totally completely regret pursuing phD study especially with a highly toxic narcissistic supervisor, it isn't worth all The time and effort, I am mentally and physically exhausted 😢

[venkataraghotham]

I wanted to be a professional Historian and so did my PhD in History from a good US Graduate School. It had its moments of frustration but it was worth the time I spent getting the degree.

[bhangrafan]

As far as science goes the only reason for doing a PhD is because you specifically want to develop a career in research. If you do, then it is essential, if not there is no point in it at all. As far as engineering goes, and I am the only scientist in a family of engineers, engineering employers prefer professional on the job experience to an engineering PhD. You may actually be harming your career by (as they might see it), by avoiding getting a real job. As far as arts and humanities go, even if you do not intend to become a University professor, it can be an enriching experience in its own right, but only do it if you are really in love with the topic you are researching. There are always big financial penalties for opting for a PhD which need to be considered.

[marymungai]

I am so much interested in the process of doing PHD and more so have passion with research.when I am ready I will dive into it.

[julianaforster]

My take in here is, if doing a PhD program would create joy in you as an individual, then go for it. You are not doing PhD based on someone's experience. You want to create your own experience. It's all about YOU. All about your ego. No knowledge is wasted, go in there and create new ideas, your ideas do not really need to make sense to anyone. The supervisor's being hard, only means they are confidential and need you to work hard for it. As life is not a bed of roses, so also is a PhD.

Obtaining a PhD degree is not a criteria to become a minister!! You could get your PhD and get on to do other things of interest. PhD is a self achievement and a treasure. I don't believe in discouragement. 0:00

[VisionScientist]

16:59 - 8:31: This part of the video reminded me of my first encounter with one of the professors of a graduate program in neuroscience and behavior. He researched aspects of classical conditioning, including its neurological basis. At one point during that conversation he looked at me and declared: "If you're interested in the biology of learning, I'm it!"

[atypicalnihilist]

Biggest revelation for me during undergrad was that I funneled myself into academia because of several traumatic events in my childhood that always primed me to end up in abusive environments under a parental figure coupled with some level of "I'm built different" as I had survived those incidents to get into my country's best uni for undergrad. Well now I just wish I was built normal lmao.

[josiadam]

I am currently in the process of deciding whether I want to do a PhD or not. I submitted my master's thesis two weeks ago and just now, my supervisor asked me whether I would want to continue the project doing a PhD. It is really tempting, as the project is on population genetics and hybridisation in primates in Indonesia, so the PhD would include at least one long field trip to Indonesia. I feel really excited thinking about this opportunity, but I am struggling with self-confidence (imposter syndrome). So for me, it's the opposite of the ego-thing you are talking about. I wish someone could just flip a coin and decide for me, that I need to do it

[LCDigital]

This year I started in an MA program (linguistics) after almost 10 years after getting a BA. So far, I really feel this is the right course for me and to afterwards get a PhD and do the professor thing.

The next semester starts in a couple days but I’ve already spoken with one of my professors about the research paper for that course and I’ve started the research and even begun some of the introductory writing for it when the initial topic proposal isn’t even due for a couple months. It was a lot of work, but the researching for and writing the final papers last semester was very fun and rewarding for me.

This is definitely what I want to do, but my biggest hurdle now is finding out more specifically what research area I want to do for when applying for PhD programs and whether I just “really like” the stuff I’m interested in or if I like it “at the PhD level”.

[ambrosekola]

PhD is more interesting now with AI and reference managers. Also If you re doing it in a sub field that aligns with your passion.

[sebastianalvarez-kfql]

Just started my PhD program. While I was searching for advisors I did find a few who told me that maybe I wasn’t the best fit for them because I hadn’t taken enough engineering courses. To be fair, these were younger professors but perhaps times are changing with PIs accepting students ?

[jaw]

I've met way too many graduate students who are only doing it because they don't know what else to do besides school

[Drganguli]

No doubt, PhD should be done after much introspection

[nominbuba]

This is why I always recommend folks not to do a PhD.
Actually, some professors do not accept even their previous master's students for PhD study in Japan, due to the student's incapability tho~
In Japan, professors must follow strict research ethics related to their whole academic careers.
In my case, I just suddenly decided to go for it, just because my professor randomly asked me to do🤭 and then that little EGO started to grow in me.