The 5 BIGGEST lies about doing a PhD

In this video, I talk about the five biggest lies that I think people tell about doing a PhD.

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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – independent research
2:56 – non-academic careers are alternative careers
5:19 – a PhD is always an advantage
6:55 – you are a student
8:14 – you have to be clever

[karlaarias]

1. The moment you show you are "good enough", your PI will pay attention to you/your project and help you get a publication from your work. 2. You will be taught how to write a research paper. 3. You will be trained on everything you need to know for completing a research project. I'm reaching the end of my PhD. journey and man, have I learn a lot of what NOT to do 😂. Love your channel!

[iranjackheelson]

I've always felt like the term "student" was deliberately put there to subliminally rationalize underpaying the workforce who clearly work disproportionately more than they get paid.

[portalomus]

Can you please make a video about racism in academia/job market? I feel like this is a major issue that nobody talks about. Also, thank you for the awesome content!

[ashwinimakhale]

Thank you for the video Andy! Came in at the right time for me, as I have struggling to find the big picture in my everyday Ph.D. life.

[LeggattNZ]

Is now wondering how I can work dog smiles into my PhD...

[kirty]

My co supervisor is not supporting me after 5 years in PhD. I feel cheated 😓. Now I know PhD is just a big gamble. PhD totally depends on kind of supervisor you have.

[kanatbaikenov]

Thank you for your video! It was interesting to watch.

[instrukcion]

I would say there is nothing good or bad about getting a PhD degrees. I agree with you about the "lies" but would like to add something that is more important and it is not to stuck there. Phd is usually presented as ideal world where you spend some time and your output is something novel. Unfortunately, when you deal with the unknown it can easily happen that you spend half a year on something that at the end doesn't work. At that point, there is so much anger and it could easily demotivate the rest of your PhD. It is basically like in the business - you gain something and you lose something. For sure, there must be more gain the lose.
Also what is good to point out is that your supervisor is a key to your successful phd. My supervisor is out of the field and basically, I'm doing my phd on my own. Fortunately, i have many opportunities to visit other universities and that's the key for me. Doing phd with an unskilled supervisor is not bad but you have to work even harder because your attitude needs to substitute him/her.

[AM-qnzt]

An emphasis on public speaking would be a good investment. Too many have been helped extensively to sound good on paper, but lack essential speaking abilities to stay on point.

[AsrifYusoff]

The masters route can certainly be more practical in a way. Plus it provides the foundation for one to fully prepare and decide should he or she goes for a PhD.

[TheRenaissanceAmazon]

Thanks for explaining this. I never knew this.

[dankschang]

Industry will absorb more PhD than universities... especially in stem sector.

[federicorotondo]

Thank you so much for this video Andy, amazing boost for our confidence and mindset! Cheers!✨

[Drganguli]

True be very careful before doing a PhD

[Heyuher]

I think Phd student is more applicable for US programs specifically, esp. since a masters is not required. Or, maybe we should start calling them "prospective candidate"...

[srivatsamurthy]

Phd is thought to be highest degree.but in reality it is different world, different culture.It requires different mindset-competitive and selling your ideas for investment on you.Many people including me have not that mind set.I am better not to do Phd

[jurassiccraft]

Is it worth making a section of your lit review looking into the monetery benefits of your idea

[anggaraadhari]

I'm not smart enough, but after watching this video, I am motivated to do PhD

[dankschang]

Always address as scholar...not students.

[wethepeople]

I'm going to do independent research. I've never seen academia treat researchers so poorly. You're possibly making million to billion dollar inventions and breakthroughs.