If I Had to Start My PhD From ZERO, This Is What I’d Do Differently...

Starting a PhD can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding. In this video, I share essential tips and advice on how to start a PhD journey effectively.

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As someone who has gone through the process, I understand the challenges and uncertainties that come with being a PhD student. My goal is to help you navigate your first year as a PhD student with confidence and ease.

One of the first things I emphasize is the importance of thoroughly researching potential PhD supervisors. It's crucial to find a supervisor who not only has a good track record of graduating PhD students but also creates a positive lab culture. Doing a PhD involves spending several years under the guidance of your supervisor, so it's essential to ensure that their research interests align with yours and that they can provide the support you need.

PhD life is not just about conducting research; it's also about managing your time and maintaining productivity. In this video, I share practical tips on how to boost your PhD productivity. From setting realistic goals to finding a balance between work and personal life, these strategies will help you stay on track and make the most of your PhD experience.

Another key aspect of starting a PhD is understanding the various milestones and expectations. As a first-year PhD student, it's important to familiarize yourself with the requirements and timelines of your program. This knowledge will help you plan your research and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines.

Throughout the video, I provide valuable PhD advice on how to make the most of your academic journey. Whether it's networking with other researchers, attending conferences, or publishing your work, there are many opportunities to enhance your PhD experience and build a strong academic profile.

For those wondering how to get a PhD, it's essential to stay motivated and focused. The journey can be long and challenging, but with determination and the right support system, you can achieve your goals. In this video, I discuss the importance of self-care and mental well-being, as maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for long-term success.

In summary, this video offers comprehensive guidance on how to start a PhD and thrive as a PhD student. From choosing the right supervisor to boosting your productivity and navigating the demands of PhD life, these insights will help you embark on your academic journey with confidence and clarity. Whether you're just starting or already on your way, this video provides the tools and advice you need to succeed in your PhD endeavors.

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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:47 PhD Group Size
02:40 PhD Graduations
03:35 Lab Culture
05:27 PhD Course
06:02 Money
07:00 Thesis Titles
07:56 What are past grads doing?
09:09 Reputation
09:48 Outro

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[weiwei-zh]

You have a very good advice! My former supervisor deleted all the records of PhD students that downgraded to Mphil. So, the ratio between current PhD students and graduated one is almost 19 to 1 (co-supervised) for 6 years. I will definitely recommend your video to anyone who wants to do PhD.

[maikel]

Hi Andy,
Do you know what we call somebody who is wise and that we can't get enough of him? We call him a SCHOOL (in Lebanon).

You are a school, Andy! Thanks a lot!

[dankschang]

In Asia it's very common SV has between 8 to 15 candidates under their wings.

[johnsmithx]

*If your PhD advisor is too young, run AWAY!!*
Also, I would get a job first, then do the PhD part time.
It may take longer, but the path to PhD'ism is much easier and you get paid !!!

[GaiaKnight]

These are VERY good advices. I wish this video existed at the beginning of my phD 😅

[affiliatesssw]

Mr Stapleton, please do a video on PhD by publication, Thank you

[abdallahiddychaurembo]

Our lab has 25 students (3 PhD+22 masters) 4 research assistants +1 Assistant researcher+1 PostDoc😅 Our supervisor doesn’t have time.

[garethbilton]

Hi Andy, just wondering what software you use to edit your videos to add in all of the fancy features? They look great!

[Immudzen]

Wow you would not have found much evidence for my group. We didn't have a webpage other than an official one the institute ran because nobody wanted to do something like that. Most people did very little social media and kept their social life and work life separate. We would go out to things like pub quiz's, meet for dinner etc. but nobody put any of that stuff on social media. What you would find is that most people in the group graduated and went on to get jobs in industry. I think you need to be careful with some of these things when you look at PhDs in other countries. In Germany a lot of this stuff seems much different.

[ebenezerboahen]

Hello Dr. Thank you for the video. I have been following for sometime now. Can you please help review my SOP and CV for me?

[llbodlearning]

Does supervisor have more ideas to work on? How will they manage?

[katto]

Great timing, with the video - it's PhD application time in Australia.
It's tricky trying to find something to do when every university you look at has a different way of doing things. Some have a webpage devoted to projects and supervisors while others don't even bother with much info at all and in many cases project aren't even listed at all.
There's nothing much on seek, Nora or scholarship.db etc. Does anybody know a good website to find projects ?
Wanting to do pure maths (thinking maybe algebra, topology, pde's, number theory) preferably in Canberra/Melbourne that has a stipend to cover on campus accommodation and meals. But would look elsewhere if the project was awesome.
BSc (maths physics) GPA 6.5
MScStud (coursework - pure mathematics) GPA 7.0.

[MuhammadQasimRauf]

Thanks for the informational content Andy. One friendly advice man, buy a new chair :P

[sciencemathematics]

Wish I had seen this three years ago 😂😭

[asd_ratio]

What if supervisor never graduated any phd student ?
you kind of be first phd student of your supervisor ?

[lukejay]

What about labs that don't have updated websites ?

[tanyacosta]

This channel is for him to talk about himself. As all academics he is arrogant. Universities are different, professors, and fields. Not everything works as he says this is his experience. I hate people that always use examples of their personal life, you can do that one time but not always! he always ends up speaking about himself.

[femeena]

Why one need a guide for phd? Its just another course

[jewel]

I need a supervisor.
I completed bachelor from chemistry.
I want to work any sorts of topic which connected with chemistry.
please, do response.