Explore the world of doctoral research and academia with insights, tips, and guidance for prospective and current PhD students. Navigate the challenges and rewards of the doctoral journey.

Experiences
Adriana Cantón

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!

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Experiences
Rohan Samuels

You Belong Here! The Battle With Your Inner Voice

In this article, Rohan Samuels talks about his personal experience dealing with imposter syndrome and personal insecurities during his doctoral journey and how he overcame them by embracing who he truly was. He suggests that the battle with the “inner-you” is an illusion and encourages doctoral students to be authentic and recognize their self-worth.

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COVID-19
Daniel Walker

What Do I Know Three Years On?

In “What Do I Know Three Years On?” Daniel Walker reflects on his PhD journey and offers advice to those embarking on a similar path. He emphasizes the importance of perspective, self-awareness, and remaining humble, and shares a reflection exercise that helps maintain focus and motivation.

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Getting started
Rewan Toubar

The PhD Roadmap: Key Checkpoints for a Strong Start

From selecting the right program and advisor to managing stress and staying motivated, this article offers a comprehensive guide to support future PhD students with insights and tips to navigate each phase of the doctoral process. With an engaging and supportive tone, this roadmap aims to inspire confidence and enthusiasm, equipping students with the tools they need to embark on this exciting and challenging adventure.

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Experiences
Jake Dunlop

Anxiety in Academia: Using Anxiety as My Superpower  

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make the simplest of tasks difficult, let alone a PhD. This empowering article follows Jake’s experience with anxiety during sixth form and university, and how once he discovered research he began to view anxiety as a superpower to keep his PhD pushing forwards. He shares anxiety-reducing techniques for when it gets too much, including affirmations and breath control, and emphasises the value of accepting anxiety in your life.

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Experiences
Pillalamarri Srikrishnarka

10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My PhD

Pillalamarri Srikrishnarka shares 10 tips he wish he knew before starting his STEM-based PhD program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. A final year scholar, Pillalamarri emphasizes networking and time management, he provides useful links to other resources.

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