1. Do think about whether you really want to do a PhD. Being a PhD student is not the same as being an undergrad, nor like working as a research assistant. A PhD is extremely hard work requiring a lot of discipline and dedication. Dont just start a PhD because its the line of least resistance.
2. Do choose your supervisor well. The quality of your supervisor will have a direct impact on how much you get out of your PhD and how good (or bad) an experience it is. Dont choose your PhD supervisor because he/she is the leader in his/her field, in fact thats the most likely way to find a bad supervisor. Talk to the PhD students already working in the lab, find out whether they are happy and get information about the supervisors personality, level of attention (too much/too little?) and how well they plan their projects.
3. Dont leaves the responsibility for your project to others. Dont leave it to your supervisor to tell you how to work, what to read or plan your project. This is your learning experience: Get involved and take responsibility as early as possible.
4. Do get support from other PhD students. When things get tough, the only people who can understand what you are going through are other PhD students (or former ones!). If there are other PhD students around you, arrange to go for regular coffee/lunch breaks with them. If not, try an online forum such as the Postgraduate Forum. (http://www.postgrad uateforum.com/index. asp)
5. Dont waste your first year. It is easy to think that you have a long time to complete your PhD, but dont be lulled into a false sense of security time has a habit of disappearing fast. Start out as you mean to go on. Establish a strict work and study routine, and stick to its. You are not an undergrad anymore! (see #1!)
6. Dont spend long hours in the lab for the sake of it. Make sure that when you are in the lab, you are working and not just hanging around. I’ve seen many people spend 16 hours a day in the lab, but they only actually work for eight hours or less. An 8 hour day, with time away from the lab to relax your body and mind will keep you sharp and focused.
7. Do summarise your results as you go. From the beginning, get yourself into the discipline of writing a monthly summary of experiments performed, results and conclusions and include all lab book references/data/ images. The monthly reports will link up to make a story of your research and make your write-up much easier.
8. Dont underestimates how long it will take to write up. However long you think it will take you to write up, double or even trebling it will be closer to the truth. The write-up is the hardest part of your whole PhD. When my wife says that I have no concept of the pain and agony of childbirth, I beg to differ. A PhD is like a long uncomfortable pregnancy and the write up is the long and agonizing labor.
9. Do take every opportunity to practice and learn. Treat your PhD studies like an intensive training program. Listen to and learn from those around you, take every opportunity to try new techniques, present data, meet other scientists etc.
10. Do get a life. Its not all hard work and heartache. Smell the flowers as you go along, enjoy the people around you and make sure you have some fun!
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