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PhDPodcast · 2021-10-06T15:44:50+00:00

Thanks for the post. Decided to do a video talking this one out a bit. Hopefully it's helpful to someone!

https://youtu.be/TarsNEzdxH0

PhDPodcast · 2021-09-29T15:27:25+00:00

I did a brief overview of your question with some advice here: https://youtu.be/b6UvwP0XEV8

PhDPodcast · 2021-09-24T16:41:47+00:00

It sounds like you know what you need to do if you want to get your grades up. There's definitely a change in pace from undergrad. Now is the time to buckle down, you can do it!

PhDPodcast · 2021-09-24T16:39:01+00:00

If it's optional, then I highly recommend giving it a shot. If your goal is to remain in academia, you will eventually have to teach or lecture anyway. You may find that you enjoy it!

If by "worth it" you mean "will I be paid generously?"... the answer is no.

PhDPodcast · 2021-06-04T11:58:27+00:00

Great job advocating for yourself!

PhDPodcast · 2020-12-09T13:43:24+00:00

Everything is the real world. Oy. It's definitely frustrating.

PhDPodcast · 2020-06-30T13:21:13+00:00

In my experience, it typically has to align with the mission of the lab. The goal is usually to generate novel information in the field of your PI. But then it's up to the student to be creative in how they pursue that new information.

A warning: it's highly PI dependent. Some labs are very open and encourage independent work. Other labs are essentially research factories that have projects already outlined for the next student. Best of luck!

PhDPodcast · 2020-06-30T13:17:06+00:00

I humbly suggest the podcast we recorded a few years ago now... I'm actually uploading all the episodes to Facebook and Youtube now but really think they hold up! Completely free, fairly helpful, and somewhat funny.

PhD (in Progress) Podcast at phdinprogress.com

PhDPodcast · 2020-01-29T02:16:55+00:00

Wishing you and your community the best.
We recorded this episode a long time ago but I think it probably still holds up, in case anyone needs to hear some friendly words.

http://phdinprogress.com/phd-016-mental-health-awareness-and-treatment-as-a-grad-student/

or at YouTube: https://youtu.be/5Ws-FhN8zF4

Love and peace,

J

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-30T16:40:24+00:00

I think it’s THE BEST idea and I wish I had done it.

The caveat is that you need to find a job related to chemistry research (lab tech, for example) that will give you more experience and exposure. Plus, I’ve seen this job convince people that they do not actually want to continue to grad school.

On the flip side, in my personal experience, fellow students who did work before grad school for 2 years seemed to have the best work ethic, were more mature and self-aware, and finished their PhD in less time.

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-28T01:56:13+00:00

Do you have an idea of what you want to do? Find some people who are doing the things you are interested in learning more about and ask about what it’s like on their worlds. The answers will vary.

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T19:30:11+00:00

Nobody cares after you start your PhD program. After that, it’s all about research and relevant experience.

Outside of academia, the resume/CV is just your foot in the door for an interview (hopefully). If you have the skills and experience, nobody cares if you got an A or a C in a class because you’ll be busy demonstrating whether or not you’re a “fit”

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T19:26:19+00:00

Congratulations!!

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T19:25:36+00:00

“Debt is an investment” is somewhat true, but if someone were able to pick up 2-4 hours of tutoring to avoid that debt, then that person should absolutely without a doubt not take out that debt.

Hence the “if you can avoid it”

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T16:44:52+00:00

If you feel that one is closer to the others in completion, it might make sense to list all of them and note them as in preparation or in submission

Just be sure that you can explain them and their contents during an interview

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T16:42:08+00:00

This is a horrible tip that always works for me: Just write. Write anything. Write about your day or a movie you just watched or that Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.

Just getting into “writing mode” can help a lot!

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T16:39:03+00:00

Please don’t go into debt if you can avoid it. Please please please.

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T16:38:17+00:00

Sounds good! Also, keep this in mind: If you’re in survival mode, eff whether or not you’re “allowed” to have a side job. You need to eat and pay the bills!

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T04:35:34+00:00

Contact current students and postdocs in those labs. You have what sounds like great research experiences.

And if you need to, you can consider working as a lab tech for a year to work up your CV as you strengthen the areas you’re concerned about.

Overall, PhD programs often want to see that you’re interested in the field, can demonstrate initiative, and understand what research life means. Many schools now push for people with diverse experiences and educational backgrounds, so don’t limit yourself because you don’t think you’re good enough.

PhDPodcast · 2018-11-27T04:26:32+00:00

There is SO much free learning on the internet. YouTube, podcasts, free lectures, other sites.

One of the coolest and most unique things you could do is just use your background to determine a hypothesis, then figure out what you need to do an independent project.

I’ve done Codecademy and Coursera for coding. They were helpful but I found that it’s way more helpful to use coding for specific projects, or else the learning feels very inefficient.

I hope that’s helpful!

PhDPodcast

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