How to stay?

How to stay?

Conditional on a match, there are some definite dos and don’ts for succeeding in a PhD program.

The Do’s

1. Do…commit to the program

• This is your full time job
• Very different than life as an undergraduate or masters student

2. Do…take care of yourself

• (full time job, but…) need not be your entire life
• Self care is not selfish
• Counseling resources available from the university
• Potential for medical leave if necessary
• Come talk to me!

3. Do…work together

• You are not here to compete with one another. We want EVERYONE to succeed! Help each other.
• Celebrate each others’ successes
• Think and talk about research ideas together

4. Do…stay organized

• Develop a study system and schedule
• Respond to emails
• Show up on time and be present

5. Do…focus on inputs, not outputs

The Don’t’s

1. Don’t…isolate yourself

• Get to know your students and faculty
• Social interactions, group study, etc. can be complementary to your classroom success

2. Don’t…think academia is zero-sum

“It’s not enough that I should succeed. Other’s must fail”

— Ghengis Khan

3. Don’t…lose confidence

• The first year is challenging and imposter syndrome is real
• You absolutely, 100%, DESERVE TO BE HERE