Welcome to the PhD Roadmap! Here, you’ll find two types of information: “soft” insights (hard-to-find advice, based on lived experience) and “hard” facts (practical, straightforward information easily found online). Both types of information are equally valuable and deeply interconnected.
Why should I pursue a PhD?
Your decision to pursue a PhD should stem from a genuine desire to create impactful work and continue your education. Start by asking yourself:
- Why do I want this?
- Who am I, and who do I want to become?
- What do I want to achieve?
Handling rejection and redirection
Putting yourself out there will inevitably lead to rejection or redirection. While this can be emotionally taxing, every step brings you closer to finding the program and PI (principal investigator) that’s right for you.
Remember: you are worth more than any rejection email or numerical metric.
A note on grace
For others: Emails get lost. Some are ignored. Rejections happen. Treat others with grace.
For yourself: Not everything will work out on the first try. Give yourself grace, too.
Culture and “fit”
Graduate programs often emphasize “fit.” This is your compatibility with the program’s culture and the mentorship style of the PI. Finding a mutual fit is crucial. Not all labs or programs are the same, and the right environment will determine how well you thrive and how much a program invests in you.
This will dictate your ability to excel and the value of that lab’s investment in you.
Personal health and wellness
Many doctoral students struggle with managing physical and mental health, especially if it’s their first time encountering these challenges.
My advice is to address recurring health issues and establish a structure for maintenance before starting graduate school. Ask about resources like gym facilities, health insurance, intramural activities, and access to qualified therapists. Prioritizing your health ensures you can fully participate in your program.
Common feelings and thoughts
- Impostor phenomenon: Everyone experiences it. If you don’t, maybe that’s a bigger red flag.
- Self-doubt: Rejection and redirection are natural. They do not define your worth or the value of your work.
Postbaccalaureate considerations
What should you do after earning your bachelor’s degree?
Take your time. Discern your intentions before committing to a PhD.
Consider:
- Working in an academic/industry lab or hospital.
- Exploring industry jobs before considering a PhD.
- Joining post-bac or summer undergraduate research experience programs.
Becoming an attractive candidate
What graduate-level work have you done, or could you do, to strengthen your application?
- GPA: Programs often require a minimum GPA (3.0+ for undergrad; 3.5+ for graduate degrees). You can highlight specific GPAs, such as upperclassmen or major-specific averages, if noted appropriately.
- Coursework: Does your education meet the formal requirements for your field of interest? Consider a master’s degree if pivoting between disciplines.
- Research Experience:
- Do the work. Be present. Not all aspects of research are fun (or paid), but it is the backbone of doctoral work
- Ask for work you aren’t necessarily qualified for. Others may be willing to teach and mentor you, but you won’t know if you don’t ask
- Present at conferences, start local
- Writing is currency and a privilege that accompanies significant work. If you have not already, express your interest in increased responsibility and appropriate writing opportunities.
- Perspective: What do I see that has not been seen before? What viewpoint can I add to the continuous conversation? Make it clear.
Networking
The best way to evaluate a program’s “fit” is by talking to current students, senior postdoctoral researchers, laboratory managers.
How to connect:
- Identify a program or PI of interest. Remember, as we climb up the hierarchy of lab members, the more full their inbox is.
- Utilize your current network. Let people you currently work with know your intent for graduate education and mentorship. Ask someone you know to liaise a ‘meeting’. You could ask someone you previously zoomed with to introduce you via email.
- Email them, and keep in mind that you are a stranger.
Reaching out to a graduate student or postdoc could provide an easier path to reaching the PI. These lab members can also provide a great impression of the laboratory environment and their PI’s mentorship style. Keep in mind, PIs have influence on the doctoral application committees, so treat them accordingly!
What to do:
- Introduce yourself and your science/academic background. Make sure you can talk about your research with someone who isn’t in your field.
- Show that you have taken the time to understand their work and research direction.
- State why you decided to reach out to them - demonstrate your intentionality.
- Ask to meet.
What not to do
- Be rude.
- Misspell a PI’s name.
- Miss a meeting for no reason.
- AI-generate an email– it’s more obvious than you think!
- Assume they will respond or meet with you.
Final word
There’s no formula for success or “perfect” timeline or guarantee. Focus on connecting with others, showing genuine passion, and putting your goals out into the world. The right path will find you.
Let’s shape the future together.
Speaker
