#phdlife #phdchat
Going to make a few posts over the next couple of days about #PHD programs and being a grad student, especially as it relates to the unwritten curriculum of becoming and being a PhD student. My experience is primarily in the US and in the social sciences, but I have worked with some STEM PhD students as well.
If you have questions or thoughts please share them.
I will start with one that I often discuss and argue about with many, especially now during application season. I will argue that for the majority of students, it makes more sense to experience the world after graduating from college at least for a couple of years before entering a PhD program. I know many successful grad students who have not done this, but here are a couple of thoughts:
1) to what extent do you really know what you are interested in studying just out of college? Working in the field, or engaging in pre-phd for a couple of years can provide valuable experience that a) makes you a better PhD prospect, and b) helps you firm up your PhD journey before a 5-7 year commitment
2) some students are not ready at 22 or 23 for the mental transition from college life to PhD life (I certainly was not). I have seen a couple of main issues here. First the college grade and course focuses mindset doesn't match PhD program expectations. Second, the general stress and lifestyle of PhD students is so different.
More to come
Pursuing a PhD should be a generative time, and for some it is. It is also generally an unhealthy experience on multiple levels, with weight gain and mental health issues being major challenges.
Self care, creating boundaries, having accountability partners for well being are critical to maintain physical and mental well being.
It is important to see, acknowledge, and work to self preserve in the face of some of the toxicity of academia.
