
{"id":4166,"date":"2023-04-19T05:03:19","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T05:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/groundwork-to-do-before-choosing-your-phd-supervisor-and-organization\/"},"modified":"2025-01-15T06:21:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T06:21:06","slug":"groundwork-to-do-before-choosing-your-phd-supervisor-and-organization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/groundwork-to-do-before-choosing-your-phd-supervisor-and-organization","title":{"rendered":"Groundwork to do before choosing your PhD supervisor and organization"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Choosing a PhD supervisor and organization is a crucial decision that will determine your academic and professional trajectory. Importantly, this decision will also have a direct influence on your personal and mental wellbeing during the arc of your PhD. Before making a final decision, it is important to carefully weigh various factors to ensure that the PhD program, supervisor, and organization align with your academic and career goals. Here, we provide some basic dos and don\u2019ts that PhD candidates should consider before narrowing down where and with whom to do a PhD.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:14.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Finding the right research organization<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Identify your interests and goals and seek the right fit<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Be clear about your research interests and career goals, as this will help you focus your search. Look for PhD programs that specialize in your research interests and are accredited by recognized academic bodies. Be sure to find out various program requirements well in advance. Some PhD programs may have minimum requirements for finishing a thesis; find out how many publications are expected. Pay attention to the duration of the program to make sure that it aligns with your academic and personal goals.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Consider location and logistics<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Reflect on the logistics of pursuing a PhD, such as location, cost of living, and accessibility. Assess options for support and accommodation. Reach out to current PhD students to get details on travel, basic facilities, expenses, etc. Will your stipend cover major costs and leave enough for you to have a comfortable stay? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Thoroughly vet the quality of research<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Carefully consider research areas, publications, collaborations, and funding sources in potential research organizations that align with your research interests. Review the mission, vision, and values of these organizations. If your field of study requires a certain type of setup, find out more about the availability of equipment and specialized research facilities, as well as partnerships with other academic institutions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Get a feel of the research environment and culture<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">PhD candidates may not initially pay attention to the research environment and culture of potential research organizations. It is important to review points like the level of support and mentorship provided by researchers, the level of collaboration and communication among researchers, and the overall culture of the organization. Here are some questions you should seek answers to: What do current researchers feel about the work\u2013life balance? Is childcare support provided? What is the general perception of diversity, inclusion, and equity on the campus? Do underrepresented groups feel safe and welcome? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:14.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Finding the right PhD supervisor<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Understand the work they do<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Identify potential supervisors who have expertise in your field of interest. Check their publication records and research interests from <\/span><\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#1f2127\"><span style=\"letter-spacing:.1pt\">research group websites, publication profiles, and their students\u2019 theses. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Try and find out about past supervision experience to assess if they are the right fit for you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Attend events and seminars <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Attend events, workshops, and seminars organized by the PhD program and organization. Doing so<\/span><\/span><\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"> can provide valuable insights into the research interests of the supervisor and their group. This experience will give you an idea about how favorably disposed the prospective supervisor is in terms of taking on a new student and working on a topic of your interest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Talk to the potential supervisor\u2019s PhD students<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Reach out to current and past PhD students to learn about their experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Try and collect as much feedback as you can from as many sources possible. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:14.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Avoiding common mistakes when choosing a prospective research organization and supervisor<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Mistake no. 1: Giving much weightage to fame<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Many students tend to select supervisors based on their fame (say, based on awards or a high H-index) rather than the suitability of the student-supervisor match. Remember that a supervisor\u2019s reputation does not guarantee a successful PhD experience. In fact, you may struggle to schedule regular meetings with a celebrated researcher!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Mistake no. 2: Not prioritizing research interests<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Many students select supervisors without considering whether their research interests match those of the supervisor. It is essential to work with a supervisor whose research interests match your own to ensure a productive and satisfying PhD experience.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Mistake no. 3: Overlooking interpersonal skills<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">While technical expertise is paramount, interpersonal skills are equally important. A supervisor who is approachable, communicative, and supportive can make a huge difference in your PhD experience. Do not disregard this key factor in your selection process.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:14.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Some best practices to follow when choosing your research milieu<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Dig into the potential supervisor\u2019s work:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"> Carefully review their publications, grants, and collaborations to ensure that they have the necessary expertise and funding to support your research.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Get opinions from multiple sources on the supervisor\u2019s interpersonal skills:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"> It is essential to have an open and honest relationship with your supervisor. Their communication and interpersonal skills should be assessed based on inputs from their current and past mentees, colleagues, laboratory staff, etc.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><i><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Focus on compatibility in working style:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"> Shared interests may not be enough. Do you share a similar working style with your potential supervisor? Do a quick self-assessment: what kind of a student are you? Do you need constant feedback and some level of handholding? Or are you independent and like doing things your own way (i.e., you prefer a detached supervision style)? Having similar approaches to work and problem-solving will be easy on both the PhD student and supervisor!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:14.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">In closing<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify; margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span style=\"line-height:107%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Choosing where and with whom to do your PhD is a decision that will determine the course of the next few years, professionally and personally. It is also one of the key factors that will have a bearing on your mental health. It\u2019s a decision you (hopefully!) get to make just once, so take your time and choose wisely!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0cm 0cm 8pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing a PhD supervisor and organization is a crucial decision that will determine your academic and professional trajectory. Importantly, this decision will also have a direct influence on your personal and mental wellbeing during the arc of your PhD. Before making a final decision, it is important to carefully weigh various factors to ensure that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":481,"featured_media":33313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2382],"tags":[470,2666],"new_categories":[],"new_tags":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-4166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-around-the-web","tag-phd","tag-phd-life"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Groundwork to do before choosing your PhD supervisor and organization | Editage Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Choosing a PhD supervisor and organization is a crucial decision that will determine your academic and professional 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