Starting Your Doctorate: What I Wish I Had Known Earlier
For the past 3-years I have been an Early-Stage Researcher in the AUTOBarge project working on developing collision avoidance algorithms for autonomous vessels. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some amazing individuals, especially my fellow ESRs in the project, with whom I’ve shared experiences and memories I’ll cherish forever.
Figure 1: Science was done. Memories were made. Dignity… may not have survived!
As I near the end of my Ph.D. journey, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned and the things I wish I had discovered earlier. I’ve decided to write them down in the hope they might help others steer through their own doctoral voyage while avoiding a few obstacles along the way!
Avoid Comparison:
Every Ph.D. journey is unique. Some students begin with years of prior research experience in the same field, while others may enter with less direct expertise. Even within the same lab, your project and goals will be different from those of your peers. Comparing yourself unnecessarily, especially in the early stages, can trigger imposter syndrome and create unnecessary stress. Instead of measuring yourself against others, focus on steady personal growth and celebrate small milestones as you move forward.
Remember: A Ph.D. Is Not a Master’s or Undergraduate Degree
This isn’t just another degree program. Unlike undergraduate or master’s studies, the focus is not on coursework or exams. A Ph.D. is about independent research and creativity. Think of it less as “studying” and more as adopting a new lifestyle. Your success will depend on discipline, curiosity, and your ability to navigate uncertainty.
Keep a Literature Log
One of the most underrated habits is maintaining a structured record of the literature you read. This is something I wish I had done from the beginning itself. Use a simple spreadsheet and create entries for articles including things like title, authors, publication year, key findings and your remarks. This log becomes invaluable when writing papers, preparing your thesis, or simply revisiting ideas months later. To stay current, dedicate regular time (weekly or monthly) to reading new publications in your field. At the very least, your log could even evolve into a survey paper with minimal extra effort.
Learn New Tools Early
Throughout your Ph.D., you’ll encounter numerous new tools such as LaTeX for writing, reference managers like Zotero or Mendeley, project management software, data analysis tools, and more. The learning curve can feel steep, but the time invested on learning these tools will pay off in efficiency and professionalism.
Stay Connected With Your Supervisor
Regular communication with your supervisor is very important, especially in the early stages when you’re still learning the basics surrounding your topic. Their guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and keep you on track. Set a schedule for check-ins, whether weekly or monthly. These check-ins could be as simple as an email with your progress and challenges. These updates ensure you don’t drift too far off track and give you the chance to clarify doubts before they grow into bigger problems.
Discuss Your Research With Peers
Never underestimate the value of peer discussions. Explaining your work, even to someone outside your field, forces you to clarify your thoughts and help you see the problems in a different point-of-view. Fresh perspectives can lead to unexpected insights. Never miss opportunities to present your work in informal settings (lab meetings, reading groups, student seminars) in addition to your formal conferences. Feedback and brainstorming are powerful accelerators of research progress.
Figure 2: “Brainstorming” sessions with my fellow ESRs
Collaborate Whenever Possible
Collaboration is one of the fastest ways to grow. Working with others not only strengthens your network but also exposes you to new methods and perspectives. Joint projects can accelerate progress by combining complementary expertise, allowing you to achieve results that might take much longer alone.
Figure 3: Awkward pose aside, present your work whenever you get the chance!
Plan Your Time and Track Progress
Ph.D. programs offer a great deal of flexibility, but that freedom can easily turn into procrastination if not managed carefully. Early on, work with your supervisor to create a rough timeline of goals and milestones. Of course, research is unpredictable and plans will change, but having a roadmap gives structure to your work and helps you see progress even when day-to-day tasks feel uncertain. It is also important to have smaller milestones in this road map, so you can experience a sense of accomplishment along the way.
The most important thing is to genuinely enjoy your research. You chose this project because it sparked your curiosity, and your Ph.D. gives you the opportunity to explore it in depth every day. While challenges and stress are inevitable, try not to lose sight of the privilege of dedicating your time to something you care about. Good luck on your journey!
