So you think you can PhD or the 10 steps to waltz through your PhD.

In a flurry of uncoordinated dance moves a PhD slowly forms. From the acknowledgements page (thanking everyone including your dog for not eating your thesis), to your bibliography (which was meticulously put together by endnote) the PhD is a long 3 plus year dance which results in a publication, which if you are lucky will be read by more than four people!

But it isn’t for everyone. And being able to maximize your PhD through a few tricks, will allow you to not just end up with a PhD, but chances are a future in the field of your choosing. The ten steps to waltz through your PhD!

1. Choosing your project – This is and point number 2 are probably the most important parts of the PhD. Choosing a project you love but no one else in the country is working on – forget it. Instead get into an established project that is already producing data. This gives you a number of distinct advantages. Without needing to set up a project, you can start getting your hands dirty. You will be able to start publishing early on in your PhD, and it also means you will probably get out at 4 years rather than the typical 5-10 years for someone trying to start a project from scratch.

2. Choose your supervisor wisely – A supportive supervisor who sees how much you are worth is invaluable. They will not just help guide you through the PhD, but can help form your life post PhD. I hate using this word, but if you can be your supervisors “favourite” chances are you will do amazing things. Many of the highly successful PhD/academics have come from being with amazing supportive supervisors.

3. Publish! Come up with ideas but get your word out. Too many PhDs end up being told to not publish or not write articles pro-bono (this does seem counter-intuitive but it does happen and has more to do what your supervisor wants reflected about themselves than what you need to do). But push your agenda – it is the only way to get your publication records up. Get onto the conversation and start getting your word out.

4. Talk to other students and lab members – even ask to volunteer for a few weeks and see if you are a good fit. You will be there for years – so start thinking of your desk/lab bench as home.

5. Start networking – meet the big names in your field. Send an email explaining your work and see if you can collaborate.

6. Do not be afraid to state your end date. Too often supervisors want perfection and have unrealistic expectations of what you can achieve. Sometimes you have to take the risk and just do what you feel is right.

7. Get involved with as many extra activities you can. Your postgraduate association, professional associations etc.

8. Pick your conferences and get to as many as possible. There are a lot of student scholarships which can support your attendance.

9. Start learning your tools. Word documents – find out what a master document is. Endnote will become your best friend. And yes you may need to start thinking about some basic graphic design programs such as illustrator and canvas. Do it early and save yourself the stress of trying to learn these as deadlines loom!

10. And lastly : Think about what you want from the PhD. Is it to be an academic? Is it to have the qualification so you can apply for particular positions? It is a lifelong dream? What can you get from a PhD you can not get by going out into the workforce now?

Any steps I have missed? Let me know!