How to survive the first 6 months of your PhD? - a blogpost by ESR9 Bohdana Sokolova

When my turn came to write a blog post, most of my colleagues have already had a chance to talk about their experience as fresh PhDs. Joining a high-level research group, meeting renowned scientists, winter schools, conferences, exchanges abroad – many things that one could only dream of in undergrad are most frequently mentioned in the reflections on first months of doctorate studies. But alas, from my own experience and discussions with other PhD students I dare say that the feeling that often hides behind this refined façade is frustration. Questions like ‘where is this going?’ and ‘am I doing enough?’ used to pop up in my head all the time adding to the general state of confusion as a newly-started PhD student. Having successfully survived 5 months of my new role, I would like to leave some tips for those who are just starting their journey and myself on how to get through first months of PhD studies.
‘Accept your destiny’
First of all, it is normal to feel confused. We will skip first four stages of Bart Simpson’s scheme right to the last one – acceptance. Embrace the idea that you will not be perfect on this path, you might not see the global idea behind the project, you might not understand everything, you might make mistakes, and it is completely okay. Regardless of what you have been doing before, no one is fully prepared to be a PhD student. Once you have accepted your fate, you can move on to the next step.

‘What can I do to make this journey as smooth as possible?’
Start learning about your project asap. PhD is a combination of studies, research work and – most importantly – managing a project, and you cannot lead this project without knowing the direction where you are going. So read the literature, discuss it with your supervisors, make sure to have a clear vision of everything that is supposed to happen during these 3 (or 4) years.

‘Use the opportunities’

Consider your time as a graduate student a mutually beneficial agreement between you and the scientific community: you provide an in-depth research on a certain topic and in exchange get an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. PhD studies provide space to improve a large variety of skills. Always wanted to start writing? Launch a personal or write articles for biotech media. Interested in trying yourself as a mentor? Volunteer to supervise an undergraduate student or work as a TA in a course. Organizing conferences, starting a pop-science podcast, exploring bioenterpreneurship – there are countless possibilities out there waiting for you to uncover them! Think about your passions and try to find ways to express them as a part of your studies from day one, it will certainly bring a splash of color into your routine work (and enrich your CV😉).

‘Network’
This is your unique chance to meet like-minded people ready to change the world. So put yourself out there, attend workshops, conferences, learn about things that others are doing (even if they are not directly applicable to your field or rather especially if they are not directly applicable to your field).
‘Healthy balance’

Last but not least, remember that research is just one part of your life. As important as your work is for you, it is crucial to find that ‘equilibrium state’ where you could have space for healthy sleep, sport, hobbies and private life. PhD is a marathon and not a sprint, so make sure you have enough energy to make it to the finish line!