Ep.6: Starting Your PhD Effectively

Welcome back to the #iProgress Podcast - JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/Ru5mt8PYpM

In this episode, your hosts - Dr. Dean Fido and Dr. Craig Harper - talk you through how you can effectively and efficiently start your PhD journey. They discuss the need for efficiency in the PhD process, and their top tips for working effectively during your first week and throughout the first year.

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YOUTUBE ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCslssS3vIVx2okk6g5d9D4g

TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/iProgress_CC

INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/iprogress_official/

WEBSITE ►► https://iprogress-cc.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 - The current state of PhD funding and availability

08:44 - Developing your PhD mindset in the first week

24:33 - Planning your first year as a PhD student

Resources: Our PhD Notion Template: xxxxxxxxx

Get your planner: https://iprogress-cc.com/resources-shop/

Our tips for starting your PhD effectively on day one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50H9rtiHXV0

Cal Newport's "Deep Work" book: https://amzn.to/3QkPH71

Cal Newport's "A World Without Email" book: https://amzn.to/3Rnp5TW

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CRIB NOTES

- Welcomes & Scope of podcast episode

- Topic 1 - The current state of PhDs

- Increased number of self-funded PhD students over the last few years

- Compared to 2017–18, there has been a decline in providers’ own funds, overseas government funding and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding as a major source of tuition fees.

- There was a significant increase in the number of self-funded entrants in 2020–21, which is mainly attributed to the growth from China.

- The uncertainty of the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe impacts both access to the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action doctoral training networks and PhD students funded through Horizon Europe projects.

- Because of this, there are a lot of students who have invested their own money in their PhDs and so for them, being able to complete in a timely manner is of importance.

- Topic 2 - Tips for starting off effectively in your first week

- Enroll in all workshops available

- Set up meeting with supervision team and establish a contract of working

- Fully acquaint yourself with campus

- Find your quiet spot

- Find your place to learn

- Meet the librarians and support staff

- Attend any welcome events possible to find your tribe

- Topic 3 - Tips for starting off effectively during your first year

- Plan a publication

- Gain a thorough grounding through regular writing

- Develop templates to avoid 'productive procrastination'

- Closing remarks

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Music by AlphaGaming | HarrisHeller