Navigating the Ph.D. Journey: Insights from a Graduate Student

The beginning of a doctoral journey is a period filled with uncertainty, akin to navigating the vast ocean where it takes some time to find one's bearings. For me, it took a couple of classes before I finally felt settled and oriented.

My cohort was immensely supportive, sharing valuable information and wisdom from individuals pursuing doctorates in various fields such as nursing education, human resources, business, and information technology. We shared notes and learned that working together as a team is always beneficial.

Seeking Guidance and Structured Support

It wasn’t until the end of my second year that I was allowed to approach a committee chair, a person who would provide guidance and support throughout my studies. During our discussions, my committee chair emphasized several key points:

Independence and Autonomy

This project is yours. The timeline is up to you. My chair suggested a timeline, and I worked hard to meet it, successfully completing the core of my proposal fairly quickly. This highlighted the significant responsibility one must take in managing their own time and project.

Passion and Persistence

Pick a topic that you love. You will need to motivate yourself, as you will likely begin to hate it after a while. You’re going to live with it for at least a couple of years. The key is to find a passion that can sustain you through the long journey ahead.

Utilizing Resources

Use all your resources. Get good editors. Find government resources where available, which often include free data. My company allowed the use of its systems, and the university provided support through reviews and edits. Leverage your entire committee and network.

This project is yours. You are responsible for planning, scheduling, coordinating, and meeting the rules of the institution. In essence, she was there to advise, while I was responsible for the heavy lifting. My takeaway was that the doctoral journey is designed to prepare researchers to build and lead major projects.

Academic Discipline and Project Management

The doctoral process is designed to instill a disciplined approach from an academic perspective. Interestingly, this aligns with the principles of project management professionals. It was my understanding of project management that helped me in my success, especially during the oral defense.

I was successful largely because I recognized the relationship between the research project and my experience in project management. This knowledge provided a structured framework that helped me navigate the challenges of my doctoral journey.

Conclusion

The doctoral journey is a path strewn with challenges, but it is also an opportunity for growth and development. With the right mindset, resources, and support, one can successfully complete this demanding endeavor.

For anyone aspiring to embark on a doctoral journey, remember to find a topic you love, utilize all available resources, and maintain a disciplined approach to your work.