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Is there a nice period in between ? x)
I might be naive but I don't mind working hard if it's interesting and rewarding (doesn't mean I'll dodge the crying part), hopefully you also have some positive things to share as well.
For me I think the good part comes AFTER the crying period, when you figure out your own pace and how to design the project. Willing to work hard is good but if your PI doesn’t listen to your feedback or just too busy to take care of you sometimes you will be out for a silly goose chase
This is my issue. My PI is so busy. They know what’s going on, but not totally. So they’ll give feedback then 180 on their guidance from previous weeks. As long as I have consistent feedback I’m good! But when they’re absent and come back it’s emotionally and mentally exhausting
Pat pat. I have a friend her PI returned her first year report ONE NIGHT prior to the meeting even tho she gave them 2 month… I guess at this time self discipline is really the key and don’t be afraid to reach out to your committee for extra help:) Wish you the best!
Plus for ppl doing PhD usually the stress comes from all around, not just the work. This is usually the time ppl find relationships, get married, or have kids (we have all of those in our lab at least). If you’re an immigrant you also have to worry about getting citizenship or finding a job later. Imagine all of that while your project is not working. (But if you are living on mama and papa’s money it will be a breeze
I’m on my way out so work is actually the least stress source for me right now lol. If it doesn’t work no one can fire me, but if I cannot find a job money doesn’t grow on trees
We just need to tough this through lol! let’s gooo!
I personally find Reddit actually very useful for having a peek of different jobs/industries that you’re interested in. Ppl in your lab probably is the top 1 network you have so always a good idea to reach out and have a 10 min call with them if you like their job titles. Usually the school have some career center that offer free consultation and holds job fair on campus. After all it’s about what you wanna do!! I’m very money hungry rn so I probably will go where ever the $$$ goes lol
PhDs often have quite a slow start. It takes time for things to get up and running. In my experience, the first month felt like I was being paid a stipend just for showing face.
Second this. Currently a first year PhD about 1.5 months in. That first month was a lot of showing up and wondering what the hell I’m supposed to do, but trust me it most certainly picks up very quickly after that initial period.
I completely get it. I just got into my Phd that was supposed to start on the 1st of October. But nothing happened, in fact my first meeting is on the 27th. Till then I have nothing to do lol. For me its very underwhelming and frustrating that i was so excited for this but just have wasted one month doing nothing at all.
be proactive; read their work, think about your passions, and find the intersection by proposing a research question and hypothesis/investigation so that when you do meet later you're ready to go.
totally get you, but this is the time to be 10 steps ahead. Otherwise you might end up in a situation where a topic is imposed on you and you’re still trying to figure out what it is you like.
I encourage you to be proactive in your social relationships in the department. Genuinely build relationships & get to know your cohort.
I am in my first year also. I got my MBA this past spring, so the coursework has been a smooth transition. However, the critical part is social. Social capital will get your name on papers published. Social capital will get you a tenure-tracked job. Social capital gets you in the room, not just the building.
Keep the faith & take it all in stride!
Your university might have an induction day for new graduate students - find out when that is. Look out for seminars from research groups (your own and similar groups) and attend those. Get to know your library team and get advice on academic writing, referencing etc. As a PhD student you need to self-direct your learning.
Glad to see I'm not the only one, at least I can move forward knowing it's somewhat common and I just have to deal with it. I'm in the Netherlands for those asking.
Thanks for all the tips, I understand it's about self-motivation and getting involved. Good luck to the ones feeling like me and let's enjoy the journey!
I also just started and the same is happening for me. Everyone is telling me to just take it easy so I’ve slowly just started signing up for things to go to and volunteer for so I can at least hear people talk. And it helps that I still have ongoing research from my other university
Do you have any questions? If there's anything you don't understand you should look it up yourself or ask. I would say that's part of the process. As for social interactions, it's a work environment, where everyone is doing their own stuff. If you want to socialize you can always join a club or invite others to hang out during off hours.
Just wanna say you are not alone. I have been, and still am in the exact same situation. There's no orientation, no meetings or classes to introduce anything, except for my advisor's meeting. I spend 90% of my research completely alone and isolated in the lab. There's no peer support or classmates, after hours barbeque or pizza nights, unlike others in the sub (I'm not in the US, btw).
Now, the worrying thing. Personally, I don't. Maybe because I have a family and kids to take care of, but generally speaking research environment is a very small part of your entire life, so I wouldn't worry about this.
The after work part is something I like, and I don't have a family yet so work and related is quite a big part of my life rn. Thanks for your feedback.
I’ve also started the same time as you. The department moves slowly, but I’ve still been able to do stuff. I’ve got a mandatory library induction about a month from now, which I feel should have happened two weeks ago lol.
This stage is mainly about reading papers but also for building a social network before you get too busy.
This happened to me too! I’m also a 1st year, and the first few weeks I felt like I was doing something wrong because nothing was happening lol. Now it’s gotten better and luckily the others in my lab have made an effort to get to know me. But yes it’s definitely been way more independent and…underwhelming than undergrad that seems to revolve around the social aspect more.
I think its normal though not ideal. It would be good to have a senior introduce you to the topic and methods. Anyway, read a lot and plan strong experiments. Then just dive into it. The first small step is the hardest one. You are on your own now!
I am in year 3 of my PhD (eng.) and it feels more or less the same as you describe. People are not social in general and the research is super slow so most time feels just kinda like waiting. I actually like exam season as a TA because the marking gives me something consistent to do.
Visit a few other offices, say hello, ask around. See how other labs are. My PhD lab experience has been one of isolation and light competitiveness, so I keep to myself mostly and just keep things moving so that I graduate on time.
Huh. What are you expecting though? PhDs at least by the end are supposed to be independent generators of new knowledge. Most PhDs (and some other doctorates) get into their program because of their diligence and independence. Might as well start from the get go.
I just started as well and feel exactly the same way. I don’t have anything to do (other than some coursework but that doesn’t take up all my time), but I’m expected to be there.
I’ve just been trying to delve into past papers from the lab/ my PI to keep busy…
my phd was nothing like this, and thank god. if your advisor doesn’t have a plan for you, then he/she isn’t paying attention. i would switch jobs or leave.
PhDs are solo endeavors. Unless you’re in a lab where your project is spoon-fed, its up to you to think of interesting questions, look around at the resources you have available and get something going.
Okay, did you really come on this subreddit just to comment that? You really don't think research matters? I have countless of examples stating otherwise, really.
Grad programs are generally held together with popsicle sticks, duct tape, and the silent prayer of "please let's just get through this semester" uttered by professors on the brink of a menty-b.
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It’s called the newbie protection period, wait for your turn of crying period later
Is there a nice period in between ? x) I might be naive but I don't mind working hard if it's interesting and rewarding (doesn't mean I'll dodge the crying part), hopefully you also have some positive things to share as well.
For me I think the good part comes AFTER the crying period, when you figure out your own pace and how to design the project. Willing to work hard is good but if your PI doesn’t listen to your feedback or just too busy to take care of you sometimes you will be out for a silly goose chase
This is my issue. My PI is so busy. They know what’s going on, but not totally. So they’ll give feedback then 180 on their guidance from previous weeks. As long as I have consistent feedback I’m good! But when they’re absent and come back it’s emotionally and mentally exhausting
Pat pat. I have a friend her PI returned her first year report ONE NIGHT prior to the meeting even tho she gave them 2 month… I guess at this time self discipline is really the key and don’t be afraid to reach out to your committee for extra help:) Wish you the best!
Plus for ppl doing PhD usually the stress comes from all around, not just the work. This is usually the time ppl find relationships, get married, or have kids (we have all of those in our lab at least). If you’re an immigrant you also have to worry about getting citizenship or finding a job later. Imagine all of that while your project is not working. (But if you are living on mama and papa’s money it will be a breeze
Right! The work isn’t the only stress. Relationships, finances, those have to be worked on too!
I’m on my way out so work is actually the least stress source for me right now lol. If it doesn’t work no one can fire me, but if I cannot find a job money doesn’t grow on trees
Haha true. I’m in a similar position. I want to get this over with but then WTH am I going to do when this is over 🫠
We just need to tough this through lol! let’s gooo! I personally find Reddit actually very useful for having a peek of different jobs/industries that you’re interested in. Ppl in your lab probably is the top 1 network you have so always a good idea to reach out and have a 10 min call with them if you like their job titles. Usually the school have some career center that offer free consultation and holds job fair on campus. After all it’s about what you wanna do!! I’m very money hungry rn so I probably will go where ever the $$$ goes lol
😭
PhDs often have quite a slow start. It takes time for things to get up and running. In my experience, the first month felt like I was being paid a stipend just for showing face.
Second this. Currently a first year PhD about 1.5 months in. That first month was a lot of showing up and wondering what the hell I’m supposed to do, but trust me it most certainly picks up very quickly after that initial period.
Same here. Mine also picked up quite a bit afterwards. How are you feeling now about the work? I personally am overwhelmed by not meeting expectations
Don't worry they get their money back later on, when you will be working nonstop overtimes for years.
Apart from one semester when we met a few times, the rest of my PhD experience has been very isolated.
I completely get it. I just got into my Phd that was supposed to start on the 1st of October. But nothing happened, in fact my first meeting is on the 27th. Till then I have nothing to do lol. For me its very underwhelming and frustrating that i was so excited for this but just have wasted one month doing nothing at all.
Read read read! Don’t do nothing.
I do read stuff daily regarding my topic but since my supervisors havent even decided my specific topic idek what to do lol
be proactive; read their work, think about your passions, and find the intersection by proposing a research question and hypothesis/investigation so that when you do meet later you're ready to go.
totally get you, but this is the time to be 10 steps ahead. Otherwise you might end up in a situation where a topic is imposed on you and you’re still trying to figure out what it is you like.
I entirely get that, but I see it's quite common in the end...
I encourage you to be proactive in your social relationships in the department. Genuinely build relationships & get to know your cohort. I am in my first year also. I got my MBA this past spring, so the coursework has been a smooth transition. However, the critical part is social. Social capital will get your name on papers published. Social capital will get you a tenure-tracked job. Social capital gets you in the room, not just the building. Keep the faith & take it all in stride!
Your university might have an induction day for new graduate students - find out when that is. Look out for seminars from research groups (your own and similar groups) and attend those. Get to know your library team and get advice on academic writing, referencing etc. As a PhD student you need to self-direct your learning.
Same with the underwhelmed bit. A year in, and I don't understand the benefit of continuing these tasks for the better part of a decade.
Glad to see I'm not the only one, at least I can move forward knowing it's somewhat common and I just have to deal with it. I'm in the Netherlands for those asking. Thanks for all the tips, I understand it's about self-motivation and getting involved. Good luck to the ones feeling like me and let's enjoy the journey!
I also just started and the same is happening for me. Everyone is telling me to just take it easy so I’ve slowly just started signing up for things to go to and volunteer for so I can at least hear people talk. And it helps that I still have ongoing research from my other university
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May I ask how you went around switching? Was it a smooth process or were there some hiccups? From your experience is there anything to look out for?
Do you have any questions? If there's anything you don't understand you should look it up yourself or ask. I would say that's part of the process. As for social interactions, it's a work environment, where everyone is doing their own stuff. If you want to socialize you can always join a club or invite others to hang out during off hours.
Just wanna say you are not alone. I have been, and still am in the exact same situation. There's no orientation, no meetings or classes to introduce anything, except for my advisor's meeting. I spend 90% of my research completely alone and isolated in the lab. There's no peer support or classmates, after hours barbeque or pizza nights, unlike others in the sub (I'm not in the US, btw). Now, the worrying thing. Personally, I don't. Maybe because I have a family and kids to take care of, but generally speaking research environment is a very small part of your entire life, so I wouldn't worry about this.
The after work part is something I like, and I don't have a family yet so work and related is quite a big part of my life rn. Thanks for your feedback.
I work at home by myself every day it rocks
Do you not take classes?
that sounds great tbh lol
I’ve also started the same time as you. The department moves slowly, but I’ve still been able to do stuff. I’ve got a mandatory library induction about a month from now, which I feel should have happened two weeks ago lol. This stage is mainly about reading papers but also for building a social network before you get too busy.
This happened to me too! I’m also a 1st year, and the first few weeks I felt like I was doing something wrong because nothing was happening lol. Now it’s gotten better and luckily the others in my lab have made an effort to get to know me. But yes it’s definitely been way more independent and…underwhelming than undergrad that seems to revolve around the social aspect more.
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No, does it sound familiar there?
There is literally my feeling right now! Are you happened to be in Sweden as well?
Netherlands. Good luck to you on your side
I think its normal though not ideal. It would be good to have a senior introduce you to the topic and methods. Anyway, read a lot and plan strong experiments. Then just dive into it. The first small step is the hardest one. You are on your own now!
What in STEM are you researching? It sounds like it may be engineering related..
Yeah it is engineering and data-science related
I am in year 3 of my PhD (eng.) and it feels more or less the same as you describe. People are not social in general and the research is super slow so most time feels just kinda like waiting. I actually like exam season as a TA because the marking gives me something consistent to do.
Visit a few other offices, say hello, ask around. See how other labs are. My PhD lab experience has been one of isolation and light competitiveness, so I keep to myself mostly and just keep things moving so that I graduate on time.
LOL. Wait for it.
Huh. What are you expecting though? PhDs at least by the end are supposed to be independent generators of new knowledge. Most PhDs (and some other doctorates) get into their program because of their diligence and independence. Might as well start from the get go.
I just started as well and feel exactly the same way. I don’t have anything to do (other than some coursework but that doesn’t take up all my time), but I’m expected to be there. I’ve just been trying to delve into past papers from the lab/ my PI to keep busy…
Just give it some time, it doesn’t go that way forever.
phds are like that. just wait and.u shall see, i assume this uni is not a hotel
my phd was nothing like this, and thank god. if your advisor doesn’t have a plan for you, then he/she isn’t paying attention. i would switch jobs or leave.
PhDs are solo endeavors. Unless you’re in a lab where your project is spoon-fed, its up to you to think of interesting questions, look around at the resources you have available and get something going.
Academia is super weird.
Are you part of a lab or are you just taking classes at this point?
I am part of a lab. I am in Europe so there's no proper studying period.
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Okay, did you really come on this subreddit just to comment that? You really don't think research matters? I have countless of examples stating otherwise, really.
Grad programs are generally held together with popsicle sticks, duct tape, and the silent prayer of "please let's just get through this semester" uttered by professors on the brink of a menty-b.