Before a PhD - 5 *secrets* for starting strong!

Before your PhD you should focus on the most important factor - you. But, here are the five secret aspects and things you can do before your PhD for starting strong. I've learned this through many years of academia and watching the dynamics of PhD students and research groups.
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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Start with the end in mind
3:37 - Speak to your loved ones and explain to them all about academia and support you will need
6:16 - Contact current group members and PhD students of that supervisor to find out the ins and outs
9:42 - Remember to ask the silly questions
11:55 - Lay the foundations for good physical and mental health
14:28 - Outro
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[@jenneroberts7219]

I always say "Sleep is life's most affordable luxury". Its great to hear you identify this as a foundation for success.

[@gibmiralles]

Thank you! We definitely need a video on "how to read a paper?"

[@hassanraza7923]

According to personal experience, Start from abstract and conclusion. If it hits your mind and need of research then read it further.

[@johnmcghee3963]

Abstract, conclusion, section headings and any diagrams - this lets you start thinking about whatever is in the paper and how it all fits together as you’re reading it. Allows you to focus on the important parts too and spend less time and n what isn’t important - or allows you to see the parts they haven’t thought about and where a gap in the literature might lie before you begin reading properly.

[@osmani6004]

@@hassanraza7923 that is a very good point my lecturer in research methodology class said the same thing , read the abstract and conclusion

[@nassimmahfoud8832]

Yes agree!

[@mau345]

Familiarize with the common methodologies and fundamental theories of your field/ topic first with books or reviews, build a pattern in your head especially how they derive the analysis then you read these “supplemental” papers, not as deep and make sure you get the gist from the abstract, conclusion and discussion. Took me grueling years to practice this but its worth it

[@hudamaulana9590]

I am starting my journey in 2 months. I wanted to watch this video expecting it would all say something academically such as reading papers or going into conferences and things like that. I didn't expect all of the tips are about our mental, physical and social readiness. Great wholesome content Andy as always!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

"Asking the silly questions" is exactly why I've built my KZbin channel and called it "PhD Coffee Time". It's collectively all my retrospective answers to my "silly questions" Also a 10th year academic here, it often takes a 15 min coffee break with the right person to be a lot more efficient at how PhD is supposed to be done. Congrats on the new podcast! You have the voice of the podcast. Great looking progress bar, Andy :)

[@thedantmtour-beststreetfoo4081]

Amazing video! Thanks a bunch, Andy!

[@zeinabsaeed8089]

This is video i have been waiting for!!! Am glad I subscribed to ur channel

[@sebastiangutierrez6424]

7:49 one of my Bachelor's supervisors was like that. I was explaining all my work and all my doubts and he started to fall sleep, but he always knew what I was talking about and was always able to answer all my questions. It was impressive to see. In addition, his dreams are always super geometric and psycodelic, he usually programs what he dreams and it's awesome.

[@alicekkanyama2893]

❤

[@SharpDressedBear]

Great advice, well presented, useful description. Just an amazing video all round!

[@AbdulRiley]

I am so glad I found this page. Thank you for such good videos.

[@kennethbaptiste]

Wonderful. Thank you Sir.

[@rishikadubla9078]

this is great! im currently trying to look for phds after a 10 year break from academia and it gets really overwhelming sometimes- but your videos really help to calm me down and put things into perspective. thanks so much for these!

[@seunajijola290]

You're so consistent! I hope to build up this habit doing a PhD

[@drewdaniels8773]

I really appreciate your videos. Even your presence is calming lol. I've started applying to PhD programs for Fall 2021 but slammed on the brakes because I felt like there were some things that weren't in order in my underlying life process. Some of which may be resolved other stuff maybe can't and the process of discerning the difference is agonizing. Long story short, I'm taking this decision very seriously, and I want to do my best to start off as strong as possible so I appreciate your perspective.

[@wahikorea7379]

Good stuff 😉 Thank you Andy

[@Maariu01]

This is awesome i like the fact that your made the 5 points to think about or do prior to the phd

[@sheehanbelleca]

I enjoyed this video and I will definitely apply them in my journey (starting my PhD this Fall)! It's very rare to find youtube contents on PhD life. Thank you for this!

[@preetinamdev9842]

Thank you sir for such a great video.

[@BladeDJzx]

Thank you very much for creating this channel, I've recently decided to undertake a PhD, and your videos have been extremely helpful.

[@JH-mf8eh]

I just came across your video because I‘m planning to hand in a proposal next year. I think most of the things you mention often also fit for a masters degree. Two years ago I started stuying again after working in the field I found interesting and I think it really set me ahead compared to other students. Experience is so important and valuable!

[@jithinms_]

Hello sir....i really wanted a video on this information as I'm starting my PhD next month...this video should be really helpful to me..thank you so much for all the great content you put up...keep going..great work...💪

[@nehirryasarr]

Thank you for this amazing content!

[@ashleymiller8571]

Finally, a proper review of realistic expectations! 👏

[@larissacury7714]

Thank you!!

[@danielcahall4857]

Thank you for this, my first class of my Ed.D program starts next week and I'm incredibly nervous, this helped

[@keilamoral5965]

I'm a MSc student (fundamental physics) and all I wanted to say is THANK YOU, I really found your channel useful. Good job!

[@paulrobinson1288]

A very interesting and helpful video🙏

[@ssketchup72]

Thanks a lot. You are the best.

[@futurehope87]

Briefly, as you said PhD is a personal challenge 👌👌 this will be one of my answers at my coming PhD interview 💪💪

[@shadowbird8954]

Thank you! Very insightful

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenaddoh4693]

Great advice!

[@neimajemal8627]

Hello Andy! I am not PhD student but it is really help full program for me ... at this moment I am really interested and getting your lectures that is no one give me. Thank you!!

[@svetlanaliiimonchik3583]

Omg how cool I found this channel just before choosing a supervisor in a uni I got accepted to

[@Candide1776]

Never be afraid to ask a question. There's no reason, first of all, but in many cases you're not the only one who isn't in the know. You do those silently suffering people a favor, as well.

[@DrJoySmithMaxwell]

I hope you mean to ask questions AFTER having done one's research, so as not to be disrespectful of the time of fellow researchers! In all honesty, in this day & age with such easy access to info, not all questions are worth asking, if one can easily find the answer with a bit of proper research!

[@karenrich9092]

While this may not be the same thing, I learned that I needed to balance physical and mental work. If the code on my web page wasn't working, it was time to do dishes, laundry or rake leaves. This allowed me to give my brain a little rest, but the solution would come to me once I stepped away from my problem. I am currently working on a historical website in memory of my late husband and building a small museum as a legacy to my family members who are no longer with us.

[@daniellemegaffin6163]

New to this channel! Starting a PhD in a few months so very much thankful for this video :)

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Best of luck!

[@yoppysoleman9758]

Thanks very much for sharing 🙏🙏😇😇

[@arthurthewarlock1457]

I am writting a series of books about monarchies, it is not necessarely a Ph.D, but I face my works like they be, and your hints are helping me a lot

[@richardthegingerbo909]

writing a series of books about monarchies? what a royal pain in the . . . !

[@jamalnuman]

Thank you

[@blacknifexD]

I love your videos man. I really want to do a PhD one day. Can you make a video on how to choose a grad school?

[@inajovanovic-verbanac707]

Thank you, thank you, thank you :) You are great!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you for your comment! Good luck with your PhD!

[@AsfandyarAfridi]

I think I have to mention your name in my thesis for helping. You are exactly what I was looking for an education channel like "college info geek but for Phd"

[@noortayeh6427]

I just started following your chanel and I am finding the content really helpful. As someone who is on the look out for a proper PhD opportunity am really struggling with the "asking silly questions " part. I hope you would speak about it.

[@jimplink]

Thanks for these videos. I have been watching them all. I have just started a PhD. I am not in it for a career as I am 61. I am doing it for my own interest and with the hope of turning it into a book later. However, I have been out of academia for many many years. I am worrying about simple things like how to read and take notes. It sounds stupid but you did say!!. How to keep track of all the notes and be able to find them and use them in the right place within the PhD. How broadly to read? As I am just started I guess I am working towards a literature review, something I have never done. Its causing my anxiety already in terms of the points mentioned above, and keeping track of everything. Thanks a lot

[@SecAllTheWay]

Great! Apps such as OneNote, RemNote, Roam (RoamResearch) would be of help. Which university and subject are you working on?

[@shubizaidi3591]

Inspiring. I took a long break for my kids. Now 36 and an aspiring PhD.

[@rishikadubla9078]

this is so inspiring to read! well done for going for what you want! I personally like to handwrite notes and then label notebooks (i remember things better when related to particular episodes or memories- so i'll include something non-academic in my notes too like doodles, shopping lists, swear words etc). have you considered using a digital notepad- you can digitize handwritten notes which would make it easier to organize.

[@monaalqassimi2068]

I'm 43 and currently thinking of applying for the year 23/24. I'm a single mom as well, and that is terrifying me. I'm so ready to get back to being a student but so many things have changed since i got my masters degree. I'm not doing it for a job or anything but it's because i've always been a fan of doing research, for every single topic i come across. I wish you'd tell us how you're doing, maybe knowing more about your experience would make it easier for the rest of us to keep going? Good luck!

[@nelsblair2667]

Nikolay Strigul of WSU kindly helped my study partner and I learn how to find sources and to prepare an annotated bibliography. He’s a gem 💎 for dummies.

[@citradca]

thank you, sir

[@shahnaxrana5298]

Thanks a lot sir

[@milesk5339]

Coming to the end of my MA and I’m seriously considering a PhD. Thanks for all the advice!

[@nelsblair2667]

Some schools allow a student to complete a PhD 1-2 years after completing their MA. I’m in such a program now.

[@borteleabam8787]

Hi Dr. Andy, thanks for your video. very helpful. Can you please do a video on how to write a paper?

[@hammedtukur]

Many thanks

[@nerogrey2793]

Hello sir, thank you for your videos. I have recently started watching your videos and it taught me a lot. I was wondering if you could make a video on how to apply for a PhD and what are the tips and tricks that one might take to place oneself into their desired PhD program.

[@rakshithm1257]

7:53 maybe he wasn't sleeping but deeply listening

[@19VANIKA]

lol...true

[@kivitolivswu3797]

For a person about to begin PhD,this is nice.

[@TheSuperrespect13]

Hey Dr. Stapleton! Is it possible to do a video with guest on doing Phd's in other countries (culture differences and academia culture in different countries)??

[@mahdadmahmoudi6150]

Thanks for sharing your valuable experiences Dr. Stapleton.

[@mervspence4601]

I am seriously considering a PhD and this made me laugh! But it was very helpful, thank you.

[@yaozhao4150]

Beautiful PHD friends!

[@ishikaghosh3633]

Thank you....you are the first one who said that its not possible to know everythingggg, just bcoz I got into Ph.D...I always fail to understand how can a person know everything before starting Ph.D !!!

[@IamPali2024]

Since I started watching this guy, I was able to recharge motivation to continue on... thanks 🙏 man

[@DrAndyStapleton]

That's really awesome to hear! Keep at it little by little and you can get there!

[@IamPali2024]

@@DrAndyStapleton I really appreciate it. Every time I feel down or something I go in KZbin your videos popup n I just watch n cheer up ha. Keep them videos coming 💯

[@johnl2727]

After working for one year as an EE in the early 70's I decided to get into grad school. My grades were not spectacular and I was offered a teaching assistantship. This basically meant I was not doing any research related work. I was in charge of overseeing several EE undergraduate laboratory classes. After three semesters I realized I hit a brick wall in terms of understanding the math and EE material put in from of me. I completed a fairly simply MS project, graduated and went back to work. It was a very deflating experience in my educational and career path. I remember that getting accepted and getting in opened the door to theoretically "going all the way." I felt like a failure. It didn't help to have ADHD as well. I did actually get paid for the assistantship plus free tuition.

[@emilyf7525]

“You’re not a beast, you’re an idiot.” 😂😂😂 precisely talking to me who’s already pulling an all-nighter in my first semester of my PhD program 😅

[@aninditarao8223]

SAME.

[@osmani6004]

😂😂😂😂

[@milrione8425]

You are an angel! Why did I find you now?

[@sanjivkondekar5471]

Excellent! That exercise part is awesome!!

[@elsieducationforlearningsu926]

Thanks

[@lauren8613]

Could you do the statistics/data analysis parts of a paper? How to read them. Also types of data analysis. Just a list of the most common and when to use them.

[@damaristighe3227]

Not a fan of self-help books but I read the "7 Habits of Successful Ppl". The most helpful part is the four quadrants of a square: Urgent, Not Urgent, Important, Not important. The order is: Urgent, Important, Not Urgent, Not important. This REALLY HELPS. It gives a sense of satisfaction that your work is effective and keeps the stress and guilt down to a low level.

[@ghadahossam2198]

Would be great having a video about, how to deal with supervisores????.

[@joymandal4756]

Beautiful

[@crystalmcleod2651]

Love this - I struggle with the variety of literature reviews. Mine always come out as narrative scoping - would like to hear your lit review pro tips!

[@hkicgh7277]

What does narrative scoping mean?

[@crystalmcleod2651]

hki cgh it is a type of literature review that basically incorporates all types of primary literature (regardless of methodological quality) - Arksey and OMalley is most common!

[@dystephiary]

Thanks Andi! What types of questions should I ask current PhD students in the lab?

[@a.a.dagestani7620]

amazing

[@beenishchaudhry8573]

Love it when u say my 'beautiful PhD friends' because after starting PhD i hardly feel beautiful or get time to look beautiful

[@olamidedosumu1861]

🤣🤣

[@Kwame_Kodom]

😆😆😆😆

[@cameronbaird5658]

Great videos for new PhD students. You are also hilarious 😆 "you're not a beast you're an idiot" had me dying

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thanks for watching, Cameron!

[@sreypouvouch6891]

Ok done subscription

[@cebilendwandwe6857]

Great video... im stuck on the real reason I want a PhD. I am still finding my purpose.

[@jyotinepal6610]

Thankyou. It was very helpful. Can I ask how to choose Universities for doing PHD?

[@gerat1112]

Hi Andy, I think that your former lecturer was not actually falling asleep, but was deeply focusing on your speech because human beings have better concentration when closing their eyes without shutting off their minds.

[@Grassmpl]

I'm interested in combinatorial enumeration, representation theory, algebraic geometry, and number theory.

[@amousawie]

If you've done an MSc, then you know how navigate a research paper. However, I found that you should research the intended research school and board for integrity. Because I found that some schools, tell you that they are not interested, the research done before, or just reject you proposal, be ause they were remancing an investor with you research and gave it to them. Or, they had taken you proposal and gave it in parts to others. But they keep you in what they think that you will buy as an excuse and they would do what they want.

[@arshad0922]

pze talk about also how to write a paper, especially literature review,

[@joaago1]

Hi, AJ. Im doing my Masters now, just finnished first year courses. I have good grades, all A's and B's, I feel like i've not deserved these grades as I've not been working hard at all to achive them. I've litteraly been skipping classes and not doing anything to learn the material, only studying for like a week for the exams. I really want to do a PhD in Applied Maths but since i've been watching your videos it feels like Im not going to finnish a phd. It seems very hard and you need alot of disiplin to achive a phd, which I don't have at the moment.

[@hameedmazkour3219]

could you please share a phd outline ? thank you

[@yogeshdubey786]

I wanted to know what was your specific topic of phd, I'm about to start my phd in total synthesis of natural products (it will be very helpful, if you guide me over it). Thank you.

[@juencarla7337]

Please explain about how to read paper ? Thank You

[@chrisbrooksthenaturalpatch7824]

Hi Andy thanks for your videos. Have you heard of an app called Obsidion? (sic) . I'm told it is useful for organising papers and data for writing papers in a PhD. What are your thoughts?

[@marilynyeboah9842]

Can you talk about reading a paper and understanding it better

[@katarinaroa4141]

Hi, what databases if any, did you use to track articles, books, readings etc..

[@ayeshaahmed4980]

@Andy hpw do i get in touch with that group that has already worked with my perspective supervisor??(silly Question)

[@arh.cristinaluca2125]

How to compose an idea plan for the future PhD? I am an urban planning student and I want to study for Phd the urban restructuration of the waterfronts...most of waterfronts are trash...so I really want to do something about it.

[@montjoile]

A silly question: what exactly do you do in each year of your PhD? Like the timeline of the research?

[@kristopherwilson506]

Depends on the program, but most programs (at least in my experience) is first two years are primarily coursework while essentially thinking about/brainstorming/starting research, etc., while the last few years are fully devoted to research and dissertation while taking one course a semester (full-time graduate coursework is three courses).

[@hassanraza7923]

thanks for the beautiful detailed video. I want to ask that I am currently going to start my phd, During my masters I was a bit lazy, spending 6 to 8 hours a day in lab doing all the office work and experimental stuff. my supervisor is really supportive, He dont ask me to stay whole day in lab. Should I spend more time or should I still work with my same routine ?

[@zeinabsaeed8089]

Did you use to read research papers outside your phd research topic as a way of inspiration to get new ideas and to think outside the box?

[@olamidedosumu1861]

How many years does it take to do a Ph.D. on the average? And how many years does it take to do a M.Phil - Ph.D. Conversion? Thanks sir

[@angelconsuelo5354]

Why do we go for conferences and what qualifies us to present at them please 🙏🏾-silly question-

[@ik6496]

Do I qualify to start a PhD while awaiting MSC result?

[@chocolateshogun2511]

What did you mean by reading a paper properly?

[@Kenleaty]

Haha that guy, just wanted to be loved. That guy falling asleep is me to the t

[@ananyamittal6845]

Just a silly question , can I get admitted to PhD if I don't have any research / conference paper published till my master's but have a strong academic record with good GPA and prestigious internships ?

[@olumideayeni6347]

This man really said your PI owns a SMALL fraction of your life!?😂😂😂 Guud1 M8👍🏾👍🏾

[@halaalsamman4290]

Thank Dr. ANDY, WHENEVER I HERE THE NOTIFICATION OF A NEW VIEDIO I BELUVE THAT MY DAY WILL BE GOD, I LIKE WHEN YOU SAID "TALK TO YOUR YOUNG CHILDREN," SINCE I AM A MOM OF 2 LOVELY KIDS AND I STARTED MY PHD PROGRAM 4 MONTHS AGO WITH A PHENOMENAL SUPERVISOR, I REALISED THAT BEING A MOM AS WELL AS PHD STUDENT IS REALLY DIFFICULT, COULD U PLEASE ADVISE ME SIR CONCERNING THIS ISSUE THX ALOT

[@irfanreayat9003]

Is someone born with academic writing skills or we can acquire them?

[@irfanreayat9003]

Q. What is academic writing and how does it help in PhD?

[@richardthegingerbo909]

This is a dissertation topic in itself!