How to Choose PhD Supervisor

In this video, I delve into the crucial factors that can guide you to select the right Ph.D. supervisor, ensuring a successful and enriching doctoral journey. Here are the six essential aspects to consider:
1. Academic Designation & Credentials: Discover the significance of your potential supervisor's academic journey. Learn how to evaluate their credentials, from their professorship and post-doctoral work to their current designations as Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. This section guides you on understanding their academic and professional growth to make an informed choice.
2.Research Publications: Uncover the importance of a supervisor’s research impact. I explain how to assess their citations, h-index, and i-index, and delve into the depth of their research papers. Understand their previous research collaborations, laboratory setups, and the software tools they use. This knowledge can help you gauge their expertise and the quality of mentorship they can offer.
3. List of Projects: Learn to evaluate the scope and scale of projects your potential supervisor is involved in. From the number of ongoing projects to the amount of funding and the agencies providing it, I provide insights on how these factors can influence your research experience and opportunities.
4. Past Supervision Record: Gain insights into the supervisor’s track record with past Ph.D. students. I discuss the average time taken by their students to graduate, the timeline from the first published paper to thesis submission, and the importance of talking to current and graduated students to get a clearer picture of the supervision style and effectiveness.
5. Technical Gauging: Equip yourself with strategies to assess your potential supervisor's technical prowess. Explore resources like NPTEL lectures, Coursera, EdX courses, university pages, and KZbin videos to understand their teaching and research methodologies. This section helps you ensure alignment between your learning style and the supervisor’s teaching approach.
6. Cold Mail and Personal Interactions: Master the art of reaching out to potential supervisors. I share tips on crafting a compelling cold email, making a positive impression during personal meetings or conferences, and the benefits of dropping into their office for an informal chat. Building a strong initial connection can significantly influence your decision-making process.
Join me in this comprehensive guide designed to help prospective Ph.D. students navigate the complex process of selecting a Ph.D. supervisor who will support and propel their academic and professional growth.
About Me:
My name is Utkarsh Sharma, a Ph.D. graduate from IIT Delhi and an EV automobile professional. I am here to help young minds achieve their dreams and share insights that aren't commonly taught in schools.
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