How to choose your PhD supervisor | 5 secrets they won't tell you

How to choose your PhD supervisor comes down to these five secrets that you need to know. A PhD supervisor will dictate the success of your PhD as they will hold the key to pretty much every decision that you need to make throughout your PhD. You need to make sure that not only are they able to support you academically but they are also nice people and have your best interests at heart.
0:00 - introduction
1:41 - check their area of expertise
4:43 - speak to current and recently graduated PhD students.
8:03 - personality check
10:53 - compatibility and expectations
14:56 - choose a co-supervisor to balance out the bad aspects of a primary supervisor.
16:49 - Outro
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[@DrAndyStapleton]

Master the art of selecting the perfect PhD supervisor and avoid years of frustration and setback with my NEW course: academy.academiainsider.com/courses/smart-supervisor-selection

[@nanditanaiya2618]

I came across you channel while struggling with choosing a topic, a supervisor, an University, preparing for examination for fellowship and my job. Every now and then while feeling stuck I watch your videos. They sometimes work as therapy to me. Thank you.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

It's my pleasure, I'm so pleased that my videos help you.

[@medhachakraborty7474]

Same here dear.

[@yc79369]

Also, the team relationship with the PhD student. I feel it is very important.

[@williamwaters4506]

You are 100% right, the PhD supervisor is of the most important. Do Not get into conflicts with that person. I did what ever my PhD supervisor told me to do. I saw the process as a game I had to learn how to play. I think that having been in the military I was used to following orders and not questioning directives. My supervisor was always extremely busy and our meetings were brief. He was always encouraging and supportive. Maybe I was lucky but him and I just got along.

[@Katadori09]

One thing I wanted to put on your radar is this. As a graduate student, I chose to join a new faculty member as their first student. It ended up having a lot of advantages. First, I had a lot of one-on-one time, and I felt like I was getting a lot more personalized lessons, advice, and engagement than others in my cohort because it was just me and the PI for the first year. Second, there was more of a partnership feeling, like you mentioned, because the interdependence of us on each other was just there in plain sight. Third, I got to build the lab from the ground up, which has come up in every postdoc, job, and academic interview I've ever had since then as a major selling point. I also did have extra insight as to how everything worked, how to build experimental setups, and how to program equipment because I had done it before. Fourth, my papers got a lot of citations over a sustained period of time because they formed a foundation for the group's future work, as well as their collaborators, etc. Fifth, on a personal note, it feels really cool to run into contemporary group members at conferences who are like, "Whoa, you're the OG! We hear about you all the time!" Not that I was particularly special as a grad student, but being first does mean they're constantly saying, "Well, if you refer back at so-and-so's paper, (s)he explained how this works." It's quite possible everyone will be referring to your papers to get a baseline understanding for decades to come. That, plus you end up inheriting a lot of good ideas up front, because the PI came up with several to get the position, and they were usually well thought out and took a lot of effort. So all you have to do is execute them, which is a pretty good deal for getting your training started. You can still come up with your own stuff eventually, but doing it on day 1 is not usually feasible. There were also some disadvantages, to be fair. Funding was tighter. There was a tendency to burn midnight oil, despite my PI being pretty chill. It wasn't demanded, but there was also the problem of "If I don't do it, this thing simply won't work and there's no one else to ask." There wasn't as much opportunity to go ask a senior student if something wasn't working. The group projects were super focused on a narrow area, because there weren't that many people, so maybe the breadth of exposure suffered. The PI was still new, and so hadn't quite ironed out how to manage students, despite giving it a solid effort. As a corollary, the PI was also not that well established and maybe their letters of rec and so forth didn't have as much heft as a field leader, and they didn't have as many connections. The students who followed tended to latch onto you for training, which I enjoyed but maybe others could find it a nuisance if they don't like teaching. Still, on the balance, I personally found it to be a fantastic option. I think you can shore up some of the weaknesses listed here during a postdoc.

[@atatajoe3506]

This is so beautifully written. I start my PhD soon, this August, with a new faculty, and as their first student. Your comment provides just the right insights and balance on what to expect. So, thank you.

[@andreasanchez1629]

Future PhD student here. I have been watching your videos and taking notes of it. I will have my first interview with one possible advisor next week via zoom (since I am an international student) and I cannot thank you more for this videos.

[@judyy.martin5359]

Amazing information. Thank you for sharing the secrets when choosing a supervisor.

[@ArtinJ]

Absolute gem of a video. True wisdom. Thank you for sharing, Andy!

[@positivity37]

This video is very empowering! Thank you!

[@pratimagurung5383]

Hello Andy! I'm so much with you on this. Your sharing of different videos are so very helpful to Ph.D. students and I greatly benefit from them being a Ph.D. student myself.

[@physicswithana]

Thanks for video Andy, super helpful! :D

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Please it was helpful thanks very much Ana

[@richthompson7628]

Stumbled upon your channel last week. I've appreciated your insights; it has definitely reinforced much of what my college (thankfully) has been telling me.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Great to hear!Thanks for watching

[@akphickh3315]

Good, practical, honest advices. Thank you!

[@aysenuroner3798]

Hello Andy! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! So valuable, I learnt a lot in just 20 mins

[@jeevankarki2828]

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@aleksandryaroslav1289]

Thank you so much! You have helped me so much!

[@Thecommentorsiu]

I love your videos. I just like the way you express your ideas, explaination, etc. I just like the flow, comfortable to hear and easy to absorb. I wish I could know you a bit earlier, but now is still good lol. Keep up good-quality videos 👏

[@DevinAkin]

This was amazingly helpful - thanks!

[@Stevo5397]

Great video! I found this very helpful as I am deciding on supervisors for my PhD right now.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolinechao3409]

Iam really blessed coming across your channel, personally struggling from Dyslexia I never thought I would meet this end but nevertheless I now have a guideline. Thanks to you

[@jlpkbrb1086]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Glad you liked it!

[@nattynoodlenutkin]

Thanks for your top tips! I’m in the process of applying and your videos have been incredibly helpful.

[@DrAndyStapleton]

You are so welcome!

[@kartikg.kartikg]

Your videos and the topics linked to further videos are soo addictive. I can't tell you how good you can impress someone about some topic and keep that person stick to you to know further. You are guiding more PhD students than any guide can possibly do in such a short period. *I will surely mention your name in the Acknowledgement section of my thesis, hopefully once I complete it* 😅 Wish me best luck for that 🙏😊

[@nikitampmaurya]

Your channel is such a blessing ❤️

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Thank you so much!

[@flyingface]

Great advice!

[@Songvbm]

I love your channel and the contents

[@coolshan2173]

Awesome advice..

[@yc79369]

Can you make a video on types of supervisors and problem solving supervisor relationship problems?? Thanks! Great videos :)

[@monik786]

Thank youuuu for your advise

[@tendaitony192]

Thanks for this amazing content...

[@DrAndyStapleton]

It's my pleasure

[@preeti4970]

Loved your honest suggestions sir , I'm going to join phd institute this month

[@gallusgallusdom]

Hi Andy. Thank you for your content - really helpful! I am thinking of applying for a PhD in psychology at a specific institution (one of the few that does full time distance learning). Would you advise or advise against contacting more than one supervisor with a proposal at the same institution?

[@bbjasminee]

This is so helpful Andy! I’ll be emailing potential supervisors for my Master’s research project next year *fingers crossed*

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I'm pleased this was helpful good luck with your Masters research project next year

[@harishbabbar4665]

hi did u get intomasters ?

[@ayasarsour2860]

Thank you very much 😊

[@hahaliu1421]

Really thanks for your video Andy. Your videos really helped me. One question, based your advice. Could I ask for some more specific instructions about how to reach the current and just-graduated students in then lab? Thank you very much!

[@michelpohl1019]

I would just add that the perfect supervisor does not exist and you also have to make trade-offs.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

I love the suggestion of reading the theses of the PhD students and starting from the genuine love of the research expertise. I would add to noting how many papers are published per students in a PhD (some PI has a "publication rule" before they would allow graduation) In addition to the "best PI scenario", ask these questions - how strong is the alumni network if you may need an industry job referral - how much PI + University funding do you have for your PhD project, do they support 1-2 international conference from the University (my University did, and it wasn't from the PI!) And in all scenario, it always better to get a scholarship before starting a PhD, it gives you a lot more control than the people who are only dependent on the PI's support. If anyone wants a second opinion, I also have a video on choosing PhD advisor (more of a case study). This is certainly a hard topic and it was based on a 3-hr phone conversation with a PhD applicant

[@lawrenceridge3907]

Instablaster

[@montjoile]

Please consider to make a video about phd as an international student, application process, networking, funding, experience, etc🙏

[@bradhogan9566]

Thank you

[@yadavkomal]

Thanks Andy for your extremely helpful videos. I've written my PhD motivation letter based on your suggestions. I have a question though? Should you choose a Co-superviser after admission to your phd, I mean upon reaching the campus when you're an international student? And should you consult your primary supervisor before opting for a Co-superviser, lest it rubs the primary one's ego in some way(if that's a possibility)?

[@olaniyitijani2783]

This is a fantastic experience sharing on how to choose a PhD supervisor. It's really helpful. Can we connect?

[@jianglu9949]

Thank you so much your video, It makes a lot of sense to me. I am preparing the proposal for Phd, I've really fallen into the problem of choosing a topic, your videos have given me great guidance. Also, for not a native English speaker(English is not really proficient) , Just want to know whether the supervisor is serious about the students' language as well? thank you so much.

[@workforyouraims]

I wished a had this kind of mondset. I just considered a dream to do a phd and of course a phd supervisor is an intellectual. You need to vet everything you get involved into. A phd, a job, a friend a spouse etc. You need to be skeptic and ask questions and be sure it is a good fit for you.

[@mohammadsibtainkadri2887]

Hello Sir, why don't you make a separate Library/Folder of your KZbin Channel adding all the videos related to PhD. It will be very useful and easy for us to go through.

[@farheentasnim1771]

Hi, I would be very helpful if you could make a video on theoretical framework. Thank you

[@mirellalastar]

Thank you so much for the precious advice! But I wonder if everything you say can be applied to Ph.D. supervisors in philosophy.

[@user-hv6ut1sp7q]

Wow this was an amazing video. I watched it over and over and learned a lot. First time watching your videos and i am amazed at how much I learned being a potential phd student in a few months. I will like to ask to, while choosing a supervisor for a phd programs is there any provision for a c supervisor provided by the university ? You spoke of the primary supervisor , co supervisor and during the phd you moved from 3 supervisors to 5 supervisors. Does the university ask the supervisors to be involve in the phd project or I have to ask for more supervisors to supervise my work? Initially there is the primary supervisor how do they move from 1 to 5 supervisors ? Thank you🎉

[@boxing.every.day99]

cant watch now cus i just pulled an all nighter but saved to watch later!

[@DrAndyStapleton]

I hope you got a good sleep after pulling an all-nighter!

[@miafranulovic2079]

Hi Andy, so I have struggled for finding a current PhD student... so the story goes like this I have an informal talk with a professor at one Insitute. I found her current PhD student (interesting not on Google scholar like you said because there are no papers any of them which include this current second-year PhD student at all). I found her on Twitter, Institute posts pic of their current PhD candidates.... is it weird if I email her on her professional email which I found on Institute page? I really need to ask about supervisior questions, based on my MSc thesis experience I deffinetelly don't want to have that type of supervisior anymore. Now I realise so many red flags for my MSc supervisior, which I didn't pay attention before!!!! Thank you so much for these videos!

[@elviraantonucci5794]

thank you for the video! Can I ask you what to do if your potential supervisor is on another continent? I know there is skype but a remote encounter I think gives less information

[@AaqarshAiyyar]

I wonder how you managed to complete your phd after listening to your open talks. Well done that you have shielded yourself from the Permenant Head Damage.

[@delailamartins8045]

Hi..so I am planning to send an email to this supervisor for a phd position who is based abroad. Do you think I should send an email to this current or past students first before sending the application to the supervisor?

[@danperryuk2003]

Would you recommend going through the same process for a co-supervisor? I have a primary supervisor but require two and am finding it difficult to select a second.

[@bhangrafan4480]

I think a lot of people have an 'unhelpful' idea about what doing a PhD means. Again I must speak from the context of experimental science (molecular biology). The best way to think of doing a PhD is as an 'apprenticeship' for scientific research. Just like plumbers, electricians, carpenters etc., have an apprenticeship. There is nothing wrong with being a bit of cheap labour as long as you are learning what you need to learn in the process. You are not really a scientist just because you are doing a PhD, some people have too grandiose an idea, and think they will be dictating their research project to their supervisor. From just doing undergraduate studies you are nowhere even near being able to do that competently, it is all about learning from scratch from others. In some literary subjects the grandiose PhD student expects to float off to the library for six months while they read the lierature, decide on their research subject and write their introduction before delivering this as a fait accomplis to their supervisor. This sounds hysterically funny to anyone from lab science, you are slaving on the lab bench from day one, learning how to "put one foot in front of the other", and probably stumbling a bit too! To get an idea of just how low in the academic food chain a PhD student is, I once heard two professors at a prestigious London University chatting. One said to the other: "The trouble with one's post-docs is that they will try to think for themselves." (followed by guffaws of laughter)

[@sarahandrew4978]

Hi, thanks for this great video, i just want to ask that How to write a good email to a superviser to ask his acceptance.

[@dongdongzhu6700]

Hi Andy, I find it is really difficult to cooperate with 3 Ph.D. supervisors, how do you balance the relationship with them?

[@GarryArmandoReagen]

I am thinking about your third point. How, if I (we) dont have access to meet physically due to we are living in different place even country. How do we know his or her personality?

[@lakhnechahmed2735]

How to find and convince the PhD supervisor of my thesis and what universities are the PhD accepted? Note that I have a master’s in management

[@bit-colombo5595]

I can add a bit to this. I am not doing a PhD yet, but a masters. I have a great principal supervisor yet sir is superb busy and forgetful so he put two other supervisors for me.one other supervisor is a nightmare always finding fault in every little thing to the point several times I wanted to dropout but I stayed cause my principal supervisor was a superb nice person. Yet I do want to tell that do not get involved in a project someone would offer bcox they have that data and force you find a suitable research project out of that data Must tell my husband was luckier than me his sir had basically given him a novel research project and aided with even the project presentation. Yet that sir doesn't like to get Co supervisor involved and half of my husband research area was not the specially field of his sir so my husband had to spend alot of time to build a methodology and his supervisor learnt that speciality area through him..

[@VikasRaj_Hyd]

What should I do if I wanted to do PhD under a supervisor (Experimental HEP) but found out that they are not taking students for the year ?

[@shireendhar7120]

What is the most effective way to contact supervisers as an international student? Most people do this through LinkedIn is what I know. Also, can I openly discuss with a supervisor that I need more supervisors? Does it impact my fees or anything? Is it dependent on the type of research?

[@ghizelleabarro4053]

Andy, what about supervisors who are just starting to get PhD students? Not sure who to ask about their work ethics.

[@farnaznouraei8351]

Yeah that’s tough and I’ve been there. In my case I was trying to change advisors to work with an incoming professor so I had the chance of working with the person on a trial basis and realized we’re not compatible. I feel like that’s the only case in those cases - of course you can ask some smart questions in the half-hour introductory meeting to understand a bit about them but you’ll never know enough unless you actually work with them (with no commitment involved)

[@kattiekreatives2839]

I agree. I had the same situation and I’m currently reapplying to other schools. I am not seeing myself working with him for the entire PhD period. A year lost but its worth the switch.

[@dionysisdeligiannis728]

Hello everyone. I face a difficulty with my search for a supervisor for a potential phd that I want to start. In particular, I have a contact with two Profs from the same country who seem to be interested in my idea. I have sent the proposal to the one and I am thinking whether I should also send it to the other. The thing is that before some days he realised that I have contracted other Profs to ask them for phd and he seemed to be annoyed; probably he is one of those who want to send only to them! So, what do you suggest to do since I believe that he will not agree to discuss both with him and another and I am not really sure if I can keep it secret because they are Profs in the same country and relative discipline and probably know each other. Thank you.

[@Leksa135]

Choose your supervisor? By what kind of sorcery?

[@shanewhite352]

In Australia most of the supervisors put their name as first author although they did not even visit the labs, they just make comments on the paper and does not do any significant contribution. So they appear as they are experts if you go through the published papers, but they don't even know basics of the field they are showing as experts. There should be a rule that the student should be offered the first author no matter what, so the supervisors cannot cheat and mislead the Australian government to receive grants and other potential future students.

[@nikitampmaurya]

❤️

[@patriciajarrett1105]

what if your supervisor is not a researcher?

[@Skylark-nu4qt]

When do we choose a supervisor?

[@DrAndyStapleton]

Typically, you choose a supervisor when you are about to start your PhD as part of your proposal. The supervisor's research area should compliment the skills you need to complete the project.

[@bhangrafan4480]

It is a big mistake, which I have seen happen, to go to a supervisor because of some narrow, particular project they are working on, then find it is a small group in which the student is working alone. You do not just go to do a PhD with a supervisor, you go to do it in a lab (i.e research group). It greatly helps to work in a lab with a good friendly atmosphere, with lots of great post-docs, research associates etc., who you will probably get more day to day help from than the supervisor themselves. When you visit for interview feel the atmosphere. Is it big, busy, chatty and happy? Also it is often about learning techniques rather than just working on a particular topic. It is no use going to work on a particular topic in a lab which lacks the funding, latest techniques etc., just because the project is nominally on such and such. It is often better for your career to be the person who has just learnt how to do "splinary condigitating on a mazzalyser" or something, which is the new thing everyone is going to want in the following few years.

[@minwang579]

😆Hi Andy, how can we know the best and worst attributes of a potential advisor?

[@ai-ur5uv]

Are you working as professor rn?

[@DoctorMoax]

how many times did he say supervisor?

[@VladyslavKL]

🕊

[@hantu4321]

How do I know which supervisor going to nuture play kingmaker? Andy adviced many times don't get a supervisor who expects you to figure it out yourself and just produce papers. Yeah how find group of 5 people part of PhD project like Andy's

[@paulzinaka5913]

Question is: Why the 'secrecy'? Answer: It's a rigged game with a veneer of decency, integrity & sophistication!

[@zigzaglychee7324]

I have a question: is there just something...about chemistry? PhDs are tough, but the most miserable people always seem to be the chemists from my personal experience. The physicists I know are having fun. The biologists are having fun. The chemists are on anti depressants.

[@sommojames]

"You do not choose your PHD supervisior, he chooses you" "How do I know he has chosen me?" "He will try to kill you"

[@zena3413]

No proffesors. They are too busy for you.

[@robbo03]

If a supervisor shouts at me for no reason then they're getting slapped to be honest pal

[@cheikhdiop7223]

1st

[@drewlsy]

The politics is everything. So discouraging when you roll over rocks and find creepy crawlies underneath the visage and accolades.

[@bhangrafan4480]

From what I've seen of co-supervisors they are a bit like "God parents", who? Exactly.

[@takyanwong3056]

A way to get success in Phd---Follow Andy Stapleton's channel.