Top 7 Phd Tips and Words of Advice

Introduction

After 2+ years of experiencing the rigors of a PhD program (thinking about it, filling out the application as well as the research and writing), I now respectfully submit my top seven PhD tips for prospective students.  (Note: I am currently doing a PhD in Biblical Studies with a university from the U.K.)

1. Use your graduate school education wisely – Test out topics and interests by gearing your classes and papers toward particular concentrations.  Beef up on your languages (French and German for most humanities programs).  If possible, take courses from different institutions whose philosophy might differ from that of your primary campus.  (This is particularly important for biblical studies or theology PhD students coming from a conservative seminary.)
2. Choose a dissertation topic about which you are passionate – Two to three years of writing is a long time to be stuck with a topic that does not motivate you.  You will experience doubt and dissertation fatigue, but a topic that is exciting for you will help you get through these rough patches.
3. Work on setting up a well-organized system for research and writing – Figure out an efficient note taking strategy, learn to use a bibliography software, set realistic writing goals, setup a doable routine for writing content, use outlines and decide on formatting issues up front then use them consistently when you write.
4. Don’t try to write a literary masterpiece on your first try – The goal of a PhD is not to pen your greatest work.  The goal is to become a good researcher and contribute to the scholarly conversation.  This means you should choose a manageable topic and save the literary aspirations for the post-thesis era.
5. Begin writing as soon as possible – Avoid the endless note-taking and research syndrome.  Begin writing down your arguments and the flow of your thesis as soon as you can even if you only have a rudimentary outline.  This will drive you further into your primary and secondary literature, tell you where you have research gaps and help you test the validity of your ideas and topic.
6. Realize that you are the master of your own dissertation – It is important to keep in mind that you control much of the dissertation process.  You get to choose your research question and the methodology for answering it.  This is powerful and liberating once you get your mind around it.  You are also the most invested in your research, so take responsibility.  Don’t expect people to spoon feed you or hold your hand through the process.
7. Keep the big picture in mind – During times of dry research or feelings of being overwhelmed (or maybe giving up) it is important to keep in mind that the PhD is a means to an end.  It is a worthwhile goal in itself, but not the ultimate one.  For me, being a better professor and minister to my students is the bigger attraction.  Only a few people may ever read my finished dissertation, yet the things I learn and gain from my PhD experience will have an influence on my students for years to come. Let your dreams sustain you all the way to graduation day.

I would love to hear some of your top PhD tips.  Perhaps with enough input we can create a top 100 PhD tips booklet to share with others.

Happy researching!