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About to start a PhD. What should I expect?


7 replies to this topic

#1 Superman

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Posted 07 September 2009 - 06:41 AM

Hi guys,

I just wanted a brief reply about what I should expect to happen during the first month of my PhD?
What did you guys start with? Did you enjoy the start? Would you do anything different if you could do it again? Would you read more before you started?

Many thanks,
Superman!

#2 Mr Jefferson

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Posted 07 September 2009 - 12:25 PM

View PostSuperman, on Sep 7 2009, 03:41 PM, said:

Hi guys,

I just wanted a brief reply about what I should expect to happen during the first month of my PhD?
What did you guys start with? Did you enjoy the start? Would you do anything different if you could do it again? Would you read more before you started?

Many thanks,
Superman!


This gives a pretty accurate account

http://www.phdcomics.com/

#3 LostintheLab

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Posted 07 September 2009 - 05:55 PM

View PostMr Jefferson, on Sep 8 2009, 05:25 AM, said:

View PostSuperman, on Sep 7 2009, 03:41 PM, said:

Hi guys,

I just wanted a brief reply about what I should expect to happen during the first month of my PhD?
What did you guys start with? Did you enjoy the start? Would you do anything different if you could do it again? Would you read more before you started?

Many thanks,
Superman!


This gives a pretty accurate account

http://www.phdcomics.com/



Hi superman,

Wow Aberdeen- I spent one year there, its a cool place (and thats just the weather!). I didn't do my PhD there (a little further south for me). The first month I spent learning how to do cell culture etc. with the technicians, reading going on lots of welcome to your Phd courses and talks and feeling a bit like a fish out of water (My lab was pretty socialable so there was a welcome party). Its hard to read unless you know what your project will be working on before hand, if you do- sure. Brush up on the basics if you like.
Have a great time, hope your ready for the wind and chilliness ;)
I knew it! I knew it! Well, not in the sense of having the slightest idea, but I knew there was something I didn't know.

#4 Kami23

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Posted 09 September 2009 - 08:32 AM

Hi Superman,

this time last year i was in your shoes and absolutely bricking it! Just take your time, get to know everyone and enjoy the first year! I dont think anyone will expect you to be an instant expert so make sure you ask loooooads of questions and be yourself.

Kami

#5 GeorgeWolff

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Posted 09 September 2009 - 01:05 PM

I'm with Kami - relax and enjoy it. This will likely be the most productive (scientifically) period of your life.

#6 toejam

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Posted 10 September 2009 - 02:18 AM

hey superman, i'm almost at the end of my first year and from my experience i can tell you so far it's been great. my expectations are that this can only get better :)
congratulations. enjoy!
"When there's no more room in hell the dead will walk the Earth"

#7 Superman

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Posted 13 September 2009 - 01:26 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for the support!

#8 Kami23

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Posted 22 September 2009 - 03:09 AM

View PostSuperman, on Sep 13 2009, 10:26 PM, said:

Thanks for all the replies.

I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for the support!


Hey Superman,

You started yet?! If so how you enjoying it :rolleyes:





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