Dr. I am surprised you didn't mention the EdD. I was considering it instead of a PhD specifically because I wasn't into the academic focus of PhD. Anyway, EdD might be a future topic for you.
Many thanks for the comment. Yes, the EdD will be covered in future articles; this piece was looking at the PhD specifically. Watch this space for those who prefer the more practically focussed and less theoretical EdD.
Boom! Well said Stephen. I attended a conference with fellow PhD students recently and it was interesting to see that many cited some of the 'do nots' that you mention in this post. I'm 1 year into the PhD journey and agree with your line, "do not even consider a PhD unless you are prepared and able to make it your life’s priority from the moment you write the first draft of your proposal to the day you finally graduate". I started my PhD in 2019, but realised I couldn't fulfil that requirement. I just couldn't give it that sort of attention. After a year of reshuffling in 2020, I was able to give it the attention it required in 2021 (and hopefully onwards from here!).
And, yes, one question we always ask aspiring Doctoral students is what they are willing to give up? What sacrifices to their lifestyle are they willing to make to get the PhD finished? Something will have to give, the question is what...and with a 50% dropout rate, it's often the PhD which gives first.
Best of luck on your own journey. We look forward to featuring some of your post-Doc work in EDDi!
Dr. I am surprised you didn't mention the EdD. I was considering it instead of a PhD specifically because I wasn't into the academic focus of PhD. Anyway, EdD might be a future topic for you.
Many thanks for the comment. Yes, the EdD will be covered in future articles; this piece was looking at the PhD specifically. Watch this space for those who prefer the more practically focussed and less theoretical EdD.
Boom! Well said Stephen. I attended a conference with fellow PhD students recently and it was interesting to see that many cited some of the 'do nots' that you mention in this post. I'm 1 year into the PhD journey and agree with your line, "do not even consider a PhD unless you are prepared and able to make it your life’s priority from the moment you write the first draft of your proposal to the day you finally graduate". I started my PhD in 2019, but realised I couldn't fulfil that requirement. I just couldn't give it that sort of attention. After a year of reshuffling in 2020, I was able to give it the attention it required in 2021 (and hopefully onwards from here!).
Thanks for the comment Chris.
And, yes, one question we always ask aspiring Doctoral students is what they are willing to give up? What sacrifices to their lifestyle are they willing to make to get the PhD finished? Something will have to give, the question is what...and with a 50% dropout rate, it's often the PhD which gives first.
Best of luck on your own journey. We look forward to featuring some of your post-Doc work in EDDi!