Demystifying the First Year of a Doctoral Program

This was originally published in the September 2021 edition of SSWR DSC’s Monthly Monitor.

Year one of a doctoral program can be both exciting and frightening all at the same time. There may also be some confusion as to what you are supposed to do. There is no clear-cut rulebook as to what every week, month, or year of being a doctoral student is supposed to incorporate. What is true, however, is that each experience is unique to the individual. Some tips I would like to share about year 1:

Ease In if Possible - Some people believe they must hit the ground running as a doctoral student. This includes classwork and research. For most, this is likely the case. But for some, it may take a little longer for that research assistantship (RA) to start. This is ok and can be beneficial. It allows you to get used to the time commitment associated with being a student again. Starting an RA’ship late will not put you behind. Some of us have families we are responsible for and other financial obligations that may require us to find paid work outside of our RA’ship. This is fine, but I would also use the “Ease In” approach before you take on other work and potentially overwhelm yourself.

Find Your Pace - You may come into a doctoral program with a cohort, but everyone moves through the program at a different speed. Do not measure your worth or abilities based on how others in your cohort, or even others in the program, progress. It is not a “must” that by the end of your first year, you know exactly what you want to do for your dissertation, or even who your potential committee members will be. You may want to always consider thinking of those things, so as you progress through the years, they become clearer.

Publications - Many students stress over publications and when you should begin. By the end of year one, if you have not published or begun to think of a manuscript, that is ok. If you are not presented opportunities to publish with your advisor, you may have to seek out other opportunities; however, it is ok not to have published something after year one.

Be Intentional with your Assignments - Now this tip will be useful to some and disregarded by others. Do not waste your time with useless assignments while taking course work. What I mean by this is whenever possible, you should always gear your assignments towards a different facet of your research interest. This allows you to read the literature that’s out there and find the gaps you’re interested in addressing. Yes, there may be other things you are interested in, but this allows for the opportunity for you to develop some form of expertise in your field. 

It’s Never too Early - Though earlier I mentioned everyone moves at a different pace than others and reaches certain milestones at their own pace, it’s never too early to start thinking of these things. Doctoral programs go by extremely fast. It’s ok to set goals for yourself and act on them, even if it’s sooner than some may expect you to. This would include things such as teaching, identifying research grants you’re interested in, faculty you may want to be on your dissertation committee, etc. Never let anyone put limitations on your thought process.