Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    10 Time Management Tips for Older PhD Students Who Want to Balance Work and Studies

    June 9, 2023

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Black Women Over 40 to Excel in Information Systems PhD Programs. 

    May 30, 2023

    The Top 8 Must-Know Tips for PhD Preparation: How to Get Started

    May 24, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    PhD  Information
    PhD Assement Quiz
    • Home
    • About
    • Funding
      • Funded PhD Listings
      • Funding
    • Application

      A 2023 Resolution To Start A PhD in Information Systems – Make A Bold Move

      January 29, 2023

      7 Career Options: What You Can Do with a PhD in Information Systems or Technology

      October 2, 2022

      Is it Worth It to Get a PhD in Information Systems?

      September 17, 2022

      The Pros and Cons of Getting a PhD While Working

      August 26, 2022

      You’ve Decided to Pursue a PhD in Your 40s – Now, What?

      August 6, 2022
    • Coping
    • Resources
      • AI Tools
      • Prepare
      • GRE/GMAT
      • Coaching
    • Contact
    PhD  Information
    Home»Finding»The PhD Process
    Finding

    The PhD Process

    ObiBy ObiMay 6, 2022Updated:September 8, 2022No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Telegram Email
    The PhD Process
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The three main parts of the PhD process: classwork, research, relationships

    Way of the PhD Process:

    PhD Classwork: This part of the process is where you take classes in the first two years of the program. As I mentioned in another post, classwork is an important part of the process but not the main part. You will take about 6 – 8 classes to understand the technicalities of performing research. In those classes, the objective is not get an A.

    It really isn’t, although, if you do, that’s great. The objective is to learn for example, what scientific research is, what a theory is, the rigors of doing research, how to ethically collect data, how to analyze the data using many different algorithms, you will learn those algorithms, sometimes.

    how to write so that other researchers feel you are part of the group, how to read research papers, how to perform literature reviews.. the list goes on. One should take these classes seriously, because the skills learned here will be instrumental in carrying out a research project.

    I once received some advice from one of my professors at the time (Dr. P.) who said to learn the rigors of the research process (algorithms etc..) so that one is not always at the mercy of those that know the algorithms. The essence of the advice is to not minimize the importance of classwork.

    In these classes, you could also be given the opportunity to use the skills you learned to start a research project, usually in a group with other students. The research project is could be a learning objective of the course. Some instructors may require that PhD students complete and prepare the research project for submission to an academic conference.

    These opportunities are useful for practicing the skills and also for submitting one’s work to academic conferences. Usually, when one submits their work to conferences, one also receives feedback, which could be helpful to the PhD student as they continue to develop their research skills and work.

    I remember when the first research paper I worked on was accepted by a academic conference. It made me feel like I could “actually” do research.

    PhD Research: This part of the process is where you use the skills you learned in class to complete start and research projects. It also involves working with other students, and most especially a PhD Advisor. The choice of the PhD Advisor you work with depends on the culture of the school/department At UNT, the process was and still is incredibly straightforward.

    Each semester, a PhD student is assigned as a research assistant (RA) to work with a professor and assist the professor in their research. Working with the professor allows the student to further learn and practice doing research with someone experienced in the field.

    It also allows the PhD student to learn more about the professor’s work, habits, even personality. This information comes in handy when it comes time for the PhD student to choose whom to have as their PhD Advisor. Choosing a PhD Advisor is a very important step in the PhD process.

    The advisor is the person who helps guide your research and dissertation. They give advice, help you expand your thinking, sometimes, even give you access to other individuals in their network. They do not do the work for you.

    They provide guidance, but the student has to do the work. A lot has been written and said about the relationship between a PhD student and their Advisor. The long and short of it is to chose well. The advisor will remain in your life in one form or another for as long as you are in the academic field. The advisor wants you to do well.

    Doing well means that they are doing well, too. Doing usually means that you are productive in your research (i.e., you have publications). Aside from your dissertation, your advisor may also invite you to work with them in other projects.

    PhD Relationships: Depending on your field of study, the PhD program can be a small world. A very small world. So, get along, make friends, build lasting relationships. Care about others, and seek to help others. Be ethical and show integrity.

    When working with others and you say you will do something, do it. Period. If for any reason, you are not able to, make sure to communicate. This is no different from other relationships in other aspects of life and work, but it is especially important in academic research because many of our research achievements can only be accomplished with others. Collaboration is key.

    Drop me a note, let me know if there’s something you’d like me to write about.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Obi

    Related Posts

    Seeking a Business PhD as a Black Woman Over 40 is a Good Thing

    October 18, 2022

    7 Career Options: What You Can Do with a PhD in Information Systems or Technology

    October 2, 2022

    The Pros and Cons of Getting a PhD While Working

    August 26, 2022

    Curious About PhD but Afraid of Cost?

    May 7, 2022

    Where are the Fully Funded PhD Programs?

    May 7, 2022
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Don't Miss
    Coping

    10 Time Management Tips for Older PhD Students Who Want to Balance Work and Studies

    June 9, 2023

    Balancing working and doing a PhD is not easy but has been done. Please note…

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Black Women Over 40 to Excel in Information Systems PhD Programs. 

    May 30, 2023

    The Top 8 Must-Know Tips for PhD Preparation: How to Get Started

    May 24, 2023

    Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Older PhD Student: Embrace Your Unique Journey

    May 12, 2023
    Our Picks
    Stay In Touch
    • Instagram

    Subscribe to Updates

    About Us

    The purpose of PhDInformation.com is to encourage Black/African American women over 40 to pursue a PhD In Information Systems. If you are on the journey toward attaining a PhD in a STEM field, PhD Information is for you. We’re here to facilitate your journey from applying to completing your PhD.

    Start by taking our PhD Assessment Quiz

    Our Picks

    10 Time Management Tips for Older PhD Students Who Want to Balance Work and Studies

    June 9, 2023

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Black Women Over 40 to Excel in Information Systems PhD Programs. 

    May 30, 2023

    The Top 8 Must-Know Tips for PhD Preparation: How to Get Started

    May 24, 2023
    Recent Comments
    • Obio on How to Choose a PhD Business Concentration
    • Teena on How to Choose a PhD Business Concentration

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.