Looking back into the years of my PhD, here's the advice I wish I had received in my first year:
1. Time management is crucial: Learn to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals. Put first things first and things that matter most must not be put at the mercy of urgent things. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized. However, don't forget to schedule breaks and personal time.
2. Build relationships: Networking is like connecting yourself to a tributary of water body. It engenders access to an avalanche of information within your University, Lab or institute. Network with other students, faculty, and professionals in your field. Attend conferences and seminars, even if they're not directly related to your research. Find a mentor outside of your supervisor.
3. Start writing early: There is still time, there is still time, there is still time and there is finally no time. Begin documenting your research from day one. Practice academic writing regularly. Consider starting a research blog or contributing to academic forums.
4. Be flexible with your research: Flexibility comes by taking charge of your research early on. Read broadly and families yourself with the depth and breadth of your field. As you do, you will realise that your initial research question may change, and that's okay. Be open to new ideas and directions. Learn to adapt when experiments or theories don't work out.
5. See criticisms as allies: Criticism about your experiments, protocols, abstracts, posters, and draft manuscripts is part of the process; don't take it personally. Learn from feedback and use it to improve your work.
6. Learn to say no politely: Your PhD has a specific period of funding and timeframe wherein you are expected to finish. However, lots of other subprojects will pop up along the way requesting your time and expertise. Do them as long as they do not continuously interfere with the progress of your personal PhD project. When they do, it's okay to decline. Focus on quality over quantity in your commitments.
7. Stay current in your field: Set up alerts for new publications in your area. Regularly review key journals in your discipline.
8. Develop transferable skills: Learn programming, data analysis, or other relevant technical skills. Improve your presentation and communication abilities.
9. Plan for life after PhD: Start thinking about career options early. Seek opportunities for professional development. Take initiative in your research and professional development. If you are in an institute with a graduate school, take as many professional development courses as possible.
Remember, a PhD is both a sprint and a marathon. Pace yourself with short-term goals (sprint) while keeping a long-term focus, patience, endurance and enthusiasm (marathon).
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