I recently graduated with my PhD from the TPS program at Ohio State. I still distinctly remember the moment I got the email from TPS in early 2015 saying I’d been admitted to the program. After reading that message, I thought to myself, “I’m going to get a PhD!”, and I was ecstatic. Now, sitting here on the other side of this experience, I want to share some of my thoughts and insights on getting through graduate school. It’s not really a “had I known then what I know now,” since I think there’s nothing that can fully prepare a person for a PhD program; I’m just providing some advice to hopefully make the process a bit smoother for those coming down the pike.

1. Things will not go as you planned. Reflecting back on the past 6 years, the PhD experience I planned and expected back in 2015 is absolutely nothing like the one I wrapped up a few weeks ago. In addition to changing projects and getting married (neither I expected or planned for), we went through a global pandemic! No matter how confident you are in your plan, some things are just unpredictable. Being adaptable and flexible in tough situations, often completely out of your control, is so important in getting through graduate school. I also think stepping outside of your comfort zone and into something new and different, while anxiety-producing, can open up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities you didn’t realize were there. Try your best to be open to change and make the best of the unexpected.

2. Travel!!! In my opinion, one of the best perks of graduate school and academia in general is the opportunity to travel. Throughout my graduate school experience (both MS and PhD), I have had the chance to travel around the world. Typically, these trips are based around conferences where you tend to sit inside for days listening to research talks and networking (both very important!). Take advantage of the opportunity, stay for a few extra days, and explore! I know, because I’ve done it several times, that you feel like you need to get back to the lab/office, and you can’t possibly be gone any longer. Think of the PhD as a long-game, and in the grand scheme of your PhD program, those few extra days exploring and experiencing a new place instead of being in the lab/office will not derail your progress. In fact, taking some time to yourself to decompress after an intense conference may actually help you to be more productive when you get back. For me, I have never regretted time spent traveling, only the times I didn’t take the opportunity when it was right in front of me.

3. Be prepared to write (a lot). Lab/field work is a large part of a completing a PhD and requires a serious investment of time to organize and execute. I think it can be easy to consider writing to be something to work on down the road or later in a PhD program, but I would suggest starting to write sooner rather than later. I know for me, it was hard to prioritize dedicating time to write early on in my PhD program or even in the later stages since I felt I should always be in the lab. A dissertation is a mammoth undertaking though and starting early will only benefit you in those last months of your PhD. Try to setup a nice workspace for yourself, either at home or in the office. Invest in a nice chair (you will sit in it for a long time!) and create a space where you feel comfortable. Set aside some time each week to write, even if it’s just organizing journal articles for your literature review. For me, writing some each day worked best, but you may prefer to spend a whole day each week writing. Whatever your preference, try to get into a habit of writing, and start early.

4. Try not to put your life on hold. Academics tend to spend a lot of time in school. During what can sometimes amount to more than a decade of extra school, it’s easy to put off other life milestones and experiences. More recently, I’ve tried to view graduate school as a thing I’m doing (an important thing) but not the only thing. Just because graduate school can feel like putting life on hold for 5-6 years, it’s not; your life is still going by. If there are things you’d like to do in your life and you’re putting them off because of graduate school, don’t! There is never a great or perfect time to do anything, and if you wait for that perfect moment, it may never come. 

5. Take care of yourself. Graduate school is hard and can take a real toll on your mental and physical health. Sometimes the pressure of research and deadlines can make you feel like it’s not possible to take time for yourself. And when you do take the time, the guilt follows. Taking the time to take care of yourself is so, so important. Taking a day off when you’re exhausted or just need a day to yourself will not derail your PhD program. In fact, taking days off to rest and recover will probably make you more productive and energized. Go for walks, take fitness classes, get coffee with a friend, it’s okay to do these things. And if you’re feeling particularly down or low, please reach out to someone for help. OSU counseling services provides one-on-one counseling and group counseling aimed specifically at helping graduate students with their unique stressors (https://ccs.osu.edu/).

While it’s hard to believe it’s actually over, I cherish my graduate school experiences, good and bad, and I hope some of what I’ve learned can benefit you through your own PhD journey.

Written by TPS Alumna Dr. Katie D'Amico-Willman