Good practices for a first year PhD student in Computing
Have you ever found yourself staring at a long list of tasks, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start? Well, as a first-year PhD student in Computing, I can definitely relate. The journey has been both exciting and challenging, and staying organized and motivated has been my sharpest arrow in my quiver.
One of the first lessons I learned was about Parkinson’s Law. It’s amazing how work expands to fill the time available for its completion. So, I quickly realized the importance of setting realistic deadlines for myself. I stopped giving myself too much time for each task, as it only led to procrastination. Instead, I started allocating reasonable timeframes, and I was surprised at how much I could accomplish when I had a clear deadline in mind.
Another aspect that I quickly discovered was the significance of taking care of my mental and physical health. Graduate school can be demanding, and it’s easy to neglect self-care. However, I learned that getting enough sleep and eating healthy, nutritious food were crucial for maintaining energy and focus. When I started prioritizing my well-being, I found myself more productive and better equipped to tackle the challenges of my research work.
Of course, staying organized was also vital. I experimented with different organizational systems until I found one that worked best for me. Personally, I found a digital calendar to be incredibly helpful in keeping track of my tasks and deadlines. I also made it a habit to create a to-do list each day, prioritizing my tasks and allocating sufficient time for each one. This helped me stay focused and ensured that I didn’t overlook anything important.
To further enhance my productivity, I dedicated specific days of the week to different types of tasks. For instance, I reserved Mondays for the more challenging aspects of my research work, when I felt freshest and most motivated. Fridays became my designated day for more experimental or interesting work,
allowing me to end the week on a high note. This strategy helped me maintain a sense of structure and made my workload more manageable.
In addition to these personal strategies, I actively sought out like-minded individuals who shared my passion for research and were also organized and motivated. Whether they were fellow researchers, colleagues, or friends, having a support system was invaluable. We would hold each other accountable, share tips and advice, and provide encouragement when needed. Surrounding myself with such positive influences helped me stay motivated and on track.
It’s important to remember that in this journey, my only competition is with myself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others, but I realized that it’s counterproductive. Instead, I choose to focus on my own progress and growth. Every small achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is worth celebrating. By embracing this mindset, I maintain a positive outlook and continue moving forward towards my research goals.
Being a first-year PhD student in Computing requires a strong sense of organization and productivity. It’s a continuous learning process, but the efforts invested are truly rewarding. By setting realistic deadlines, prioritizing my health, finding an organizational system that works for me, surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, and focusing on my personal progress, I’ve been able to navigate this journey with confidence and a sense of accomplishment. If you’re just starting out or looking to improve your own research work, I encourage you to implement these tips today and experience the difference it can make.
