An important step towards streamlining your PhD

The last couple of weeks I had lots of talks with PhD students. The thing that struck me the most was that PhD students don’t talk. Yes, they talk to me, because I am an outsider and not too scary and I know so much about the process of getting your PhD.

After talking to me for a while I noticed that then they dare to make a step to talk! Talk to their supervisor that is. Despite their insecurity. 

Of course I can’t talk to every PhD student but I would really like to recommend to talk to your supervisor. For instance if:

• you don’t know which step to make
• you have the idea things are not going so well
• you have the feeling that you are not productive
• you know you are doing a lot, except being busy with your PhD
• you don’t really know what is expected of you
• you would like different feedback. Have a look here how to change that
• maybe you will need a different kind of support
• you want to know if you are still on the right track
• just because things are not going as they should go

Take the step!

Your own attitude during a meeting could also be very important. The way you act during a meeting will have a big influence on the communication process.

Is it still really tricky? Fake it till you make it.

And of course you can always talk to me. I would love to figure out together how to make your PhD a success. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.