Common mistakes in doing a Phd

We all made mistakes, that's natural. But once you'd identified the mistakes, you should try to avoid it. In pursuing a Phd, I find there are common mistakes people do, again and again, even though we knew about it including me myself.

As a result, you're not able to finish your Phd within the prescribed time. Even worse, you'll give up, or withdraw from the Phd program, or your supervisor will recommend you to withdraw. In any cases, you waste your time and money.

There are a few mistakes or rather misjudgements that I always see in UK setting:

1. If I can score and do well in my undergrad course, I should be doing fine in my Phd.

Wrong and absolutely wrong. I saw many times that it does not always the case. It's simply because undergrad is totally different from a Phd. In most of UK setting, you're working on your own starting from day one.

Of course, there were a few very rare cases that I knew where the supervisor was giving assistance to the students almost in every step. It's more like spoonfeeding to me. But not every supervisor is going to do the same.

In the undergrad course you prepare yourself for the exam, but in doing a Phd you set your own questions and then you yourself answer the questions. And that is the most difficult part because you don't really know what questions to ask or how to ask the right question. Being able to ask the right question is important because it shows whether you know your stuff well enough.

So doing a Phd is totally different from undergrad or masters program.

2. It does not really matter if my supervisor does not agree with my idea as long as I like it.

Wrong. I have seen it so many times. It does not work. You must work with the supervisor. The only different between your Phd supervisor and your supervisor at workplace is that you still get your pay even if you totally hate the latter. If you hate the former, your chances to pass your Phd is very thin.

Of course, conflict and contrasting ideas do arise along the way but do not take hostile approach. Turn and generate conflicts into new ideas. After all, we are all human and we don't like hostility.

3. The first year is the honeymoon year. I'll start working hard from year two onwards.

Wrong. Although pursuing a Phd is not a job that will pay your bills, the work starts from day one and there is no holidays or weekends. Everyday is a working day. I'm telling you from my own experience.

4. I should hide my research idea so that other people will not steal my idea.

Wrong. I know someone will disagree with me but one thing for sure is that discussion improves knowledge. More discussion means more ideas. Unless you're working in the industy where patent is everything and knowledge is a secret, I find that presenting your research in seminars and conference is a good way of enhancing your project.

The ability to argue your research in a seminar will increase your confidence in your research. You will feel good about your project and so does your supervisor.

Try to present your Phd project once in every semester. If budget is a constraint, then you try use your school's budget or present your research in a free seminar. I'm sure it's going to be beneficial to you.

That's all I can think of at this moment. I'm sure there are more but those are my own experience.