So tonight I celebrate Keith and Terrina, who have kept me very busy throughout the month of March. And David Wolf, PhD who preceded them by defending in January. Three doctoral students are now doctors. The journey does come to an end. It may take 4 years, or 5, or 6...but eventually, it does come to an end. Then maybe, you enter into the domain of life-long learner. And 'holder of the discipline'.
So how do you get to this place of celebrating a successful defense?
I have learned a few lessons from directing these three students, and many others who are in the pipeline.
- Create a plan, then work that plan.
- Avoid taking a new job before you complete your dissertation. Many have been derailed by taking new jobs...Off course if you do have to take a job, then go back to 1 - create a plan, then work that plan. Some institutions (for those who look to enter academia) will hire you as ABD. However, it is contingent on you defending your dissertation within a given timeline, failure to do so would result in either being fired or demoted. For those who are already working (thus doing doctoral studies part-time) taking on a new job or added responsibility has the same potential to derail your progress. So if you do take that new job, or those added responsibilities, be sure to count the cost.
- If you can, it is advisable that you keep more or less the same pace as you did during coursework. Maintaining the same pace has the potential to help you get to completion sooner. Deciding that coursework is over so now you can relax...that can derail you.
- Talk to those who had a timely completion. Learn from their example. They can tell you which strategies to employ and which pitfalls to avoid.
- Ensure you have social support and accountability, people who will encourage you and keep tabs on your progress. Per my "it takes a village" post, you need others in your life to help you achieve timely completion. Folks who are willing to copy edit your documents, folks who are willing to help with child or elder care...etc.
- Finally, create a plan, then work that plan. Yes, I am repeating myself. Its THAT important.
Faith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the congratulations, I couldn't have done it without you and my wonderful committee members.
As for tips to others in the dissertation phase, I echo your comments and maybe add some more to it.
As far as creating a plan, this plan not only includes how you're going to go about your study as far as theory and methodology, but a timeline for deadlines to get things done. I would recommend working backward from the ultimate deadline of when you want to graduate.
I found creating deadlines for myself, not only kept me on pace, but also allowed for my committee to plan their lives and review around my deadlines. While this is your dissertation, it's important to remember that your committee is there to help you, but they have lives and commitments, just like you do, so respect that and keep to your deadlines.
On the subject of committees, I can't stress enough that your selection of a dissertation chair and committee members is a crucial piece of your success. I couldn't have asked for a better committee to work with, as they were as committed to my success as I was; however, this is not the norm. With that said, select a chair and committee members that you work well with, work well together as a team, and are committed to you and your topic.
Lastly, start as soon as possible as far as selecting a topic. Also, when selecting a topic, don't forget to pull from personal experience. Some PhD students try to stretch and choose a topic that they have no connection with, but the best thing to do is to choose a topic that you have a connection with. Just remember that you're going to be spending at least a year or more on this project, so is the topic one that you're passionate about in order to sustain your interest through the process.
With that, I wish success to all PhD students reading this post.
Hugs and Much Love,
Keith Keppley, PhD
Timing and completion very much depends on the type of project, the academic legitimacy of the project, and -indeed- how organized your committee is, nevermind the student.
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