Reflections of a Doctoral Student: Wrapping Up My First Semester
May 24, 2023 is a huge milestone. This is the day that I completed my first semester as a Doctoral Student. These last few months have flown by to say the least. Nonetheless, these last few months have been the most rewarding, life-changing and fulfilling months of my life to date. I've watched my entire life evolve in a matter of months. Quite often I find myself smiling and just thanking God. My life isn't perfect however every day I get to wake up and do what I want to do the way that I want to do, and it's a blessing within itself to be able to say that. I have learned so much about myself, my loved ones, life, and about my field of study. I've grown and am growing so much. I am so proud of ME! For the first time in my life, I know where I'm going, how I'm going to get there, who I'm going with and what I'm doing and it feels so good. I feel like I have so many full circle moments that make me realize everything that I have been through was worth it. No matter how difficult or how easy it all has gotten me to this point. I take pride in my trials and tribulations and view them as strides that helped me build character and lay another brick in my legacy. At this exact moment my heart is filled with so much gratitude for the women that I know, especially Dr. Laura-Ann. It has been an honor to be under her leadership, guidance and mentorship. I don't know if I would have made it through this semester without her pushing me towards doing the work and showing up as my best self.
A few key takeaways that I wanted to share to others who are considering pursuing their doctoral degree are as follows:
When selecting a university consider public and private institutions. Smaller/private institutions provide students with more intimate and close knit relationships, smaller class sizes, and closer work with your professors.
At the beginning of my first semester I visited CapTech’s campus library. While conducting research Dr. McAndrew our Dean of Doctoral Programs walked in heading to his office with his lunch. I noticed him immediately and introduced myself. He knew who I was. He sat down at the table I was at and had lunch with me and answered all the questions I had as a new doctoral student. This was the first time I met or even had a Dean of Students express this level of genuine interest and care in who I was as a person or about my interests. I loved it and it was reassuring to me that I had selected the right university to continue my education. This was one of the many pleasurable experiences I had with Dr. McAndrew and other CapTech staff/faculty.
Consider if you would like to complete your PhD program following the traditional way or following a publication/European model.
The dissertation option will require you to produce, present and defend a doctoral dissertation that has to be approved by your committee and PhD Review Board. The publication/European model (the path I selected) provides students with the opportunity to produce, present and defend their doctoral research that will be published as articles in peer reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences. Initially I didn’t understand the difference but CapTech’s Associate Director of Admissions allowed me to schedule time with her to consider my career goals and my strengths as a professional and decide which model would be best for me to follow. I selected the publication/European model that would be best for me.
Do your research on key faculty members.
You will be working closely with the faculty members of the program you select for a few years. It is in your best interest you learn about the kinds of research they’ve completed, their publications and their background.
Build a good relationship with your dissertation chair.
Your chair is who you are working with closely until the completion of your studies. Stay in regular communication with your chair and let her/him know what progress you are making towards your dissertation goals. Learn about their interests, projects, research, background, etc. The better your relationship is with your chair the better your experience will be. A significant number of doctoral students do not complete their degree. Many attribute lack of support from faculty and their relationship with their chair as being one of the deciding factors.
Get organized & set a schedule and goals.
If you’re like me and need some sort of structure to follow this will help you out significantly and keep you from getting lost in the weeds. Your professor and chair are there to assist you but most of the work you do throughout your studies will be on your own. Having structure will keep you on top of your studies and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
If you don’t have a village around yourself, start building one now.
Adults need a village too. This journey is not easy at all. You are going to need people you can lean on who can support and encourage you as you go through your process.
Create healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle.
Fitness and wellness are the healthiest outlets you can have that will give ether fuel you need to go do the big things you are doing.
Have an idea of what you want your research topic to be before you apply.
One of the first things the Dean of Students, your chair, peers or any other faculty will want to know is what your research topic is. If you go in with an idea of your area of interest your mentored research sessions with your mentor and key faculty will be more valuable.
Make friends with a librarian and get a library card.
This will be your second home for the next few years.
Share what you’re doing with others.
You never know who you may inspire. Include others in your journey. You may go far alone but you’ll go further with a group of people behind you supporting you.
If you read this all the way through, thank you and feel free to like, comment or share. Wish me luck as I progress into my second semester.