Prevent Your PhD Supervisor Relationship from Falling Apart

A PhD journey is both exciting and challenging. One of the most important elements in ensuring a smooth and successful PhD experience is managing the relationship with your supervisor.

Here are 9 tips to help you navigate this relationship effectively.

1. Set clear expectations

At the beginning of your project, discuss and agree on key issues such as publication strategies, authorship of papers, research ethics, and intellectual property. Setting these expectations early helps prevent misunderstandings later.

2. Schedule meetings proactively

Take the initiative to schedule regular supervisory meetings to ensure consistent progress and engagement. Since your supervisor has many competing priorities, being proactive in arranging meetings helps keep you on their radar.

3. Prepare meeting agendas

Before each meeting, prepare and send an agenda to your supervisor. Supervisors appreciate having a clear summary of your goals in advance. This approach keeps discussions focused and ensures all key topics are addressed.

4. Share key materials

Prepare work in advance to keep meetings focused and productive. Early on, this might include lists of readings or tasks; later, bring data, analysis, and drafts. This ensures meetings are a valuable use of both your and your supervisor’s time. If you have nothing substantial to discuss, reconsider if the meeting is necessary.

5. Welcome feedback

Be open to receiving feedback and constructive criticism from your supervisor. Use this input to refine and improve your work. Don’t take it personally; view it as a chance to enhance your research. Listing key points and addressing them in your own time can be very effective.

6. Address problems promptly

Address issues as they arise, whether they are technical, resource-related, or concerning supervision style and frequency. Unresolved issues tend to grow, so consider seeking advice from an academic advisor or someone outside the supervisor team if needed.

7. Summarise meetings

After each meeting, summarise the key points and actions agreed upon, and keep a record for yourself. This practice helps track progress and will be valuable as you look back on key discussions over the years. Don’t rely solely on your memory.

8. Stay organised

Maintain a well-organized record of your research activities, meeting notes, and feedback. Keeping everything neat and in one place not only helps manage your project effectively but also makes it easier to repurpose these notes and activities for your PhD thesis.

9. Encourage open communication

Encourage open and honest communication with your supervisor. Regularly discuss your progress, challenges, and any adjustments needed to ensure a productive and collaborative relationship. If your supervisor isn’t open to this, you might need to consider finding another supervisor who better supports your needs.

• Check out my PDF below summarising the 9 tips for PhD candidates to manage their PhD supervision efficiently:

Take home message

PhD supervision relationships determine your overall PhD experience. Miscommunication can frequently undermine these relationships, and many PhD students lack clear guidance on expectations, leading to misunderstandings that aren't always their fault. These nine tips can simplify the process and improve your chances of a successful relationship.

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