Congratulations! You are about to start your PhD programme. Don’t be under the false impression that PhD is as easy as falling off a log. You’ll devote your maximum time in extensive research and bring out some new ideas and ways to add benefits to an existing research. You might have consulted several people and done online research about PhD, for instance, when and how to start it, but a few things might have been overlooked. Here they are.

• You can start PhD in an entirely different field

This is not surprising that you have attained your master degree in one subject and eventually found that your interest lies somewhere else. Interests change with time and experience. Having spent several years in one area, you may find passion in an entirely different area that you would be considering nonexistent.

You should talk to one of your professors and tell them your interest area. The brief will help them guide whether or not a new area is benign for you.

• Take a break before enrollment

PhD programme is tedious and long. It takes years to complete. Before proceeding with the programme you should be aware of the type of research you would be doing. You should be certain where you would be living during the course. Are you comfortable for being in an academic environment? Scoop out what lies beyond it, and then make a thoughtful move.

However, long gap is not good as it would be harder to get into an academic environment with lower pay later. Within the time gap you should know your priorities and the area of your research. You will be focused this time in your research, and also know if you would be able to cope up with full time research before applying for PhD.

• Confirm that you have a variety of research options

When you start your PhD programme you may find that it’s not what you expected. A research advisor plays a crucial role. Though you have to pick up the one at the beginning stage, you can finalize a permanent research advisor at later stage. You should choose a programme where professors are working on a broader area. This would assist you exploring different research areas and choose the one that best suits your interest. This will also assist you to be in touch with a research advisor  who’ll help you in project completion successfully.

• Set ground rules

Life gives positive and negative experience. No matter how savvy and patient you are, you may err in coordinating with your supervisor. Sometimes supervisors don’t heed on your work carefully and provide harsh or no feedback. You should be prepared of dealing this situation since you apply for the programme. Supervisors can be enabling, motivating, and bullies. So it’s important to know the structure and regulations of a university.