Choosing an Advisor
Per Ardua Ad Astra - Through Hardship to the Stars Career Development
A Program for Graduate Womxn in Physics led by Anna Frebel, Professor of Physics and GWIP faculty liaison.
Self-evaluation tool
Before choosing an advisor, consider what aspects are most important to you:
- Would you prefer your thesis to be a series of short related projects or a long continuous project?
- Do you prefer an advisor who is involved in your work daily or someone with a hands-off approach?
- Would you like to work in a small group or within a large collaboration?
- What is the range of weekly work hours that fits your lifestyle?
- Are you seeking travel opportunities, or does excessive travel not fit your lifestyle?
What to ask potential advisors
During Open House chats, consider asking about:
- Possible projects and the group's demographic.
- Frequency of meetings and the availability of day-to-day advisors.
- Typical graduation time and career paths of graduates.
- Expectations around working hours, publications, and lab responsibilities.
- What mentoring is offered for career development.
- Funding options and opportunities for attending conferences or leading projects.
How to choose a good grad school advisor
Choosing an advisor is crucial. Look for support, mentorship, and opportunities for career development. Consider the advisor's interaction frequency, how projects are assigned and managed, and whether the advisor cares about the students' well-being.
Ideal learning opportunities
Your PhD should offer you chances to excel in your field, identify key research questions, document research succinctly, and give engaging presentations. It should also help you learn teaching and mentoring skills, establish a scientific network, and deal with challenges effectively.
Additional considerations
Advisors often prefer students who match their style and personality. Speak with current group members to get insights into the group dynamics and the advisor's style.
Remember, it's important to trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it may require more consideration or a change in direction.