All That You Can Learn from Your PhD Supervisor

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Your supervisor has a very important role to play in the progression of your work, but at the same time they are much occupied in their own work and not find time often to transfer knowledge to their scholars on regular basis. As a research scholar you need to have the tact to extract the … Continue reading “All That You Can Learn from Your PhD Supervisor”

Your supervisor has a very important role to play in the progression of your work, but at the same time they are much occupied in their own work and not find time often to transfer knowledge to their scholars on regular basis. As a research scholar you need to have the tact to extract the best knowledge from the limited time that your supervisor gives to u.

 I can suggest you some selective ways to be able to learn the best from the supervisor:

Exploit the tea/coffee break: Make the best use of the tea coffee breaks. I personally have found the best lessons have been learnt in the most casual of conversations with my guide. A lot of practical tips related to academic life that are not available in any book can be absorbed here.

Field trips: Field trips are the practical learning of the classroom theoretical concepts. Never leave an opportunity to accompany your supervisor on site as you will be able to learn all that is not being taught in the courses.

Writing Papers: Supervisors are happiest when you are writing to the best of your capacity. My supervisor quickly sees the draft of my paper when I send it  to him. Practical ideas related to better clarity in the concept, use of figures and explanation of data. An analysis by my supervisor with a critical eye is a great help in improvising my writing skills and knowing my flaws.

 I always look for opportunities where I can benefit from the experience of my advisor but hey are always scarce. Do you know of any other idea that could help to learn better from the supervisor?