No Roadmap in Your PhD? I Created My Own (and It Worked)

During my PhD, I felt like there was no clear roadmap for going from doctoral student to candidate. I knew I had to write a research proposal, pass my comprehensive exams, and form a committee, but the familiar structure of semester-based course work was suddenly gone. 

So, as I transitioned into the research portion of my PhD, I decided to simulate the structure of course work. 

I divided the year into “semesters” and planned out “assignments”with “deadlines” across every four-month period. 

During course work, I completed three major assignments each semester (usually presentations or final papers). So, for each simulated semester, I assigned myself three research tasks (like writing a chapter of my research proposal or preparing a paper for publication).

Creating and following my own “course outline” was fundamental in overcoming procrastination during my initial transition to entirely independent research work. 

It transformed overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, made me accountable to a timeline, and provided me with a familiar workflow structure.

What strategies have helped you manage your academic projects? 

Let’s work together to make your personalized roadmap for academic success. Visit my website (link in profile description) or contact me to learn more about my academic coaching and editing services.