Academic Life

Five surprising facts I learned about myself doing a PhD

During your PhD you undoubtedly learn a lot. Your build your expertise in the subject and even contribute to the knowledge in your field. But it does not stop there. You might even learn something you did not expect to learn. I learned some things about myself I did not think I would. Some of it might echo with you as well. Here are five surprising facts I learned about myself doing a PhD.

I discovered some hidden talents

Most of us identify as scientists, humanists, engineers etc. most of your adult lives. This can make you think in a certain way about yourself. Besides, we have a certain set of believes about yourselves.

Doing a PhD gives you the opportunity to discover as skillset you never knew you had. This can change the story you keep telling yourself, e.g. “I am a scientist and thus rubbish with words“.

I discovered that I actually enjoy writing. For you this could be something else. Maybe you are a humanist and you discover you enjoy crunching the numbers. Possibly you develop a passion for teaching. Or you find out that you are a gifted public speaker. Whatever it is, do not worry if it changes your story.

I am a green-eyed monster

I hate to be that person, but I had to realize I am, or at least I was. I resented complete strangers for sitting in the beer garden and basking in the sun without a care in the world. At the same time, I was struggling through difficult scientific problems. Or unfavourable reviewer comments were keeping me busy. Is this fair? I did not think so. It seems to me their biggest problem was which cafe to choose this weekend. Oh, if looks could kill…

I learned how to balance my opinion and the interests of others

A PhD student is not an island. He or she works together with group members, co-authors, academic supervisors, and reviewers. Of course, it is paramount to take their professional opinion on board. Yet, learning how much you are willing to compromise your own believes or style is a valuable lesson.

Integrate conflicting opinions of several people is a valuable skill. But, it is a skill you will only master if you know yourself. You must know how many concessions you are able to make without selling your soul.

Accepting help does not hurt

I was raised to be responsible for myself. This includes being able to support myself. But then, as for many other PhD students, the end of my PhD funding preceded the date of my thesis submission. Because of that, I was supporting myself during my final writing up of my thesis with job seekers allowance.

Others might have to ask their family or spouse for support. I never planned to do this when I set out to do a PhD. However, I learned I was able able to accept a little support in the end. And it did not even hurt.

I will never reach a sense of accomplishment

I had to realize, that I will never be done in my life. After finishing grad school I did not feel that sense of accomplishment I expected to find. I completed my PhD only to realize how much more there is to learn and to figure out. Now I know: Finishing a PhD is only the beginning of a personal and professional learning journey not the end.

When you are done with your PhD, you are not done. In fact, you are less done than you were ever before. Good look on your journey.