How to Get Your PhD: A Handbook for the Journey

by Gavin Brown (editor)

A unique take on how to survive and thrive in the process your PhD, this is a book that stands out from the crowd of traditional PhD guides. Compiled by a leading UK researcher, and written in a highly personal one-to-one manner, How to Get Your PhD showcases the thoughts of diverse and distinguished minds hailing from the UK, EU, and beyond, spanning both academia and industry. With over 150 bitesize nuggets of actionable advice, it offers more detailed contributions covering topics such as career planning, professional development, diversity and inclusion in science, and the nature of risk in research.

How to Get Your A Handbook for the Journey is as readable for people considering a PhD as it is for those in the middle of aiming to clarify the highs and lows that come when training in the profession of research, while providing tips & tricks for the journey. This concise yet complete guide allows students to “dip in” and read just what they need, rather than adding to the mountain of reading material they already have.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

Reviews

[Sean Barrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one because over the last month or two I've been struggling to read and to write. I'm coming back after a bit of a burnout with life and trying to rekindle my passion for literature and book reviewing.

PhDs are such a massive commitment, and they take over everything. It becomes hard to fit other things in. After a few years on the same project motivation goes, and it can be difficult to remember why you even started. Deadlines loom and you feel like a failure when life gets in the way and causes delays in your project's progress.

But that's the negative. There are so many positives involved. Finally, finishing the work and creating a piece of writing that is yours and original on a topic that means so much to you is its own reward. Not to mention the academic standing, earning the degree and learning much about your topic and yourself in the process. You focus on the end goal and being able to move forward with something new once the thesis is finally written.

PhDs are hard but I suppose if they were easy, everyone would do them. My point here, is that this book helped. It helped me find my focus again and to move forward with my work and to remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

So it's time to start reading again!

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[Mohammed Khalifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction. The writing style is down-to-earth and realistic. The second part of the book is a collection of recommendations by Professors and PhD holders; I liked the idea but I think it could use some organizing or some sort of categorization. A good read for someone who is beginning their journey.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published this year by Oxford University Press, How to Get Your PhD: A Handbook for the Journey by Gavin Brown is essential reading for anyone thinking of doing, or trying to get through, a PhD. I wish I’d had this book when I was doing mine, here’s why:

I thoroughly enjoyed my PhD and given the chance I’d do it all again. I was lucky to be able to do research guided by a great supervisor and it was rewarding being part of a big and friendly lab. There were loads of opportunities to get involved in all sorts of other projects along the way. Thankfully, I also had some good mentors and met tonnes of interesting people from all over the world. I am grateful my supervisor and everyone else who made it possible.

Despite all the good stuff, there’s plenty I could have done better. Hindsight is a great teacher. Gavin’s book would have helped me do a better PhD but hadn’t been written at that time – I wish it had been. I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.

Alongside serious technical advice on the mechanics of doing a PhD, Gavin’s book provides a good overview of some the psychological and emotional hurdles every PhD will encounter. Unlike a lot of similar books (there’s already tonnes of self-help PhD guides out there), this one is written in first person singular which makes for a more engaging and shorter read. Serious advice is balanced by the books light hearted tone, with plenty of humour, such as the game of PhD Bingo, shown in the picture on the right. Like most students, I ticked all those boxes (BINGO!) apart from the “you will read this book” box. Don’t be that person! Read The Friendly Manual. RTFM. Read THIS Friendly Manual!

The handbook also includes personal stories which help get key messages across, not just from Gavin, but a distinguished bunch of scientists, engineers and mathematicians who have contributed to the second part of the book including Nancy Rothwell, Victoria Burns, Steve Furber, Lucy Kissick, Hiranya Peiris, Melanie Leng, Jeremy Wyatt, David Hand, Carolyn Virca, Shakir Mohamed, Jonny Brooks-Bartlett and Jennifer Polk.

So if you’re wondering about doing a PhD, or you’re currently doing one, go and read Gavins book. I’m not just saying that because Gavin is a colleague of mine. I’m saying that because I wish this book had existed back when I did my PhD. It’s packed full of useful advice and I heartily recommend you read it!

[Johanna Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re planning—or even just considering—starting a PhD program, I highly recommend reading this book. It’s the one I ended up taking the most notes from, by far.

<< Thoughts on the reading>>
1. Learn one thing everyday
2. Read other papers and focus on the future work section
3. If you consider quitting, imagine if someone would make you leave the program, how would you feel and react?
- indifferent - quit
- emotional - stay
4. Read - think - write strategy
5. The best method for reading successfully and deeply:
Read abstract -> Read conclusion -> if relevant -> read the body -> understand the context deeply -> connect it to your own idea

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"You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. Its they mistake, not my failing."
- Richard P. Feynman

"We are all smart. Distinguish yourself by being kind."

[Ariane Sasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was an interesting book and it can give people some guidance and hope. However, from my perspective, it is more a book for beginners (I read it in my 3rd year of the PhD). I am not sure what I was expecting, maybe more counseling on how to deal with stagnation and how to keep yourself motivated :).

[Heba · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful book that addresses real doubts while not taking itself (or academia) too seriously. I found myself pausing frequently, shaking my head in agreement or absorbing a revelation that really put thing in perspective.

[Petr Lorenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good overview. I think it is must-read book for the PhD students and also for people thinking about getting PhD. There are several tips and also description of how you will probably feel during the studies

[Chanel Coppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, easy read with actionable chunks of advice. Looking forward to implementing some of what I've learned as well as have other ideas I had either confirmed or refuted.

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're doing any king of research, this book will make you feel like you have a friendly supervisor with something wise to say for every step of the journey.