Tips to take off

A Ph.D. degree in present days is awarded as a recognition for the achievements by independent research and application of knowledge to the solution of technical and scientific problems.

PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy' which is an abbreviation of the latin term, (Ph)ilosophiae (d)octor. The word 'philosophy' here refers to its original Greek meaning: philo (friend or lover of) sophia (wisdom). Remember Byomkesh bakshi “Satyanveshi” ?

A typical PhD program these days normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).

• Conducting original research and collecting your results.

• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.

• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation.

• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.

Research is conducted to evaluate the validity of a hypothesis or an interpretive framework; to assemble a body of substantive knowledge and findings for sharing them in appropriate manners; and to generate questions for further inquiries.

Those who earn the degree are held in high esteem. But it does come at certain cost. Patience and perseverance are key for a successful PhD.

PhD should to be pursued by only those who are truly driven to do something original, create a new knowledge base and be prepared to discover the unknown. You should only do a PhD if you are really interested in it, not if you can’t think of doing anything better.

Let’s accept it, doing a PhD can be intellectually challenging, physically tiring and emotionally draining. PhD is not time bound. So, if you want to complete the degree in a fixed time like your earlier ones it may not be all that a great idea. During your journey towards PhD degree you may not earn a six-figure salary like your friend, with an MBA or a professional degree, does so in much less time. If you are jealous of watching your friends drive off to work in their expensive cars while you're still stuck in the library or lab, then you may give it a pass.

One of the crucial things for PhD is selecting and communicating with a suitable PhD supervisor - the person responsible for providing support and guidance throughout the program and sometimes protect you from the system. This should be someone with interests and specializations closely aligned to your own, who is excited about your proposed project - or perhaps already seeking a candidate to research a particular topic.

Some tips for choosing an advisor

1. Prepare a list of people who work on the subject you wish to explore further

2. Read up their work

3. Ensure that he has been active in research until now

4. Make sure that person communicates regularly

5. Check if the prospective guide has a good reputation among his co-workers.

6. Choose a person who can excite you

7. Your supervisor must know your personal circumstances and must have their sympathy, empathy and consideration

8. Talk to your friends, teachers, colleagues. There is no harm is asking for recommendations. See a variety of people and Take your time!