identifying your phd supports
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the value of a support system
In a 2012 study called “Navigating the Doctoral Experience: The role of Social Support in Successful Degree Completion” at Penn State University, researchers investigated the role of social support in the successful completion of a doctoral degree. Social support was defined as emotional support, professional support (mentoring and guidance), and practical support (finances, task completion, etc.). The research findings show that all three sources of social support (i.e., friends, family, and faculty) provide both positive and negative support.
The findings suggested the following recommendations for future doctoral students:
a) aligning themselves with a group of academic friends and preparing for the inevitable peer competition (e.g. publications, grant funding, job apps etc.);
b) seeking assistance from family members or friends on certain tasks and educating family members/friends on the doctoral student experience; and
c) establishing good rapport with a doctoral adviser who is professionally active.
NAMING YOUR GIANTS
“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants” - Isaac Newton
Identifying your “giants” in your doctoral journey is imperative for success. These giants may manifest in different forms. Sometimes they appear due to sweet serendipity and sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and find them.
Questions to ask yourself ...
who do I feel most comfortable and confident with?
who pushes me to challenge myself?
who encourages me to take care of my well-being and models healthy behaviours?
what faculty members have given me the space to make mistakes and grow?
who are grad students I have connected with?
what are hobbies and activities that help me feel grounded?
who are the family members and friends in my life who cheer me on and lift me up when I am feeling down?
Below is a list of potential giants that may offer themselves as support during different stages of your doctoral journey:
Faculty advisor, thesis supervisor and/or graduate assistantship supervisor
Faculty in your department or area of interest
Course instructors
Peers in your courses, department, area of interest
Other scholars (e.g. International scholars) in your area of interest
Department coordinators, Registrar, Program assistants etc.
Like-minded people you meet at seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.
Online/in-person resources offered by OISE, broader UofT and other institutions
Family, friends, partner, neighbors, pets, spirituality practices, gym/exercise/walk, food/self-care etc.
student testimonial
Sunnya (C&P)
My greatest supports during my doctoral journey have been a few faculty members (graduate assistantship supervisor, thesis supervisor and a few course instructors).
The most crucial tip I would give to other doctoral students is network! Yes, sometimes it is uncomfortable but it is important to make those connections which will lead you to opportunities. For example, I stayed in touch with one of my professors even after the course ended and she eventually asked me to co-facilitate one of her courses and write a book chapter in her upcoming book. She also calls me from time to time to present in her course. I stay in touch regularly and we chat once a month on the phone to catch up and talk about professional and personal matters. Make these connections and nurture the relationships you develop. Ask for any open positions such as volunteering, internships, research projects, upcoming books, etc. Don’t be afraid to pitch your ideas! Stay in touch with professors even after courses end. Also, ask your seniors for help. They have been through the process and will speak from experience. I had a very generous senior send me resources to prepare for my comprehensive exams including examples of successful and unsuccessful COMPS with faculty feedback. I attribute my success in COMPS to this package she compiled for me.
Another tip is to network with International scholars as well especially in your area of interest. Go to conferences, present, share your research and build relationships. Show people who you are and share your ideas/work so that when opportunities arise, people remember you and offer you what you seek.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information on developing a support system visit:
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