naming your why

A PhD journey is a very personal one. Even though the experience of doctoral studies will range significantly across programs, supervisors, personal circumstances and goals, they’re usually intensive and self-directed programs. It might be helpful to remind yourself throughout this journey of your reasons for doing this PhD. It might also be helpful to know that your thinking will evolve throughout this process.

You might have many feelings that arise over the next few years. For example, you may come into the program thinking you definitely want to work in academia yet discover later on that you would rather do consulting work. Again, there is no right or wrong way to complete a PhD. Doing doctoral studies is a very personal process. It is a chance to deeply explore a topic of interest.

Here are some questions that may help you reflect more on your reasons for being here and help you plan what you need to accomplish your goals. You might want to get a journal or write these down on a piece of paper to display in your workspace.

If you are a visual thinker, you could also create a mind map to represent why you are doing this degree.

You can also create an inspiration wall in your work place. This can help you visualize why your doctoral journey is important to you.