The A-Z of the PhD Trajectory: A Practical Guide for a Successful Journey

by Eva O.L. Lantsoght

This textbook is a guide to success during the PhD trajectory. The first part of this book takes the reader through all steps of the PhD trajectory, and the second part contains a unique glossary of terms and explanation relevant for PhD candidates. Written in the accessible language of the PhD Talk blogs, the book contains a great deal of practical advice for carrying out research, and presenting one’s work. It includes tips and advice from current and former PhD candidates, thus representing a broad range of opinions. The book includes exercises that help PhD candidates get their work kick-started. It covers all steps of a doctoral journey in getting started in a program, planning the work, the literature review, the research question, experimental work, writing, presenting, online tools, presenting at one’s first conference, writing the first journal paper, writing and defending the thesis, and the career after the PhD. Since a PhD trajectory is a deeply personal journey, this book suggests methods PhD candidates can try out, and teaches them how to figure out for themselves which proposed methods work for them, and how to find their own way of doing things.

Genres: Science, Academic, Personal Development, Nonfiction

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2018

Reviews

[Davide · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of useful insights for the PhD journey.
I wish I had read this when I first started, but better late than ever!
These are the 5 main takeaways that I got:

1. Plan ahead of time and in detail
2. Always be writing
3. Record what you do and what you read
4. Don't neglect your well-being
5. When working, ask yourself "how does this answer my research question?"

Lastly, don't forget it is an honor to be on this journey.

[Nacho Aliaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I really appreciate that exist books like this because the main premise of carrying a PhD is to achieve independent research; however, the word "independent" leads to many misunderstandings. Carrying on independent research does not mean to only seek help through the advisor occasionally. I think independence is based on the ability to seek knowledge, advise, support when I need because deliberately I know that I need, not to have all the answers. And it will be a big pigheadedness ignore that there is tons of experience and knowledge available to guide you through a successfully (I hope) PhD path. This book is one of these cumulative experiences that will lead you to a successful and enjoyable PhD.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd read this while I was doing my master's! I'm naturally disorganised and a procrastinator, which lead to "writing sprints" and working every single day for the last two months in order to submit my thesis in time. I'm proud of what I achieved, but I ended up completely burnt out. I hope I'll be able to implement all this advice during my PhD.

This was more of a 4.5 star book for me, mainly because some parts become repetitive, but since we can't give half stars here I'll go for 5. I appreciate all the comments and insights about being a woman in STEM, which is usually missing in other, similar books.

[Mayank Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The A-Z of the PhD Trajectory- Eva OL Lantsoght
Review: The book is recommended to those starting PhD as the book talks about several aspects like settling down in new place, managing your time, planning out research experiments, maintaining good health to even socialising tips. Eva has explained in form of her experiences mostly.
The book is gem for students struggling with their PhD routine and other responsibilities.
The Literature review section is well-put and can be a book in itself. After this comes the research question which many students struggle to formulate and convince the advisors that it is worth doing research. The flowchart is explained properly that how research questions converts to thesis chapters.
After reading the book, I felt some parts can be condensed as PhD students don’t have much time to read a 400 page book. They would prefer compact less than 200 page book. But I thank Author for her sincere efforts and many times when we start Ph.D we are not knowing the academic world and this book is peek into it.
All The Best: Dr Mayank Mishra
Author of Diary of a Phd Student: To be or not to be

[gizmocritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zilch knowledge about PhD till grasping meticulously detail what to expect in accomplishing a doctoral title. The author is the same age as me and already a professor! A female too. Really inspired. From feeling panic due to all PhD requirements till suddenly i felt like as if I already finish my PhD when i read the chapter about proposal defense and what questions may be asked during viva. I can see myself graduating doctorate. Ameen ameen YRA. Thanks Dr Eva. Nicely put, and i will go through this book again in the near future on certain chapters. Tq for this amazing book. My supervisor recommended. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to pursue in PhD

[Daniel.Leroux23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book offers very clear guidance and practical tips as well as tools you can use for a PhD. It has also helped me to manage issues with my MD. It ranges from how to deal with a new country, how to plan your semester, month and week accordingly, supervisor tips, lit review, conferences, keeping mental health, future job opportunities. It is just so well thought for academics. To be fair, I regard this book as one of my personal mentors.