Hello!!
Are you a PhD student?
It is not difficult to get lost among so many things to do and to think when you are studying for a PhD degree. I have made my hard way to this goal, and frequently people ask me how I succeeded. Well, I took part of PhD at UTFPR, and part of my field research was in UTC - Sourbonne Universités. Here, a few tips for you, so that you do not get lost.
1. Find a program as close as possible to you: barriers will be lower, considering the financial, cultural, social and familiar aspects. An experience abroad, and more far than your ambient, can easily be done with a "sandwich" period.
2. Find a line of research you like: it is not easy to study for a PhD degree, and it is even harder when you have to work with something you do not like. If you advisor have you research in his line and therefore it is one you do not like, try to make a conversion as most as possible, so as you will combine both, your will and your advisor's will as well.
3. Make the most of your credits! Do not simply "get rid" of them. Credits will help you in the research, and will also open your horizons.
4. You do not need a thesis first! First of all, in the case of UTFPR, you will need an outstanding publication. Therefore, before being worried with a final text, think before about a scientific paper.
5. Great!! But if you start writing a scientific paper, you might end up writing about anything but your thesis subject. Therefore, you need to ask yourself these questions (to some of which I have the probable answer): i) What is my advisor's line of reseach? After finding out the answer, you will have the answer for the next question: ii) What theme should I study about? Great, you will have to study and research on the theme your advisor also studies about.
6. Excelente! You already know what you are supposed to (partially) study about. I say partially because you can make conversions with your favorite theme and your advisor's. But first, discuss deeply and seriously with him/her.
7. Find a research gap: it will not help you being excessively worried about you research GAP, though I know finding a research GAP is not easy!! So, how can I find it? The tip is in the next step.
8. You will need a research gap, and also to have an outstanding publication. The right way to succeed is to make an equally outstanding systematic literature review. Methodi Ordinatio is the perfect way you will reach your purpose! Follow all the steps and, Eureka!! you will get there!! The first outstanding paper will be your literature review, as well as your first outstanding paper. These two factors, literature review and paper, will open your way to the qualification!
These are the tips I have by now! By following them, you will be entitled to be well succeeded in your thesis!!
Good studies, and good luck!!
Regina N Pagani
