Is a Ph.D. for me?

This guest blog is written by Tiffany Hamm a fourth-year doctoral candidate at Syracuse University pursuing a Ph.D. in science education. Her research interest includes transformative methods of science instruction in attempts to increase accessibility to equitable science education for historically marginalized students. Check out her TedxSyracuseUniversity video!

Summer of 2019, I met Dr. Hoffman, a short, round man, who’s always straight to the point when he talks. We were at a mutual friend’s house, having informal introductions and discussing life. I told him I was entering the second year of my doctoral program. “Yea?” He said. In his tone was a mixture of being surprised, concerned, and impressed. “Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” Confidently, quickly, and a little bit offended, I said “yea”. 

Years later, as I work on my dissertation, I reflect on my journey and bashfully admit, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I began this doctoral program.

Here’s what I did know:

In 2018, I was burned out from working as a secondary science teacher in NYC, while earning my Master’s degree part-time. I knew I wasn’t ready to commit to the responsibilities of living in NYC quite yet. I knew I wanted to pursue a doctoral degree away from my hometown. And I knew I did not want a full-time job while pursuing my doctoral degree, therefore, I knew I would need a source of funding. All of these factors came into play when it came time for my search. 

1. Start by looking for a program, rather than a school. The program should align with the vision of your mission and your area of study. Once you narrow down your options — find a contact person from each program. Whether it’s a faculty member, program coordinator, academic advisor — find someone who you can conect with, who would be willing to advocate for your admission. 

2. When you identify that person, reach out to them and sell yourself. Introduce yourself, your passion, explain the vision your have, the ways in which their program is a suitable fit for you and you for their program (remember, they’re investing in you too), and express your interest in a formal meeting about your potential admission. Remember, this is their first impression of you, be sure to dot your i’s and cross your t’s, be concise, and state exactly what it is that you are looking for in this exchange. Most faculty members don’t have time to read your email, let alone go back and forth trying to understand your message, so lay it on the table for them (with class). As the saying goes, “a closed mouth don’t get fed”; don’t be afraid advocate for yourself. If they can’t help you, hopefully they can redirect you to the person that can; and if not, on to the next school.

3. Be clear and intentional on your need for funding. Most doctoral programs offer different forms of assistantships, that’ll cover the cost of tuition and offers healthcare and a stipend. However, opportunities are limited and come as a first come instead serve basis. If you are in STEM field, ask the faculty member if they have room in their laboratories for graduate assistants. 

As a first-generation graduate student, I’m breaking many barriers and emerging into a world that was completely foreign to me. Although this was my fourth time in college, every degree has a different set of expectations and skill set needed to succeed. 

Here’s what I wish I knew going into my Ph.D. Program:

1. Be prepared to be broke. Most assistantships have a contract that prohibits you from picking up additional work. This places you in a position to be forced to focus on finishing your program, but it also places a strain on your finances and quality of living. Save as much money as you can before beginning. Consider your monthly financial responsibilities and budget, and how that measures up to what’s being offered in the assistantship or tuitionship. Be frugal with your spending, use it wisely, and apply for as much funding and as many scholarships as possible. 

2. Going into this journey, I was under the impression that immediately after course work you begin your dissertation. However, for my program, I was expectated to participate in a research project alongside a faculty member, and then pass qualifying exams before reaching doctoral candidacy. Understand the structure of your program and the requirements as you are considering your proposed timeline, funding, and the program that most aligns with your vision. 

3. Make sure you like your field. You will read so much literature and write so many papers on the same set of topics that it will become redundant. Remember the goal is to become a doctor in your field — to know almost everything about your particular field that you can identify and communicate problems and propose solutions. The more passionate you are about your field of interest, the greater your engagement and motivation to complete your program.

Choosing a program that aligns with your vision and supports your growth, is one part of the process. The second part of the battle is committing. Here are some keys to success that I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Create a plan, then plan to change your plans. In the realm of academia, there are so many moving parts influencing your timeline which are often out of your control. Roll with it. Be gentle with yourself and those around you. Do the best you can with what you have. Take your time; establish compassion, patience, and grace; and go at a pace that feels comfortable and organic for you. 

2. Make the most of it. Your time in your program does not have to be about academia 24/7. Set healthy boundaries. Create a routine that helps you balance your academic responsibilities, with your personal responsibilities sprinkled with some time for fun. Be intentional about taking breaks for your mental health. Explore new hobbies and interests during your down time. Having a healthy rotation of activities in your schedule gives you healthy breaks that allows you to return to your studies with a fresh and open mind. 

3. Find your tribe. When times get rough, community is everything. I once did an assignment wrong, and was expected to rewrite it with additional deadlines on my plate. In the midst of venting to a friend about all my stress, having deadlines, being hungry, and not having the time to cook, she brought me Popeye’s at 10 PM. During those moments of anxiety and stress, small gestures of support from your community can make the biggest impact on your success. Your tribe may not understand all of your stress, but rely your true supporters, your friends, family members, mentors, and loved ones when you need a shoulder to lean on.

4. And remember, if you’ve been accepted, it’s because they see your potential. Believe in yourself. Don’t allow imposter syndrome to interfere with your progress and success. 

After reading all this, you may be questioning whether you still want to pursue a doctoral degree. Understand, this is a journey in and of itself. You will go through many ups and downs, make friends, lose friends, feel isolated, and lonely. You’ll be broke, be rich, and be broke again, as you watch your friends live their best lives. You will shed old ideas, mindsets, and identities in ways that will be uncomfortable but necessary for your evolution. You will make many sacrifices, difficult decisions, and set boundaries in ways that are new and unfamiliar. At the end of it all, like the energy of the Phoenix who rises from its own ashes, you will rise into a newer, wiser, and badder version of yourself. If you are already considering whether you should apply for a doctoral degree, let this be your confirmation that you have the capability to succeed, go for it. What is to be gained from a doctoral degree cannot be quantified, labeled, or taken from you. You got this!