I believe that doing a PhD should be a good experience but way too often, it's not.
That's why, for the past months, I've been working on a course to teach natural science PhD candidates strategies to design and manage their PhD project so it becomes a step towards their longer term goals.
Inspired by a podcast with the great @thejustinwelsh I fed my course outline to ChatGPT and asked what I could do to make the course even more helpful.
Here are my favorite suggestions:
Case Studies or guest speakers: Integrate case studies or invite successful individuals who navigated their PhDs strategically, showcasing diverse paths and emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Role-Playing Exercise: Simulate challenging situations, enabling participants to practice taking responsibility and effective leadership in a safe environment.
Emotional Intelligence: Dedicate a section to emotional intelligence, helping participants navigate interpersonal dynamics and build strong, collaborative relationships with their supervisors and peers.
Role Reversal Exercise: Have participants step into the shoes of their supervisors, understanding their perspectives and goals, fostering empathy and better communication.
Negotiation Workshop: Introduce negotiation techniques specific to academia, equipping participants with skills to align their goals with those of their supervisors more effectively.
Leadership Development Plan: Guide participants in developing a personalized leadership development plan, outlining specific habits, actions, and networking strategies to implement in their everyday research life.
Personalized Self-Care Plans: Guide participants in creating personalized self-care plans based on their preferences, ensuring that the plans align with their individual needs and schedules.
The course "Become the CEO of your PHD" will launch in spring. In six modules you will learn how to take ownership and control over your PhD project and shape it so it contributes to your desired career path. If you're interested, DM me and you'll be the first to know when registration opens.