Most PhDs don't think of their project as a business.

That's a mistake.

Here's why you - if you want your PhD to contribute positively to your career - should treat your project like a business and behave like you're the CEO:

Building a business and doing science are not that different:

Both aim at adding something new to what's already out there. Both involve a lot of try and error. Both require operating at a high level of uncertainty. In both cases there are external factors (e.g., "the market", investors, capital, and journal publication standards, promotion requirements, the supervisor, respectively) that influence what can be done and what can't.

Your PhD is essentially a product (i.e, "knowledge") you're trying to sell to a customer (i.e., "the scientific community"). And to do that well you should become the CEO of your project.

Now, what does that mean?

As CEO you need to

• develop ownership of your PhD (always keeping in mind that it should serve you)

• take action rather than assuming someone els is responsible

• understand your areas of influence

• identify your constraints

• acknowledge the influence and experience of your advisor and work with them, not against them when shaping your project (you're still responsible!)

• develop a project plan and daily routines that allow you to work effectively and sustainably. This will look different for everyone, important to figure out what works best for YOU!

Thinking about your project like a business that needs to fit a certain market but first and foremost should serve you, will help you keep focus, make sound decisions that really move the needle, and have a productive relationship with your advisor.

What does "being the CEO of your PhD" mean to you? Hit reply and let me know!