Pursuing a PhD or any research degree is hard work. However, there are ways to make it slightly less hard. Here are the seven secrets we’ve learned from working with thousands of research students all over the world, specifically tailored for those in Health Economics.
1. The Care And Maintenance Of Your Supervisor
Your role is to actively ensure you receive the necessary supervision. Given the busy nature of supervisors, especially in the dynamic field of Health Economics, it’s essential to secure their attention for advice, feedback, or when you’re encountering challenges. Organizing regular meetings to discuss your progress, hurdles, and future actions can foster a productive supervisory relationship.
2. Write And Show As You Go
Begin documenting your research findings from the start. This approach is crucial in Health Economics, where data and analyses evolve. Writing not only about your experiments and readings but also about the economic models and statistical analyses as they develop will form a robust base for your thesis. Early and regular feedback on these writings is vital to refine your work and thought process.
3. Be Realistic – It’s Not A Nobel Prize
Many PhD candidates in Health Economics start with high expectations of making ground breaking discoveries. It’s important to remember that the PhD journey is about developing research skills and contributing to the field, rather than perfection. Completing a well-conducted study is more valuable than striving for an unattainable ideal.
4. Say No To Distractions
The vast array of distractions can include extensive literature reviews, engaging in too many extracurricular activities, or getting lost in data analysis without a clear focus. Prioritizing your thesis and managing your time effectively is crucial in Health Economics, where the research can be particularly data-intensive and time-consuming.
5. It’s A Job
The flexibility of PhD research can lead to procrastination, especially in fields as broad and deep as Health Economics. Treating your research as a formal job with set hours, planned milestones, and accountability can help maintain progress and reduce the risk of delays.
6. Get Help
You don’t have to navigate your PhD journey alone. In Health Economics, where the research might involve complex statistical analyses or economic models, seeking help with editing, statistical consulting, or even administrative tasks can be crucial for your success.
7. You Can Do It. A PhD Is 10% Intelligence and 90% Persistence
While intelligence is a factor, persistence and resilience are far more critical, especially in Health Economics. Challenges are inevitable, but your ability to persevere through difficulties can make the difference in completing your PhD journey.
Source: Kearns, H., & Gardiner, M. (2017). The seven secrets of highly successful research students. Thinkwell.
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