Every level of education provides a corresponding advancement up the pay scale. As the highest level of academic credential one can obtain, the PhD unlocks outstanding income potential, but only if PhD students can achieve their degree in a reasonable amount of time. PhD programs are expensive, and any mistake could cost a student another year in education and deprive them another year in industry.Whether you are looking to pursue your PhD in Education or in some other subject, you should try to avoid the following time- and energy-wasting mistakes:
Online PhD programs make it easier than ever to access advanced studies, but you should not make the mistake of trying to fit a PhD program amidst an already packed work schedule. Most students feel that pursuing a PhD is equivalent to working two full-time jobs. If you need financial support during your studies, you might look for teaching opportunities with your school, apply for grants, take out loans or ask for help from family and friends.
Entering a PhD Program Without Vision
You need a good reason to pursue a PhD, or you will be unlikely to see the program to completion. Beyond the pay opportunities, what do you hope to achieve with your advanced degree? You might be seeking a solution to a problem that plagues your professional field, or you may have a passion for knowledge in a particular topic. In any case, you should be able to visualize what success with a PhD means to you before you enroll in the program.Choosing the Wrong Supervisor
Selecting a PhD supervisor is among the most important steps to earning a PhD — and it occurs overwhelmingly early in the process. You will be interacting with your supervisor often, almost every day, and their knowledge and skill will help you develop your research and dissertation. You can change your supervisor throughout the PhD process, but doing so might alter your timeline and put your degree further out of reach. You should consider your options carefully before you make a decision; you need a supervisor whose expertise overlaps with your field of interest and who is easy to communicate with.Expecting to Coast on IQ
Undeniably, you need to be smart to succeed in a PhD program. However, intellectual capacity alone is not enough to ensure your success. Beyond having a high IQ, you need to be able to learn new information quickly and efficiently, and you need to be willing to work hard to complete projects and research necessary to complete your dissertation. Every student in your PhD program will be smart, but if you want to rise above the rest, you need discipline and diligence, as well.Trying to Balance School and Work
Online PhD programs make it easier than ever to access advanced studies, but you should not make the mistake of trying to fit a PhD program amidst an already packed work schedule. Most students feel that pursuing a PhD is equivalent to working two full-time jobs. If you need financial support during your studies, you might look for teaching opportunities with your school, apply for grants, take out loans or ask for help from family and friends.
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