Reflections from a discussion on how to make your Ph.D. experience more meaningful and effective (AACTE Holmes Pre-Conference in Louisville, KY, February 21, 2019, The Doctoral Journey moderated by Dr. Pena L. Bedesem)
- Figure out your why. Be passionate about your dissertation topic.
- How do you intend on using it? Do you really need it to do what you intend to do? How are you going to use it to write you own narrative and add your voice (it’s in the skew and kurtosis)?
- Broaden your area of interest – who are the experts in your field and where are they? Where can you fill in gaps in the literature?
- The doctoral program is all-consuming. Go full-time if possible.
- Have a realistic view of what academia is all about (it’s a bubble). Read academic journals and attend professional conferences.
- Allow for “growth edges”.
- Solid theoretical foundations will determine your research path.
- Push your boundaries beyond your lived experience. Whether that means traveling abroad or examining and confronting your own biases, pushing your boundaries will affect your perceptions and ultimately shape your expectations.
I really enjoyed spending time with all of the William & Mary Holmes Scholars!
