Lindawati Cracking a Ph.D Revelation of Stages in Doctoral Journey www.ebook3000.com Cracking a Ph.D www.ebook3000.com Lindawati Cracking a Ph.D Revelation of Stages in Doctoral Journey 123 www.ebook3000.com Lindawati The Logistics Institute–Asia Pacific National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore ISBN 978-981-10-2151-0 DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-2152-7 ISBN 978-981-10-2152-7 (eBook) Library of Congress Control Number: 2016946956 © Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2017 This work is subject to copyright All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made Printed on acid-free paper This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature The registered company is Springer Science+Business Media Singapore Pte Ltd www.ebook3000.com I dedicate this book to my loving husband, Woelly William, and my loving mother, Sim Tiaw Nio They always believe in me more than I believe in myself www.ebook3000.com Preface When I am looking back to my Ph.D journey, I realize how far I have grown not only technically, but also personally When I first started, I did not even know what I should I only knew that I wanted to have a Ph.D degree I went to many bumpy rides, depressed moment, rejections, and many other unhappy moments At one time, I even think to just forget everything and quit my Ph.D Fortunately, I had a second thought I kept striving on and finally finished my Ph.D program and got a good job after My Ph.D journey had provided me with good journey, good experiences, good friends, good mentors, good jobs, and many more That is what I also want for you when you decide to take this Ph.D journey This book is loaded with my personal experiences as well as many other people around me that went through similar experience, surviving a Ph.D I have arranged this book to cover five stages that a Ph.D student would gone through: joining Ph.D., starting Ph.D., conducting research, writing dissertation, and finally, looking for an ideal job This book serves as cheat sheet that explains the options, tips, and guidance in each stage of Ph.D journey With a bonus chapter in each stage that describe the perspective and expectation from different people or organizations to a Ph.D student or graduate, this book reveals vital lessons in each stage and shows how to apply them in a successful Ph.D ecosystem For you as a candidate considering to get a Ph.D degree, this book would give some insight and considerations to be a Ph.D It also shares an overview of what you can expect in a Ph.D study For you that have committed yourself as a Ph.D student, this book would give motivation and guidance to go through your Ph.D stages and how to get the best out of your Ph.D study and use it to your advantage for your future career For you as a graduating Ph.D student, this book gives an overview of what kind of career options available for you It also provides practical tips to work successfully in any industry vii www.ebook3000.com viii Preface There is no fix rule how to use this book You can flip through this book and get the overview of a complete Ph.D journey Or go to specific chapter that represents your current condition You can whatever you like and have fun on your Ph.D journey Have a blast Ph.D journey!!! Singapore Lindawati www.ebook3000.com Acknowledgement During my Ph.D journey and the writing of this book, many people have given their generous supports and feedback They generously spent their time to listen to my sorrow and provided me comfort and in the same time talk to me about their own experiences I am particularly grateful to my family and my closest friends that always support my decisions They always believe that I would be able to finish my Ph.D and also my book Thank would not be enough I am thankful to my Ph.D supervisor, my mentors, my professors, my close friends, my Ph.D classmates, and my laboratory mates in Singapore Management University that make my Ph.D journey so memorable I also thank all the university staffs that always helped me to this and that I am thankful to all my mentors and my colleagues that show me the fun in working on industry projects and working in industry They teach me how to love and appreciate my job Lastly, I thank all my friends that have help me writing this book They literally spent their time helping me read it and provided me with their feedback I also thank my publisher who has made all of this happen ix www.ebook3000.com Contents Part I Are You Ready for a Ph.D.? Up-close and Personal with the Ph.D Program Ph.D Program and Its Value Propositions Is Ph.D Degree Really Your Goal? Ph.D Financial Aid Scholarship Company Sponsorship Study Loan References 8 9 So What Are Your Motivations to Get a Ph.D Degree? Common Reasons for Getting a Ph.D Degree Future Career Stimulating Intellectual Atmosphere Self-actualization Contribute to the World The Importance of Motivations Sources of Motivation Inner-self Positive Ecosystem Maintain Your Motivation Motivate Yourself Talk About It to Your Ecosystem Plan, Log, and Track Celebrate Your Small Win References 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 Ph.D., Ready or Not, Here I Come Ph.D Program Opening Information Major and Research Area Submission Requirements 19 20 20 21 xi www.ebook3000.com xii Contents Intake and Deadline Necessary Documents Application Documents Completeness Tidiness Writing a Research and Personal Statement Research Statement Personal Statement Other Necessary Documents References 22 22 22 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 Nail the Ph.D Interview The Interviewers Professor in Your Research Area Committee Member Representative of the Funding Agency Interview Preparation Knowing Yourself Knowing Your Interviewer Knowing Your Interview During the Interview Follow-Up After Interview Reference 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 31 32 32 What the Professor Is Looking for in a Ph.D Applicant? Outstanding Education Background Proven Track Record Research Interest Motivation and Aspiration Adaptability to the Team Culture Communication References 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 38 41 42 42 43 43 44 44 44 45 Part II Get your Ph.D Started Know Your New Ph.D Ecosystem Ph.D Ecosystem Your Supervisor Other Professors Your Research Team Members Your Fellow Ph.D Students Other Researchers Other University’s Staffs Physical Work Environment www.ebook3000.com ...Cracking a Ph. D www.ebook3000.com Lindawati Cracking a Ph. D Revelation of Stages in Doctoral Journey 123 www.ebook3000.com Lindawati The Logistics Institute–Asia Pacific National University of. .. you Deciding to get a Ph. D degree needs a lot of consideration You need to have a basic understanding of Ph. D program and align it with your personal goals Using the information in this chapter,... importance Analyze the list carefully and asses whether Ph. D program can fulfill your needs Ph. D Financial Aid Fig 1.1 Ph. D program summaries Ph. D Financial Aid Ph. D program can be done in full-time