Preparing for PhD Candidacy
Yay! You’re getting closer to graduating and it’s time to propose your thesis. First off, congratulations! This is a significant milestone in your PhD and I am so excited for you. Becoming a PhD Candidate is vital because this means you are ready to propose what you have accomplished so far in your research.
Now let’s get to business, you’re currently considering proposing your thesis to become a PhD Candidate and would like some advice. Well, continue reading and you might get some valuable insights. Below are some objectives to think through about 6 months before proposing your thesis:
1) Ensure you have met all requirements for proposing or reaching candidacy: First, go through your department's requirements to ensure that you have taken all the classes or training necessary for proposing your thesis. Also, look through all that is required before the actual proposal. Look up the number of committee members required, how to submit the forms for planning a proposal etc. This is usually available on your department’s website or you could reach out to your department’s academic advisor.
2) Come up with a list of professors who could serve as good committee members: Before having conversations with your research advisor, you should have thought through good potential professors/researchers who could serve on your committee. This will show your advisor that you can take good initiative in regard to your proposal and research. When you present your list of professors to your advisor, ensure you also point out why you think each of them will serve as good committee members for your thesis.
3) Think through the research goals that you will highlight during your proposal: This is another good step to ensure that your advisor sees that you are ready to propose. Think through your research aims and make a list of things you have accomplished within each aim. Ensure you highlight these research accomplishments or results when you meet with your advisor to discuss proposing your thesis.
4) Make sure your advisor(s) is on the same page as you: Once all the steps above have been accomplished, it is very important to also make sure your research advisor also believes you’re ready to propose. By highlighting what you have come up with in steps 1, 2, and 3, there is a high chance your advisor will be on the same page as you if they are all in good shape. It is important to bring up your plans for proposing at least 5 - 6 months before the intended proposal.
5) Work with your advisor to come up with the best proposal and presentation.
If you are interested in how to write a good proposal or how to put together a good proposal presentation, there are tons of resources available online. It is also important to talk to senior graduate students in your department or graduate students who are conducting similar research as you.
If you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to me! :)