Meetings and Momentum
How are supervisory meetings made super?
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
PhD meetings - necessary and important. Why?
Whether you're bracing for your first supervisory meeting or you've been having them for years, there's no denying that these check-ins can shape your PhD experience - for the better, hopefully. These meetings aren't just about reporting progress. They're about building a relationship that supports your growth as a researcher.
I have spoken many times about how fortunate I am to have the absolute BEST supervisors. I am not saying it in a haughty way, but I am pointing out that it is so vital to have good supervisors for so many reasons; if you do not, please be brave and try to find new ones. I know it is a huge procedure, but it is absolutely worth it.
Back to our main topic though - supervisory meetings. How should they be, in order to be successful and constructive? How can they give you momentum?
Make sure they are regular. If your supervisor does not arrange something, ensure you plan them. Experience has shown me and discussions with other PhDs that good supervisors are interested in planning meetings
Come prepared. You don’t want to waste anyone’s time, including your own. Bring your ideas, your questions, your drafts, your notebooks, laptop and make sure you have all the tech you need, either for an in-person or online meeting - if you do not have some equipment, ask the university to borrow some. No one wants to be looking for things at the last minute, nor do they want want to wait for you to find the Zoom link, nor listen to disorganised thoughts - it is preferable to admit you have not done any work than waste people’s time - and I will say it again, your own. Plus, these meetings are the greatest opportunity to keep yourself accountable - I use them as a plan to set deadlines and material for myself to do until the next meeting. Hand on my heart, I don’t always manage to do everything but it is rare because the meetings help me set priorities, plan my full-time job properly and do my PhD tasks.
Track what happens. Keep a shared document of key decisions, action items, and advice. Or write your part in a notebook or electronic document (I use an Ottergami notebook, with lots of stickers, coloured markers and pens so every time I open it I am super happy to do so). Very often I go back to my notes and I am thankful I wrote some things down, because sometimes I think I would have remembered that I said/did/asked this thing, if I had not written it down. And very importantly, taking notes saves you from rehashing the same conversations and shows your supervisor you’re taking the process seriously.
It’s okay to be human. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or even disillusioned, say so. Good supervisors are good people and often more supportive than we expect.
A closing thought
Supervisory meetings are part of your PhD training - not just in research, but in learning how to ask for help, advocate for yourself, and grow as an independent thinker. They're not always easy, but when they're good, they're gold!
Share your experiences in the comments - I will be very happy to read them and I am sure others will be, too!
Excellent post, Vicky! Thank you very much for your tips and expertise!
Another terrific post, Vicky. Your posts are chock full of positivity - a refreshing read. I refer to my supervisors as my 'Supers' because they truly are super! We make a great team. I am really glad that you, too, have wonderful supervisors. As for the meetings, I always prepare an agenda that I send to them a few days in advance and ask them if they would like to add anything to it. I take notes, like you, and then afterwards, prepare a summary of what was discussed for both of them. The meetings are a terrific opportunity to gain from their experience and wisdom and to go over their feedback on my work. P.S. no music video today? 😉