Episode description

The PhD Advisor Hunt - A Student's Perspective
Choosing the right PhD advisor is a game-changer for your academic journey. In this episode, Derek and Itzik break down everything you need to know when selecting the perfect advisor — from assessing their mentoring style to understanding lab culture and research alignment. 🧠✨

Key Takeaways:

How to evaluate an advisor’s support, availability, and career guidance 🤝
The importance of finding the right fit for your research interests 🔍
Red flags to avoid when making your decision 🚩
We share tips on talking to current and past students, how to spot potential issues, and how to make sure your advisor helps you thrive. Whether you're just starting your PhD or planning a change, this checklist will help you make an informed decision! ✅



Timestamps:
00:00 - Our personal academic journey ✨
04:23 - Why is Choosing the Right Advisor SO Important? 💡
11:06 - Pre vs Post Tenure Advisor 🔄
20:42 - Does (group) Size Matter? 👥
26:24 - The Lab 🔬
30:29 - Infrastructure and Resources 🏗️
33:38 - Collaborations 🤝
37:48 - Money Money Money 💰
49:33 - References 📚
1:02:39 - The Research Topic 🔬
1:10:40 - Success Perspective 🚀
1:18:01 - How to find and impress a supervisor? 💼
1:27:17 - The Ultimate Checklist ✅
1:30:47 - Red Flag List 🚩
1:34:17 - Closing Remarks 🎤


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