What to Look for in a PhD Department

Let’s continue! Last time, we talked about general things to look for when considering which schools to apply for PhD programs at. Today, we’ll be diving a little closer to home, looking into relevant questions at the department level. Here’s what to look for in a prospective PhD department!

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To reiterate – diligence on professors

This one should be obvious, but only apply to a department with expertise in either a) what you think you want to study, or b) other things you could see devoting 5+ years of your life too. Again, the subtopics matter here. For me, a great biomedical engineering PhD department without extensive 3d printing expertise would have been a bad fit, since that’s the topic area I wanted to pursue. Examine the professors in those departments, too.

Don’t apply to a department that has only one professor you want to work for. Don’t do it! There are no guarantees in grad school. You can head this off by thoroughly researching the professors in the departments you are interested in, and further by reaching out to those professors. It would be such a shame to commit to a department only to find out your favorite PI isn’t taking students that year. NOW WHAT?! You need a (or several) backup(s). Sometimes those professors won’t respond. Don’t take that personally; they’ll take note of the fact that you reached out but don’t always have the time to (or they aren’t supposed to) respond.

Cost of living and competitiveness of salary

This was in the university post, too, but it’s still relevant here. You have to live on your graduate stipend. Compare the stipends at comparable departments to the costs of living in each location.

Are students in the department happy? Do they feel supported?

Don’t forget, recruitment is an advertisement. PhD programs have to sell their value just as much as you did yours. Don’t get caught thinking how grateful you should be that they allow you to be there. You’re a strong student and they want you there. Make them work for it.

Try to find out how students really feel. Are they happy? Do they feel supported? If not, do they know of (and have access to) campus resources to help them? Never, ever, ever accept your offer to a PhD program without talking at length to students in the department during recruitment, particularly out of view of senior faculty. Like it or not, sometimes the answer you get changes depending on who else is in the room.

Is there support for diverse careers?

Again, hardcore academics might argue with this one, but the numbers don’t lie. We can’t keep calling non-academic careers “alternate” career paths – they’re the norm now. With that in mind, does the department offer support for pursuing a career in industry, entrepreneurship/startups, sales, consulting, etc.? More specifically, is there ACTIVE support? Find out what the culture of the department looks like. Ideal case, talk to students who fall into this category and ask them what they plan to do after completing their PhD, and how.

Does the department maintain contact with alumni?

Not every alumnus/a wants to stay in touch with their PhD department, and that’s okay. But more often than not, these alums would be interested in staying engaged if there is a purpose. Alumni are one of the department’s BEST resources when it comes to helping students network and find jobs. It’s a shame when they don’t keep in touch.

Does the department host development and networking events?

Department support of students’ careers and development is a MUST. Passive support will not cut it in 2020 and beyond. This year, our department’s graduate student council has planned a TON of new events aimed at supporting students by introducing them to diverse career paths, connecting them with alums and companies in the area, and presenting them with professional development resources on and off campus. Some departments don’t help in this way – they’re “happy to see students pursue opportunities” but won’t actually actively assist in those endeavors. Graduate students contribute so much to department success, please help them in return.

Let’s pause here for now!

There are a thousand other things to consider in a PhD department, but these should give a good primer. Have thoughts you’d like to add, or enjoy reading this post? Please add a comment below. Catch the other posts in this series at the links below! A HUGE thank you to PhD Diaries for helping me on these posts, and to Academic Chatter for helping to promote them. These discussions are SO important. The time spent in your PhD can be some of the most formative of your entire life. Invest in the planning on the front end, make a great choice, and never look back!

Sean

Catch up on the other posts in the “What to Look for in a PhD” Series below!

Overview: How to Pick a PhD Program
1) What to Look for in a PhD University
2) What to Look for in a PhD Department (this post)
3) What to Look (Out) for in a PhD Advisor
4) What to Look for in a Lab Partner (bonus post)

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