I believe it can be done. You need a solid research question, an open mind and an engaging supervisor. The first two requirements are easy - they're down to the PhD student. Finding an engaging supervisor is far more difficult.
Many students choose the project first then try to fit in with the supervisor. Big mistake, but oh so easily done, when funding for studentships is fiercely competitive. How can you say no, that one's not for me.
A good student will always be offered more than one studentship, and that means you can interview the supervisors too. Remember, supervisors are human. Could that dismissive attitude be because her son is ill? Or needs picking up from school? Perhaps talk of money is uncomfortable. Academics aren't made of money either, so be realistic with your expectations.
But what if you aren't offered a selection of studentships? How do you make the best of the bad bunch? This takes an enormous amount of skill, time and effort. Managing your supervisor is the most important skill you need to master in the first three months of your PhD.
Think before you go to see your supervisor. Can you solve the problem on your own? Do you really need their input at this stage? And when you do go, make sure you have critically analysed the problem, present it clearly with your thoughts on how to resolve issues. Be flexible with your availability too. Academic supervisors have all kinds of pressure on them - research, teaching, admin, not to mention grant writing.
And if it all goes wrong, it doesn't have to be the end of the line. Be open with yourself about what the problems are. Sometimes talking things over with a mentor or a colleague will show you that there is a way forward. Sometimes, finding another project is the only way. (I found this website useful, too).
But this doesn't have to be negative. Admitting you have made a mistake takes courage. Moving on and making sure you don't make the same the mistake twice takes strength of character. And most PhD students have both these attributes in buckets. Attaining a painless PhD takes a thick skin, determination, clear thought, fast reading and lots of fun. Good luck!
But this doesn't have to be negative. Admitting you have made a mistake takes courage. Moving on and making sure you don't make the same the mistake twice takes strength of character. And most PhD students have both these attributes in buckets. Attaining a painless PhD takes a thick skin, determination, clear thought, fast reading and lots of fun. Good luck!