Great read Marc! I especially like your point about managing upwards. I have at times experienced frustration when expecting an advisor to "come with the answers" or "tell me what the plan is". I have found that providing the plan and then receiving input from them based on their experience and expertise yields a much more productive and fulfilling relationship. I think it ties into your last point about assets and liabilities going together as well. As you gain an advisor as an asset, it comes with the liability of putting in work to get the most out of the relationship, or you could potentially stand to loose it.
Great to hear from you here, Christopher! Happy to hear that the point resonates with a seasoned PhD student. Thank you for the thought, and all the best to your 2025!
Great read Marc! I especially like your point about managing upwards. I have at times experienced frustration when expecting an advisor to "come with the answers" or "tell me what the plan is". I have found that providing the plan and then receiving input from them based on their experience and expertise yields a much more productive and fulfilling relationship. I think it ties into your last point about assets and liabilities going together as well. As you gain an advisor as an asset, it comes with the liability of putting in work to get the most out of the relationship, or you could potentially stand to loose it.
Thanks for the post, and Happy New Year!
Great to hear from you here, Christopher! Happy to hear that the point resonates with a seasoned PhD student. Thank you for the thought, and all the best to your 2025!