Andreas Gerhardsson. Foto: Psykologiska institutionen/HD

How did you come to apply for a PhD position?

Compared to many of my peers in the master’s program I felt like I did not have a clearly defined topic of interest. This changed when I worked as a research assistant in a project investigating various effects of sleep deprivation. Inspired by the project leader (and current supervisor), I applied for an open PhD position at Stockholm University.

Why should I apply for a PhD position at Stockholm University?

Reflecting on my years as a PhD student I think what I value the most is the opportunity to really take the time to learn and explore all aspects of the research process.

Yes, the required course credits are higher here (at SU) than at some other universities, but I think this signals that the PhD student period is a period devoted to learning and that you do it for yourself not for your supervisor.

Another important aspect is the large collective of fellow PhD students with which you can share the ups and downs of being a PhD student. I was early on and for long involved in the PhD council at the department. From that and from contact with PhD students at other departments and universities, I can say that the support and comfort the PhD student collective at the department can bring is rather unique, not just socially, but also as an active part of decision-making bodies at department and university level.

What are the challenges of being a PhD student?

There are challenges that are shared between most PhD students, such as occasional stress over courses and deadlines. And I think that some occasional self-doubt in your abilities as a researcher is unavoidable, so social support from your PhD colleagues and supervisors is important.

There are also challenges that look very different for individual PhD students and projects. For me the greatest challenge was the struggle to get funding for my (rather expensive) project and the uncertainty that came with that. 

Any tips for PhD applicants?

– Be flexible in your planning: Planning is important, but also know that you will need to replan again and again. If a pandemic delays your data collection, why not start to write the introduction on the manuscript?

– Keep an open mind: The PhD project might not be your dream project at first, either because you apply within a position tied to a specific project, or because you cannot raise enough funding for your own project. Most topics will be interesting and fun if you allow them to be.

– Take the opportunities: Whether it is a chance to visit another lab, learn a new method, present at a conference, or teach on a course, don’t be afraid to try. You have a limited time to learn all the aspects of being a researcher, do the most of it.

What are your plans now?

The 13th of May I’m defending my thesis about the effects of sleep deprivation on processing of affective information. After that the goal is to continue with research.