Here I talk about how to make a case for graduation with a Ph.D. including some techniques you can deploy towards that end.

Finishing a Ph.D. in a shorter as opposed to a longer period of time does NOT mean that you get to do less work. You have to accomplish MORE to graduate faster than to graduate slower.

Why you need to do more to make a case

If you don’t accomplish MORE than others, you will not have a good CASE for graduating. You have to demonstrate that you have done enough stuff. You will know you have done enough only when it is MORE than enough, so do more than enough.

Your thesis will be your mightiest weapon when demonstrating that you have done a lot. This is why it is important to have a living document that you can readily present when/if challenged about whether you should graduate or not.

I am not actually worried at all that you are good at your job of doing research. In fact, I am worried that you are too good.

Because being good at your job is tricky! You might become invaluable to your research group. In this case, your advisor is likely to not let you graduate, as you are so darned useful and highly trained!

Listen to the audio to hear this discussion.

Associated Blog post:

https://howtophd.org/2020/05/how-to-make-a-case-for-graduation-with-a-phd.html

Leave a comment on the How to PhD blog:

GOT A QUESTION? GUESS WHAT, YOU CAN ASK ANY QUESTION IN THE COMMENTS OF ANY POST INCLUDING THIS ONE AND I WILL WRITE A POST TO ANSWER IT.