Often I write tips for students on managing advisors - I don’t think I’ve written about reasonable expectations that advisors have of their students.
Advice on expectations is important because there is substantial variance by discipline & advisor.
I know, because when I switched from public administration to Information System as a PhD student, I was struck by differences across disciplines that were physically separated by a courtyard.
Note. One was not better than the other - they just had different cultures.
So what was similar?
First, no matter the discipline, you are expected to represent your advisor well.
That means minimal public grumbling & meeting your program’s expectations.
Advisors don’t like it when students complain too loudly about workload or fail to complete too many seminars on time.
Second, no matter the discipline, your advisor can ask you to perform extra-role work tied to the position - even if you are not assigned to them in a particular semester.
That means you should be willing to pull articles, help others students, or work on projects if asked.
Remember. Advisors tend to give more attention to students who help out.
Third, no matter the discipline, advisors expect you to show up to meetings and deliver work on time.
That means you should not make a lot of excuses or turn in work late.
Remember. Advisors like reliable students. This is a trust based relationship. Most Advisors will reciprocate & deliver feedback on time.
Fourth, they have a right to expect you to contribute to their work. Until you earn their trust, it may be pretty mechanical. You can expect responsibility to escalate with trust.
What varies?
A host of things - compensation, close supervision, formality, length of program, how you formalize the relationship, and how your time is assigned.
So how do you figure it out?
First, take some time to ask the program coordinator questions. They will share formal requirements.
Second, take some time to talk to senior students. They will share the informal requirements and the reputation of the advisor. This social information is invaluable.
Third, watch & listen. Within disciplines, there is a lot of variance & even more across departments. What you knew in your earlier academic life, likely no longer applies.
Following the formal rules, figuring out the social landscape & then developing your own map for what is important- will help you navigate your doc student life.
Below you will see my long suffering advisor and a young me.
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