How to Choose a Ph.D. Advisor

Of the many decisions that you’ll make as a doctoral student, one of the most consequential is the selection of your Ph.D. advisor. There are a number of questions to answer before committing to a Ph.D. advisor, and it’s important to ask the right ones. A good Ph.D. advisor will help you chart the course for your plan of study and writing a successful dissertation, so it’s important to find the perfect fit.

Choosing a Ph.D. advisor is a deeply personal decision, and there are several factors to take into consideration, from the advisor’s record as a teacher and a scholar to their rapport with students. Choosing the right Ph.D. advisor is vital for meeting your short-term goals, and it can also have long-term benefits. 

These are some commonly asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Ph.D. advisor, and how to choose the one who is right for you.

• What does a Ph.D. advisor do?
• What should you look for in a Ph.D. advisor?
• What will your Ph.D. advisor expect from you?
• When do you need a Ph.D. advisor?

What is a Ph.D. Advisor?

A Ph.D. advisor fills multiple roles in their work with graduate students, beginning in the first year of graduate study. In most programs, every student is assigned an advisor to consult on class schedule, plan of study, recommended electives, and other matters related to coursework. The advisor is usually a faculty member who is a scholar in the student’s subject area, so they are also knowledgeable about opportunities for professionalization like conferences, grants, and journals in the student’s discipline.

As doctoral students progress through their program and near the successful completion of their coursework, the role of the advisor changes. Some doctoral students stick with the same advisor they started with as they near the dissertation phase of their program, while others switch to one whose research interests align with their own to serve as their dissertation chair. Either way, it’s vital to have a Ph.D. advisor you are comfortable with as you embark on your dissertation research.

Your Ph.D. advisor’s responsibilities increase once you start your dissertation. In addition to helping you narrow down your topic, your Ph.D. advisor also serves as a sounding board for your ideas, concerns, and questions throughout the process. Your Ph.D. advisor is a great resource throughout the dissertation process, and they are also invaluable for advice about post-doc programs and fellowships and the job market.

Choosing a Ph.D. Advisor

While your first graduate school advisor is assigned to you, you have more latitude in choosing your own advisor later in your program. There are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a Ph.D advisor:

• Compatibility When choosing an advisor, it’s wise to pick someone that you get along with. I recommend selecting a faculty member that you’ve taken a class or two with. Take your time to find someone who is a good fit. If you’re not sure, meet with a few different professors in your department and talk to them about how they approach the role. As with everything else in graduate school, it pays to do your homework.
• Expertise While a good rapport is important, it’s not the only consideration when choosing a Ph.D. advisor. Ideally, your advisor will be a faculty member working in the same field as you. Take the time to familiarize yourself with their scholarship and the theory that drives their research. This will give you greater insight into what their research guidance might look like.
• Reputation When thinking about which faculty member you would like to approach to be your Ph.D. advisor, let their reputation precede them. Reach out to their current and former advisees and ask about their experiences. Try to get a feel for how they are to work with: are their advisees happy with their choice of Ph.D. advisor? Or do they feel a sense of buyer’s remorse?
• Time Another aspect of your potential advisor’s reputation to consider is their reputation as a scholar, and what that means about their availability. While it can be tempting to approach one of your department’s superstars, keep in mind that high-profile scholars may not have much time for you. It’s a better idea to choose a Ph.D. advisor who has the time—and the desire—to work with you, mentor you, and advocate on your behalf.

Expectations

As soon as you’ve formalized your relationship with your Ph.D. advisor, you’ll want to schedule a comprehensive meeting to nail down your advisor’s expectations. This will likely include a meeting schedule, a reading list, and a discussion of your responsibilities as a graduate student. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what your advisor will need from you in the coming days, weeks, and months. Conversely, also make sure that your expectations of them are clear and mutually understood.

Every doctoral student/advisor relationship is unique. Going into the relationship, know what it is that you need from your advisor, and also know that you may not get it. While it is a Ph.D. advisor’s job to guide their advisees through the sometimes choppy waters of graduate school, many students often hope their advisor will fulfill a greater role as a teacher, a cheerleader, and even a friend.

Be Advised

While advisors are under no obligation to befriend you, the best student/advisor relationships often result in long-lasting mentorships that can span an entire career. As I was navigating the tricky balancing act of completing my dissertation and being on the job market at the same time, I was very grateful for my Ph.D. advisor’s sage advice about the academic job market and also her kindness.

As you think about who you would like to serve as your Ph.D. advisor, keep in mind that, in a best-case scenario, you will be entering a partnership that will last decades. Since completing my degree, I’ve had multiple opportunities to collaborate with my Ph.D. advisor, and I’ve really enjoyed working with her as a peer. Likewise, I also love doing research and conference presentations with my former doctoral students and seeing the strides they’ve taken in their own professional careers. It’s the academic equivalent of happily ever after.