Most people think succeeding in grad school is all about publishing papers, pulling all-nighters, and sheer grit. And sure, there’s truth in that—but what really makes or breaks your PhD experience often lies in the lessons no one teaches you.
If I were starting a PhD in 2025 with everything I know now, here’s exactly what I would do differently.
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1. Master Generative AI Early On
When I was starting my PhD back in 2009, generative AI wasn’t even a thing. We had to manually read every single paper, organize our references by hand, and dig through textbooks to understand unfamiliar topics. Fast forward to today, and AI has completely changed the game.
Tools like Perplexity, Elicit, and NotebookLM can help you:
- Summarize academic papers
- Identify key arguments and gaps in literature
- Speed up your literature review process
- Prepare for journal clubs and presentations
This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter.
2. Pay Attention at Conferences—Especially the Vendor Booths
As a grad student, I attended my fair share of academic conferences. I took notes, listened to the plenaries, and explored new cities. What I didn’t do? Network with the people at the vendor booths.
Looking back, that was a missed opportunity.
Many of those folks work in industry roles—field application scientists, biotech reps, and more. These are people who could be valuable contacts later in your career. I once met someone at a booth who gave me her card, but I never followed up. I regret that. It might have shortened my job search significantly.
So, next time you’re at a conference:
- Strike up a conversation at the vendor booths
- Ask about their roles and career paths
- Connect with them on LinkedIn
Save those business cards!
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Most grad students treat LinkedIn like a digital resume—and leave it at that. But LinkedIn can be so much more.
It’s a place to:
- Showcase skills that don’t fit on your CV
- Highlight talks, writing, or speaking engagements
- Build a network outside of academia
- Attract job opportunities (yes, recruiters use it!)
Even if you never post, having a well-optimized profile helps people find you. For example, I’ve landed opportunities completely unrelated to my day job just because someone saw what I was doing on LinkedIn.
4. Build a Personal Website
Relying solely on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to showcase your work is risky—they could disappear, glitch, or limit your visibility. A personal website gives you control.
Your website can feature:
- Your resume
- Publications and presentations
- Photos from conferences or fieldwork
- A blog or portfolio of achievements
There are plenty of platforms to get started for free or cheap—Wix, WordPress, Blogger, and more. Later, you can purchase your own domain (like yourname.com) to make it even more professional.
It doesn’t need to go viral. It just needs to be a digital home for your wins.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a “wins folder” to track your accomplishments. You’ll be surprised what you forget over time.
5. Make Time for Exercise—Seriously
When I was starting my PhD, I didn’t prioritize fitness. Big mistake. Exercise isn’t just about staying in shape—it boosts creativity, sharpens focus, and protects your mental health during one of the most demanding seasons of your life.
I used to say, “I’m not a runner.” But recently, I started running in my 40s and realized that was just a self-limiting belief. Maybe running’s not your thing—maybe it’s dancing, yoga, swimming, whatever. Just move your body.
Grad school can be draining emotionally, mentally, and physically. Exercise is one of the most powerful forms of self-care you can give yourself.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting a PhD in 2025 (or are already deep into one), take this as your permission slip to work smarter. Leverage the tools available, connect with people beyond your academic bubble, and don’t forget to take care of your mind and body.