Happy Doc Student Podcast

Best Practices for Students and Chairs with Dr. Eva Mika


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Dr. Eva Mika obtained her PhD in clinical-community psychology from DePaul University Chicago. 

Tips for students

  • Communication is key
  • Listen
  • Trust 
  • Show respect
  • Be candid  
  • Be an advocate for yourself – request a 30-minute video call at the beginning of the process and regularly during the process
  • Understand that Chairs are busy people; respect their time
  • DO NOT IGNORE FEEDBACK
  • Ask questions 
  • Be ok with rejection (see feedback podcast below)
  • Cool off  before communicating something you might regret later
  • Find support outside your Chair (see podcast below)
  • Understand that conflicting feedback is a part of the process
  • Pause and consider if you really want this
  • You chose this so drop the victim mentality (time to leave your program? see the good goodbye podcast)
  • A good question to ask when you are getting feedback: Are the bones there? Ask about the foundation of your project.
  • Don’t be stubborn 
  • Be mindful of your topic selection (see podcast on things you should know)
  • Ask for what you need, but understand you may be asking for things that aren’t your Chair’s responsibility
  • Do your part – step up to the plate and be responsible and accountable for your degree

Tips for Chairs

  • Communication is key
  • Offer a video call prior to starting the project and regularly throughout; be candid about how you work with students 
  • Have the conversation about WHY the student is pursuing the degree
  • Recognize your role of welcoming the student into the profession - this goes beyond mentoring a dissertation/doc project
  • If you have a resistant student, share this podcast 
  • Be aware of possible burnout - do you need a break or reduced student load to be the best Chair you can be?
  • Encourage students to build a support system outside of you (you are not their therapist!)
  •  Don’t forget about your self-care (see self-care podcast below)
  • Build your own system of support

 Loyola University Chicago Applied Psychology Program
https://www.luc.edu/adult-education/degree-completion/applied-psychology/

The Doc Journey: Things You Need to Know (that they probably won’t tell you)  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/6911234

How to Feel Good about Feedback  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8063165

The Online Doctoral Journey: Building a Community of Support  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8234175

Reality Check: Is a Doc Program for You? 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8609514

Should I Pursue a Doctoral Degree – https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8169838

The Good Goodbye

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Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at: http://Expandyourhappy.com

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