The PhD process is unlike any other form of education. Independent research requires that the PhD student learns to structure and plan their own project, often from the very beginning. This can make incoming students feel unsure about what to expect, and sometimes quite lost. In this workshop, we discuss the experience of becoming a PhD researcher and give advice on how to make the most out of the first year of your PhD. Uniquely, this workshop features advice to incoming PhD researcher from current PhD students that are now in their second and third year. Therefore, incoming students can truly learn from the experiences and words of advice from those that have recently gone through this process. Also, this workshop will introduce a web based action planner, designed especially so that University of Surrey PhD researchers have a tool to help them assess their skills and receive suggestions for further skill development.

During this workshop participants will:

• Understand their expectations and how they compare to the realities of the first year PhD experience.
• Learn how to make their first year more productive, through advice from more senior PhD students (and some thoughts from the PGSDP team, as well).
• Recognise the importance of taking control of your PhD and your personal, professional development.
• Be introduced to a web based action planner that will help PhD researchers to plan their future skill development.