My Crappy Life | Syed ™

Gosh! It has been age's since i blog a post. Life back as a student really takes up time. To many things to do, so little time. *face palm*

After 7 months undergoing PhD, I've realized "time is management CRUCIAL". Without proper planning, you are actually  doomed to fail. Well as you have a proper day plan, mine would be 4-5 hours work and the rest would be MY TIME (either hitting the gym, PS4, just chilling at home streaming free online movies or TV series) "THANK YOU KODI !!". That's the best way to kick that stress all away :p

Though the main question people keep asking:

1. Is PhD difficult? Nothing is easy in life guys. I would say it may be difficult on the early stage, getting use to the new environment and learning various research technique for a quality research paper may be grueling, and I won't lie if is never asked myself repeatedly "What the hell i'm doing here? PhD for what? Feel like giving up now? Duhh!! Stress!! Stress!!". However, i believe with hard work and dedication and motivation from family, friends and not forgetting GOD. You'll do fine. Some people believed PhD is all about luck (Example having a good supervisor? Problem in term of health and resources to support your project? etc.). To me luck does not play a role, BUT YOU DO !! HOW YOU PERCEIVE THE JOURNEY IS THE KEY ROLE TO SUCCESS. FURTHERMORE NOTHING IN LIFE IS DIFFICULT AND IMPOSSIBLE, UNLESS YOU PUT YOUR HAT DOWN AND SAY "I GIVE UP". 
2. What is PhD all about? Well thank god, my supervisor suggested me getting a book entitled How to get a PhD. Worth every pound. Well, lets make it as simple as possible. PhD IS ALL ABOUT, GROOMING YOURSELF TO BECOME A RESEARCHER. Through out the journey you'll be taught of various research techniques, proper procedure and ethical rules that you have to abide (though i never give a damn! about it in the past, but now i perceive it differently).
3. Should i take it? If your'e interested in learning and exploring a research study further on, go for it. However, if you just want the status"Dr.", then it ain't a good idea. I still remember what my professor asked me when we first sat face-to-face. "Why PhD?" and I answer "Due to my interest of knowing more". The best tip would be, selecting a topic that you're really into. It be a 3-4 years research (that's in the UK, not sure in Malaysia). You'll be reading the articles within the research field, go for conferences and present in-front of your colleague. Thus, IF YOU SELECT A TOPIC THAT IS LESS INTERESTING TO YOURSELF, YOU MAY BE HAVING DIFFICULTY FACING ON THE LONG RUN.
4. Overseas or Malaysia? That would be based on your $$, though i prefer the overseas, due reason most overseas supervisors are knowledgeable in their specific field (taking their tacit knowledge and make into your own, would be a great strategy), exposing yourself with a new environment would further encourage you to grow and provide a better prospect for your working career in the future.
5. What University? Conduct research, see which top 10 University best suit your research field. I WOULD SUGGEST CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISOR DIRECTLY THROUGH EMAIL ON YOUR IDEAS AFTER YOU DID A BACKGROUND CHECK ON EM (E.G. PAPERS THEY HAD PUBLISHED) << JUST IMAGINE YOURSELF AS A STALKER LOL!
6. How to get fund? There are many options in Malaysia, Google it.. :p Though i was funded by MARA. I had prepared an early proposal and got the University placement before the interview. That could be the reason why i'm selected OR just luck .

There is huge misconception that PhD is difficult and person who get the title "Dr." must be  genius. My answer would be NO. IT'S ALL ABOUT HAVING YOU TO NEVER GIVE UP, AND FIGHT BACK WHEN EVER YOU WANNA GIVE UP. WITH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, YOU'LL DO GREAT.



SO GOOD LUCK !!