After two and a half years of graduate study for my MS degree in microbiology, I can say that I learned a lot of things, not only on academics but also about life in general. I know the deepest struggles of graduate students, especially those who are currently doing their thesis. In addition to logistic and theoretical burdens, internal negative forces like depressions, frustrations and even (maybe) hatred have to be faced and defeated in order to emerge victorious. For those who are about to do their thesis and even for those who are doing it now, I’d like to share the top 10 lessons that I learned from doing my thesis, which I hope can help you to be better equipped.

1. Doing a thesis is not as easy as thinking about it.

This is common sense and does not only apply to doing a thesis. However, graduate students (including, of course, myself) tend to think that everything will be smooth and things will just fall in the right places at the right time. This is not the case. Often, experiments need to be done a couple of times in order to generate good and reliable results and sometimes materials are not available at the time that you need them the most. Always give an allowance for such circumstances; otherwise, you will just be frustrated.

2. Doing an experiment for the first time has a 99% chance of error.

This is one of the most valuable lessons I learned in my thesis. Never ever expect a complete and successful experiment when you are doing it the first time. So, there’s no reason to be depressed once this happens. Just make sure you knew where things gone wrong. Do not repeat the experiment without making any changes.

3. You’ve got to love troubleshooting.

Words always fall short in expressing ideas. So, protocols are not always so comprehensive. Some words and phrases are open to many interpretations. Hence, be ready to get lost along the way even when you think you understand the procedures in detail. Some references, like Nature Protocols have troubleshooting guide but others do not offer such convenience. Procedure troubleshooting is the ultimate test of your understanding of the principles behind the methods you are using.

4. There are no failed experiments, only unexpected results.

This is an exaggeration but the point that I’d like to make is that sometimes researchers are stuck to a certain set of results that will favor their objectives to the point that all results that run contrary to the expected are considered erroneous and the experiment considered a failure. However, results are sometimes really just unexpected. A change in perspective is sometimes necessary to appreciate the implications, which may have even surpassed your expectations. Most breakthrough discoveries were unexpected, so think twice.

5. Sharing and discussing your topic, results and experiences with like-minded friends are lots of help.

The good old saying that friends are treasures is always valid in whatever situation you are in, including when you’re doing your thesis. Discussions with like-minded friends and colleagues about your thesis will be a lot of help, more so if there are critical but constructive comments about your topic. If Christians have Bible sharing sessions, I believe graduate students should also have thesis sharing sessions.

6. Feel like a scientist and think like a genius, always.

Research is a work of scientists. If you feel that you’re just a struggling student, meeting deadlines and making your way out of a difficult situation, then your thesis life will be a lot more difficult. You have to feel the passion of a scientist and think like a science genius.

7. Make use of your connections or your adviser’s connections.

Limitations in logistics or unavailability of some materials or pieces of equipment are a very common situation. Always think of where you can get what you need and don’t be afraid to invoke the power of connections. If one equipment is available in another laboratory, you can invoke your adviser’s power of connections to gain permission from that lab’s superior.

8. Be open to surprises and changes.

Research is a very dynamic field. As such, the life of a researcher is full of surprises. Thesis work is not something that will work exactly according to plans; so never get so obsessed with what you have wanted to do because you might need to change them later. Sometimes it takes a complete 180-degree turn, sometimes a few changes will do, and sometimes it’s a dead end.

9. Always set targets and deadlines.

We all hate deadlines. However, setting deadlines is one of the most efficient ways of hitting your targets. Make sure that your decision to set deadlines is something you really intend to meet, or else it’s useless. It’s common to break deadlines but it’s allowable as long as you tried your best to meet it. When this happens, set your next nearest possible deadline and equally strive to meet it like it’s your first time. Keep doing this until your work is done. (You’ll be more effective though if you meet your first deadlines.)

10. A personal lab notebook is indispensable.

After reading all the nine lessons above, you can get a feel of how complicated doing a thesis is (if you are not in it yet). Therefore, logging EVERYTHING (from plans to mistakes committed) in all stages of thesis work is indispensable. Your logs in your lab notebook, which should include even the most trivial matters about your thesis, will be one of your most valuable possessions.

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