I do at least one literature search a week (usually a Friday and/or Monday)  – I put a note in my calendar to remind myself to do this.

I file the references I have already read, properly. Once I have read a research paper I usually make a few notes on it, then file the reference so I can find it again. I use Ref works to file my references, but there are plenty of other reference tools you can use. Universities usually have their own preference. Find out which tool is best, learn how to use it and then continue to use it. Universities run short courses on how to use reference storing software, contact your IT department or library for more information.

Sign up for alerts, I sign up for alerts via <a href=”http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/”>pubmed </a>so whenever anyone publishes a paper in my research area I automatically recieve an email alerting me to the paper.  There are many different tools and programmes you can use to search for literature. Universities often run courses which teach you how to run searches and how to make your searches more efficient. It can make you more efficient and save you time.

If you have any more tips or ideas, please share them in the comments.

The point was that PhD studentships are not awarded simply on the basis of ability and keenness. It will only help applicants if they do some background research about the department, get a better idea of what the research would entail and identify the researcher whose interests matches theirs. I’ve realised in the last few years that networking is not just a buzz word you learn in a business school. It can sometimes help you a great deal if instead of sending a generic application to the university, you directly contact the professor you want to work with and show a clear vision of your research plan. Well established professors have their own research grants which they may utilise in getting PhD students. Background homework is essential. I remember when my friend found out that in his PhD interview, that his prospective supervisor expected him to remember results from his all important 1982 paper! Established professors can get extremely offended if the applicant has not read at least their latest papers.

The question arises, that what is the best way to get to know the perfect supervisor in the department? I feel that the easiest way to get to know him or her is in informal settings such as summer workshops or weekly research seminars. Conferences and learned society meetings are more formal but yet another way to get a feel of the research area and possibly meet the person who funds your next three years!