Pros and Cons of Having Two PhD Advisors: Does It Benefit Your Academic Journey?

Introduction

PhD programs can be challenging and multifaceted, requiring guidance and support from experienced mentors who can provide comprehensive advice and direction. One aspect of this journey that often emerges is the number of advisors a PhD student should have. Is it beneficial to have two advisors, or do these options come with their own sets of advantages and challenges? In this article, we explore the pros and cons of having two PhD advisors, as well as the role of primary and secondary advisors, and the typical arrangements within PhD programs.

The Role of Advisors in PhD Programs

PhD advisors play a crucial role in guiding PhD students through their academic and research endeavors. They provide mentorship, academic support, and career guidance throughout the program. However, the structure of these advisors can vary widely, and having multiple advisors introduces a different dynamic to the typical one-advisor model.

Benefits of Having Two PhD Advisors

Comprehensive Guidance: Having two advisors allows for a more comprehensive and diverse view of the research field. One advisor might have extensive knowledge in a specific subfield, while another might offer a broader perspective or be an expert in a different aspect of the discipline. This can lead to a more well-rounded education and research experience.

Resource Optimization: With two advisors, students can access a wider range of resources, expertise, and networks. This can be particularly beneficial for students seeking to publish their research, access funding, or pursue interdisciplinary projects.

Flexibility and Support: Having two advisors can provide greater flexibility in terms of research direction and funding support. Advisors can work together to support the student's needs, covering different aspects of the PhD journey, such as research, writing, and networking.

Challenges of Having Two PhD Advisors

Conflicting Opinions: The greatest challenge of having two advisors is the potential for conflicting advice. Advisors may have different teaching styles, philosophies, and expectations, which can lead to confusion or disagreement about the direction of the research or the student's goals.

Time Management: Coordinating a schedule with two advisors can be difficult. Additionally, if one advisor is unavailable or needs more time due to other commitments, the other advisor may need to assume a larger portion of the student's workload, potentially causing strain on both advisors and the student.

Dependency and Superfluousness: One doctoral advisor might feel overshadowed or irrelevant if a student seems to rely heavily on a second advisor. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or superfluousness, potentially affecting the primary advisor's motivation and the harmony of the mentor-mentee relationship.

Typical Arrangements in PhD Programs

Typically, a PhD program involves one primary advisor who has extensive experience and a broad network, and one or more assisting advisors. These arrangements can vary in terms of time commitment and support:

Time Commitment: For instance, a student with an 80% study activity and 20% departmental support tasks might receive a total supervisor time of 8% (3.2 hours per week). The primary advisor might provide 2-3% support, with the assisting supervisor contributing a bit more.

Support Roles: Primary advisors are often experienced and can provide guidance on the entire PhD journey, including networking and career development. Assisting advisors, such as postdoctoral researchers, bring up-to-date research expertise and can help with specific aspects of the research process.

Committees: Often, a five-member committee oversees a PhD student, with one member from outside the department, ensuring a well-rounded and expert-led academic journey.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to have one or two advisors for your PhD program involves careful consideration of the potential benefits and challenges. A single advisor may offer focused, personalized guidance, while multiple advisors can provide a more comprehensive and diverse academic experience. Understanding the dynamics and expectations of each advisor is crucial for a successful PhD journey.

Keywords

PhD advisor, multiple advisors, pros and cons, academic guidance