Another question... I'm a new PhD student. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a great communication going with my supervisor. Is it normal not to be talking about your research ideas, what you've read etc, with the supervisor? It doesn't seem so to me... seems a wasted opportunity. My supervisor doesn't seem to invite it. It is a bit like sitting with a brick wall or very unapproachable person! Maybe I am just not being forthcoming enough. What are other people's experiences?

So I am a fourth year, and I remember it took me about two years to feel comfortable with my advisor to shoot research ideas back and forth. I would really prepare so you feel confident and passionate, or figure out what he or she really likes. I really encourage you to be forthcoming with your ideas. It is so scary at first, but you gotta take the first step!

Thanks. I am gonna try this! Will let you know how it goes!

Everyone is different, but a skill you develop over the course of a PhD is how to set the tone of the conversation and how to make things move in the right direction when engaging apathetic or even resistant attitudes. Simply put you learn how to set the agenda. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. But with an issue as big as your research question, be receptive to ideas, but only you can see the big picture. Otherwise it will be a hard 3-4 years.

It is going better now. My supervisor isn't the most approachable person - that was the problem. Talking with academics had never been a problem, until I encountered my sup (and decided to do my PHD under their supervision, lol!) But it is fine now. I just ignore the vibes and get on with it. Preparing more so I felt more confident helped. Thanks for the advice. :-) :-)