Three Regrets from My PhD—What I’d Do Differently

Like many PhD students, I started with big ambitions but little strategy. I wanted to become a professor but wasn’t sure which positions would open or where I would fit best. So I stretched my research as wide as possible, hoping to keep all doors open. In my final year, I applied for 30+ faculty positions across multiple disciplines—only to land one interview.

Looking back, there are three things I wish I had done differently. If I had understood these earlier, I could have navigated my PhD with more focus and intention.

1. Chasing Every Opportunity Instead of Focusing on a Core Contribution

Early in my PhD, I set a goal of publishing 3-4 papers—two in landscape architecture and two in urban design, a good, ambitious goal in those fields. But this led me to chase every research opportunity instead of refining a clear research trajectory. Rather than focusing on “a significant and original contribution to knowledge (SOCK)”, I took on multiple side projects, collaborated on different topics, and prioritized output over depth.

I don’t regret publishing more than I originally planned—it certainly helped me land a faculty position. But I spread myself too thin. If I had to do it again, I would have been more selective, ensuring my research had both intellectual impact and practical significance.

2. Not Defining My Niche Early Enough

By my second and third years, I already sensed a tension in my positioning. I wanted to be recognized in both landscape architecture and urban design, which meant I had to publish in both. I knew that if I only focused on public space research, it wouldn’t be enough to fit cleanly into either discipline.

Looking back, I should have recognized sooner that I fit better in landscape architecture than urban planning or design, based on my background, dissertation topic, and emerging trends in design research. If I had realized this earlier, I would have examined relevant job postings, realizing most positions expect some teaching experience in design studios. Then, I would have sought out teaching opportunities in design studios. This experience would have strengthened my portfolio for faculty positions in that field. Instead, I kept my options too broad, applying across multiple disciplines without a clear focus, which made my job search more difficult.

3. Not Finding or Building an Academic Tribe

Academia rewards specialization, but it also depends on relationships. I attended conferences, but I didn’t maximize them. My presentation topics shifted every year, I never established a clear research identity, and I didn’t actively seek out panel discussions or roundtables.

Sometimes, I was just satisfied with having a presentation for every conference. I had also complained that my dissertation research (public space, observational research) didn’t align with my supervisor’s work (land use and transportation planning). But instead of seeking out a better academic community, I kept looking in the wrong places.

When I first attended a landscape architecture conference—held in the same city as my PhD program—I was surprised by its small size compared to other disciplines. What I didn’t see at the time was its potential: a field where rigorous and innovative research could have real impact, and a professional network that aligned with my work. Instead of recognizing these opportunities, I dismissed the field too quickly and kept looking elsewhere.

I should have approached conferences not just as a place to present my work but as a platform to build relationships, engage in deeper conversations, and find my academic tribe much earlier.

Would I Do a PhD Again?

No way. 😱 But if I had to, I’d be more intentional about what I focus on, where I fit, and who I connect with.

For current PhD students, I hope these reflections help you approach your journey with more clarity. Define your niche early, focus on meaningful contributions, and build your academic tribe—you’ll save yourself a lot of stress later.

And if you’re just starting a PhD (or considering one), I highly recommend reading A PhD Is Not Enough by Peter J. Feibelman and The Professor Is In by Karen Kelsky. I wish I had read them earlier.