PhD Supervisors - 10 things you need to know before you choose yours
Let’s not sugar-coat this: choosing your PhD supervisor is one of the most important decisions of your academic life. This is the person you’re going to be stuck with for years. You’ll cry in front of them. You’ll send them panicked emails. You’ll doubt your life choices. And if they’re the right person, they’ll help you through it.
If they’re the wrong person?
Well... good luck. Eek.
Academia doesn’t always talk about the supervisor-student relationship honestly, so this is your no-fluff guide to what really matters when choosing one – from the obvious (topic fit) to the underrated (do they give you the ick?).
Let’s dive in.
(1) Think beyond research expertise
You don’t need someone who’s obsessed with your exact research question. You need someone who understands the terrain you're in – the methods, the theory, the general area.
If your project is qualitative, don’t pick someone who breaks into a rash when you mention reflexive thematic analysis. If you’re doing feminist research, don’t choose someone who still says “gender issues” like it’s 1997.
Ask yourself:
Do they “get” my general topic?
Do they support the kind of research I want to do (qualitative/quantitative/mixed)?
Are they open to my theoretical approach?
It’s like dating. You don’t need to like all the same bands, but if they hate the one you love the most – red flag.
(2) Don’t underestimate the importance of personality
Here’s something people rarely say out loud in academia: your supervisor’s personality is just as important as their credentials.
Why? Because you're going to have multiple (sometimes messy) conversations with this person over several years. You’re going to be vulnerable, confused, and sometimes panicking. You need someone who doesn’t make you feel small or stupid for having those moments.
Some supervisors are very hands-off. Others are very structured. Some will send you 3 pages of detailed comments; others will send a one-line email two weeks later saying, “Looks fine.”
“Your supervisor’s personality is just as important as their credentials”
It’s not about right or wrong – it’s about fit.
Pay attention to:
How they speak to students in emails or meetings.
Whether they listen or just talk at you.
Their general vibe – are they warm? Blunt? Encouraging? Disinterested?
You want someone who gives you energy, not someone who drains you every time you meet.
(3) Their track record with other students is important
Ask around. Look them up. Find their past PhD students (in a non-creepy way).
Do their students finish on time?
Are they publishing?
Are they still talking to their supervisor, or visibly traumatised?!
Past supervision isn’t always a perfect predictor of the future, but it gives you clues.
If they’ve got 12 students and 5 of them have left the PhD, that’s a red flag. If their last 3 students are now lecturers, that’s a very green flag indeed.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to current or former students and say:
“Hey, I’m thinking of applying for a PhD with Dr X. What’s your experience been like?”
Most students are happy to share – and they’ll give you the lowdown that you won’t find on any staff profile page.
(4) Beware the academic celebrity
Ah, the big names. The journal darlings. The keynote speakers. They look shiny on paper. But some academic celebrities are barely present as supervisors because they’re too busy jetting off to conferences and writing five books a year.
But seriously, this is a tricky one.
Sometimes the Big Name in your field is also an amazing, nurturing supervisor.
Sometimes… they’re not.
Sometimes they’re so busy flying around the world keynoting conferences and sitting on panels that they forget you exist.
If you’re thinking of working with someone high-profile, ask:
How many students do they supervise right now?
Are they actually around or constantly on sabbatical?
Who will be your second supervisor and what’s their role?
Academic celebs can open doors for you – no doubt. But make sure you’re not just dazzled by their CV. You need support, not just prestige.
(5) Don’t make any decisions until you’ve met them
Never, ever pick a supervisor without talking to them first. This is your chance to get a feel for their communication style, their expectations, and their general energy.
Ask questions. See how they respond. Do they talk with you or at you? Do they interrupt? Do you walk away feeling excited… or like you just got told off by someone’s dad?
Questions to ask:
How many students are you supervising right now?
What’s your usual style of supervision?
How often do you meet with students?
Do you have any expectations around publishing during the PhD?
How do you handle feedback and revisions?
This is not just about ticking boxes. You’re also testing the vibe.
(6) Do they actually have the capacity, or are you just another potential completion statistic for them?
You may find the perfect supervisor… who is already supervising 9 people, running a research centre, and about to go on a fieldwork trip conducting a 6 month ethnography with a remote group in the rainforest.
That’s not ideal.
Even the best supervisors can only stretch so far. It’s OK to ask:
“What’s your current supervision load like?”
You’re not being pushy – you’re being realistic.
Also check if they’re planning a sabbatical or retiring halfway through your PhD. You don’t want to be passed from one stranger to another just as you’re heading into your final year.
(7) Don’t forget the second supervisor
In most PhDs, you’ll have two supervisors. The second is often overlooked in the decision-making process – but they can be your lifeline if things go sideways with the first.
Sometimes the second supervisor is the one who gives you detailed comments, or the one who helps you through a tough spot when the main supervisor is away. Sometimes they tag-team and both are equally involved.
Ask how the supervision is usually shared and how involved the second will be. Having someone complementary to the main supervisor – in terms of expertise and temperament – is ideal.
(8) Think about what you need
This one’s easy to overlook in the panic of finding someone to supervise your project. But pause and ask:
“What kind of support do I need to thrive?”
Do you like lots of structure and deadlines? Or are you more independent and want someone who checks in occasionally?
Do you want a supervisor who’s warm and emotionally supportive? Or one who gives you brutal honesty and hard deadlines?
Know yourself. And be honest. There’s no point pretending you’re hyper-independent if you know you’ll need regular nudges and pep talks.
Choosing a supervisor isn’t just about them. It’s about matching their approach to your needs.
(9) Trust your gut
This sounds wishy-washy, but honestly – your gut knows. If something feels off, it probably is.
I’ve seen students ignore the little warning bells because the person looked great on paper. Fast forward a year and they’re having panic attacks before every supervision meeting.
Your instincts are valid. If you feel safe, heard, and respected – that’s a very good sign.
(10) Remember, this is a two-way decision
Don’t go into this process thinking you have to beg someone to supervise you.
Yes, it’s competitive. But good PhD projects are like gold dust – supervisors want to work with students who are motivated and thoughtful. This isn’t about convincing someone to “take you on.” It’s about finding the right fit for both of you.
Come to the table as an equal. You are building a professional partnership, not asking for a favour.
Choosing your PhD supervisor is one of the most important steps in your research journey. It’s not just about matching research interests – it’s about building a relationship that will help you grow, learn, and finish your PhD with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Take your time. Ask questions. Do your homework. And don’t settle for someone who gives you the ick just because they’ve got a fancy publication record.
“You are building a professional partnership, not asking for a favour.”
You deserve a supervisor who supports you, challenges you (in a good way), and walks alongside you – not five steps ahead, or two steps behind.
So trust yourself.
And remember: this is your PhD. Your project. Your journey. You get to choose who comes along for the ride.
I’d love to come along for the ride on your PhD journey! So, come join my Cheat Sheet Library, it’s available 24/7 - unlike your supervisor, LOL! Click here to learn more!
