Please Read This Before You Start Your PhD: How to Choose the Right Mentor

Before we dive into this, let me tell you why I wrote it.

At Researcher Story, we’ve published several Ph.D. journeys from around the world — and one theme keeps coming up again and again, almost like a chorus: mentors matter. More than the research topic. More than the university name.

That’s why we’re starting here.

Why Your Mentor Choice Is More Important Than Your Topic

When starting a Ph.D., it’s natural to obsess over getting into a top-ranked university or landing a research topic that sounds cutting-edge.

But here’s a quiet truth many only realize later: your choice of mentor will impact your experience far more than your choice of topic or the name of your university.

Research interests can shift — and often do. You might pivot from one subfield to another, discover new questions mid-way, or join collaborations that take your work in unexpected directions.

But the person you work with that stays with you for years. And that makes all the difference.

A good mentor does more than guide your research. They advocate for you, push you to grow, open doors to collaborations and opportunities, and support your long-term goals.

A poor fit, on the other hand, can lead to years of frustration, delayed graduation, or even the decision to leave the program entirely.

Think of it this way: your mentor is like your partner in this long academic journey. It would be hard to imagine staying with the wrong partner for several years.

What Makes a Good Ph.D. Mentor?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What makes a good mentor depends on you. 

Some students thrive under close supervision, regular deadlines, and structured milestones. Others do better with freedom to explore and minimal interference.

A good mentor, then, is not universally “good,” but good for you.

That said, many successful mentorships have common traits:

• Mutual respect and trust
• Clarity in communication and expectations
• Willingness to provide guidance, not micromanagement
• Support for your personal and professional growth
• Availability for regular check-ins
• A strong professional network they’re willing to share
• A solid track record of student outcomes (graduation, jobs, well-being)

Think about what you need in order to thrive — and then look for someone who can offer that, or at least be honest about what they can't.

How to Evaluate Potential Advisors

Don’t just read their papers or look at h-index scores. Talk to people. Ask questions. Do your homework.

Here’s how to assess compatibility:

• Read their recent work: Is it interesting to you? Could you see yourself contributing?
• Check their lab or group: How many students do they have? Will you get attention or be lost in the crowd?
• Observe interactions: If possible, attend a talk or seminar and watch how they engage with others
• Talk to their students: This is where you’ll learn what the day-to-day is really like

And remember: You’re not just applying to a university. You’re applying to work with a person.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Ask Your Potential Advisor:

• How often do you meet with students?
• What’s your typical expectation on work hours, availability, or publishing?
• How do your students choose research topics? Do you provide them with some projects?

Ask Their Students (Current and Past):

• What’s it really like to work with your mentors?
• Do they provide timely feedback?
• How do they check your progress? (Micromanaging? Never managing?)
• Are they available when you need guidance?
• How do they react when things don’t go well?
• Did they support your goals and well-being?

If You’ve Already Started and It’s Not Working…

First: you’re not alone. Many students discover misalignment months or even years in.

What you can do:

• Have a chat with your friends, family, anyone you can trust
• Speak to a trusted mentor, faculty member, or counselor
• Look for ways to supplement your supervision (co-advisors, external mentors)
• Document everything and communicate respectfully if you plan to switch
• Know that switching advisors is hard, but not career-ending

It’s better to fix the foundation than to stay in silence.

Final Thoughts: This Relationship Will Shape You

Your mentor won’t define your worth, but they will influence your journey more than most people you meet in your Ph.D.

Choose someone who sees you, supports your growth, and encourages your future. Don’t settle for prestige over fit.

And above all: ask.