What It’s Really Like Doing a PhD: My Honest Take

Don’t let imposter syndrome affect you

Here’s something I wish someone had told me at the beginning: never underestimate yourself.

Imposter syndrome is common in academia, regardless of how qualified or hardworking you are. I remember doubting whether I was smart enough to be at Cambridge, whether I’d chosen the right topic and feeling like I was falling behind. But over time, I’ve learned that self-doubt is a terrible judge of capability. If you're putting in the work, asking for help when needed and staying curious, you’re doing better than you think.

Why motivation matters

Doing a PhD for the title or because it sounds impressive isn’t enough. You need that inner motivation, that spark, whether it’s solving a health problem in your community, contributing to climate science or pushing the boundaries of neuroscience. That motivation is what keeps you going during the tough months when your experiments fail, when your manuscript gets rejected or when you're deep in revision hell.

The joy beyond the lab

One of the best things about a PhD is the community. I’ve made lifelong friends at Cambridge. I learned to ride a bike in my first year, and now cycling is a fun weekend hobby. I’ve had amazing lab dinners, karaoke nights and I’ve even organised an Oxbridge Nigerian funfair in London. I’ve presented at international conferences and mentored several students, both through my university and Research4Knowledge, the platform I co-founded.

So… is it worth it?

Absolutely! A PhD stretches you. It teaches resilience, critical thinking and how to navigate uncertainty. But more than anything, it teaches you about yourself, your values, your purpose and your ability to make a difference.

If you’re thinking about a PhD, my advice is simple: know your ‘why’, believe in your potential and build a community that reminds you that you belong. The journey is tough, but the transformation is real.