My favorite Ph.D. Apps to use

Hi everyone! I know it's been about a month since the last time I posted a blog post, but listen, the point I'm at with my doctorate is no joke at this point, along with supporting my learners wh are halfway done with their Tests and Measurements course for the quarter. Combine that with what I have going on for my full-time job, I'm sure you can imagine the craziness!

So let's get to it, shall we?! This post (inspired by TheLeveragedPhD's social media challenge for May) is about any tech devices and/or applications that are my favorite to use as a Ph.D. student/candidate.

First up on the list...

Microsoft 365 OneNote

OneNote makes me happy as a student and as an analyst. It helps me organize and keep track of things I'm working on, as well as how productive I've been for the week. It also allows me to review any notes for a specific topic to see where I stood, and providing me a realistic timeline on completing it. Simply put, OneNote is a great way to organize the notes you take on a project, your week, or whatever it may be.

Next up...

iCal

Okay so I may be a little biased with this one but I do love iCal when it comes to organizing my academic schedule around my work schedule. I color-code different categories and make sure the notifications are sent to my phone, iPad, and MacBook soI stay on track. So using OneNote and iCal can be a match made in heaven if you work it the way that works for you and your schedule. For example, I give myself a tentative timeline and deadline to complete an academic task, I plug that date in my iCal and set up notifications so I meet the deadline I gave myself or complete the task prior to.

An oldie but goodie...

Mendeley

I know everyone has their go-to or preferred choices for maintaining and organizing references for their writing. Mine happens to be Mendeley. It's convenient by providing different platforms to use the software on (PC/Mac, tablet, phone). Personally, it's just easy to import research articles I've located for my study, and then organizing them. (Fun fact: I'm a Mendeley Advisor, so send all your literature searching questions to me!).

Gotta do some physical activity...

Aaptiv

I'm so happy I came across this app, although it comes with a monthly subscription, Aaptiv creates fitness programs and challenges, whether you have access to a gym, outdoors, or stuck inside during the pandemic. They have a coach feature that helps keep you on track with what you're supposed to tackle that day. But my favorite is the challenges between Team Red and Team Blue. It's something that holds you accountable but also pushes you physically and mentally.

Savin' some money due to canceled travel plans...

Digit

Le sigh, right now I'd be chilling on a beach in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for my first vacation in over 3 years. But due to the global pandemic, that didn't happen...which is okay, because I'm a homebody anyway. But with the decreased amount of traveling I've been doing (including not going back home to Michigan), I've been saving money (I think). Digit is an app that I've been using to save money for an emergency fund, student loan debt, a new Macbook, a house, and more. All you have to do is link the app to your bank account, and the app will automatically save funds for you while distributing certain percentages to the different goals you created. You have the option of setting up overdraft protection (which helps avoid any bank fees that may come with ODP with them), and you can withdraw or delete a goal whenever you please, and you'll receive the funds that were saved back in your account within 1-2 bus days.

Connecting with others...

Instagram

Instagram has done a great job (in my eyes) on bringing people together, especially based on a common interest. I've been able to connect with family, old friends, and new social media friends that I can't wait to connect with in person. It's also given me a way to provide you all a peek inside my personal, professional, and academic life.

So there you have it, my 6 favorite apps I use during my doctorate. I'm curious to know what you all have as your favorites, let me know in the comments!