Welcome to your doctoral degree. We have some structure for you. But did you know that it is you who must drive this bus? You will decide on your timeline. You will make sure that your courses meet requirements. You will keep an eye on your funding, when it expires, and will pursue opportunities to fund yourself in future years. You will set your goals. You will know when to seek help, whether it be a financial need or determining a dissertation project, and will be persistent in securing that help. Have you ever heard of managing up and managing down? You must manage your chair – asking for meetings, sending reminders and agendas, asking where you should be putting your time, even asking – what’s next? You must also manage yourself, of course. Treat yourself like a tremendously valued and respected employee that deserves clear direction, reasonable timelines, and appreciation for a job well done. Because you are not only driving this bus. You are also the engine.