Entering a doctoral program can be an important first step in advancing your career. You will create a network of support that will include professors, intern advisors, and others who will have a vested interest in your success. From this support group will emerge one or more mentors who will guide you to successful completion of your program and get you on track in meeting new challenges in your career and life. The purpose of this book is to help you look more broadly at the doctoral experience from choosing a program to coursework to passing your comprehensive exams to doing dissertation research and writing to graduation and beyond. The authors take you backstage in a conversational way to avoid pitfalls and ensure success each step of the way.