Mastering the Literature Review: From Overwhelm to Insight

Starting a PhD is an exhilarating journey, often marked by the thrill of diving into a new research area. But for many, including me when I first began, that initial excitement can quickly turn into a feeling of “where do I even begin?” especially when your specific topic is handed down by a mentor or research group. This is precisely where a well-executed literature review becomes your indispensable compass.