One core concept—or skill set—I always came across in my freshman year is critical thinking. Professors, lecturers, tutors and coaches always say that how we think shapes our listening, writing and speaking. The better we can think critically, the broader and deeper our listening, writing and speaking become. One of the most crucial skills we can develop, both at uni and beyond, is critical thinking.

Unlike middle school or high school, university, along with postgraduate study, isn’t just about memorising facts and figures; it’s always about learning how to think. It’s the ability to navigate the often-overwhelming world of information, make informed judgements, and form your own well-reasoned opinions.

Think of it this way: you’re constantly bombarded with articles, opinions, research, and “facts.” Critical thinking is your shield, helping you sift through the noise and decide what’s credible, what’s biased, and what’s just plain wrong.

A common criticism from professors and lecturers is that students’ work is “too descriptive.” What does this mean? Essentially, it means you’re simply regurgitating what you’ve read or heard without engaging with it. You’re presenting information without analysis. Critical thinking, on the other hand, goes deeper. It involves interpreting evidence, data, and arguments to identify their significance. It also involves analysing information by breaking it down into its component parts to see how they fit together and to identify any underlying assumptions. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives and arguments, and synthesising information from different sources to create your own original insights and conclusions are also key parts of the critical thinking process.

Critical thinking isn’t just about finding fault, it’s about assessing evidence from a variety of sources and making reasoned conclusions. A good starting point is to question everything, and to keep asking yourself “what”, “who”, “why”, “when” and “how”. When you’re reading an article, listening to a lecture, or even scrolling through social media, you should always initiate asking yourself questions.

Ask yourself: What’s the main point? Who wrote it, and are they an expert with potential biases? Why was it written, to inform, persuade, or something else? When was it written, and is it still relevant? Are the arguments well-supported, and do you agree with the conclusions? And how does this fit into the bigger picture of this topic?

By actively engaging with the material and asking these questions, you’ll move beyond passive reading and start to develop your own critical voice. This is a skill that translates far beyond your university experience. Critical thinking isn’t just a skill for university or postgraduate study; it’s a skill for life. Employers in all sectors—from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to healthcare and management—are actively seeking graduates who can think critically. They want people who can solve problems, make decisions, and contribute original ideas.

Developing your critical thinking skills will not only improve your grades but also make you a more valuable and effective person in whatever you choose to do. So, you should embrace the challenge, ask questions, and start thinking critically today!

Think like a pro, and think like a PhD.