This paper summarizes the results of a panel discussion offering advice to doctoral students in advancing through their programs and getting a start on their career. The panel was held at the 2003 Annual Conference of the Southern Association for Information Systems, and panelists included five senior MIS faculty members who, combined, have chaired over 80 dissertations. Topics included choosing a dissertation topic, dealing with the dissertation committee, completing the dissertation, the job hunt, marketability, building a publication record, and advice for new faculty.