PhD Timeline

Here is the target C.Psyd timeline along with milestone goals and suggestions

Year One

Coursework to get a strong foundation of theoretical linguistics upon which to build
Participate in multiple labs and research groups and start doing research (which will likely result in your Q-paper)
Apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellow Program (GRFP)

Additional coursework to round out your foundational knowledge
Defend your Q-paper in the Q-exam
Continue doing research in multiple areas (which will likely become your A-paper)

Submit at least one paper for publication (probably your Q-paper).
From now on, aim to get at least one paper submitted per year. Among other things, this will help ensure that you are well-integrated into the relevant research community when you go on the job market.
Defend your A-paper in the A-exam
Start formulating your dissertation proposal
Dip a toe into the job market
- Industry track: Apply for industry internships
- Academic track: Apply for internships at other research labs

In Fall, defend your dissertation proposal in the P-exam
Apply for dissertation research funding (like the NSF Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement grant; Ling DDRI)
On the market (softly)
- Industry track: Apply for industry internships
- Academic track: Focus on your research profile, apply to a few dream positions
  (if you get an offer, you can defer until you finish, but this will help you become familiar with interviews and the market)
Start your dissertation work

On the market:
- Academic track: In Fall, apply for tenure-track positions and postdocs
  (you may also receive postdoc offers at conferences, so you should be very active on the conference circuit)
- Industry track: In Spring, apply for company positions
Defend your dissertation in the B-exam