WWB-Area | Learning field

Research Management | Successful Doctorate | Advanced

Starting Point

If you are like most PhD candidates you are likely to start your doctorate highly motivated. However, this initial fascination often fades quickly. Numerous challenges in the beginning of the PhD journey make it hard to move forward as planned: the project appears to be overwhelming, literature research seems to be a never ending endeavour, the relationship with your supervisor may be quite different than you imagined, and every step you take takes longer than you thought.

Aim

In this online course you will lay the foundation for a happy PhD journey. You will learn how to set up your research and how to plan your time in a beneficial and sustainable way. We will also work on building a good relationship with your supervisor. After this course you are prepared to go the next steps, you will have an overview of your project and you will know how to deal with potential crisis.

Content

• The phases of a PhD
• How you find and narrow down your research question and plan your literature research
• How to set goals and stay motivated
• How planning helps you to stick to your time schedule and to avoid getting stuck
• Which time management tools help you to structure your days and avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed
• Which crisis you can expect during your PhD journey and how to handle them
• Why accountability is important and how you can secure it
• How to establish a good relationship with your supervisor
• Which resources are beneficial during your PhD
• For international PhD candidates: short introduction into the German academic system

Methods

Short inputs, individual and small group work on self-reflection, roleplays, peer feedback, experience exchange, discussions. Max. participants: 15

Notes

The course is intended for researchers from all disciplines who are just starting their doctorates. You are required to already have a topic for your thesis and to have secured financing for your doctorate. The course is not suitable for people who are only considering doing a doctorate.

For registration, please fill in the provided form. In case of any questions regarding the course, please contact Team WWB.

In case of any organizational questions please contact wwb@zewk.tu-berlin.de.

Your binding participation is very important to us. On the one hand, our courses are connected with high costs. On the other hand, we plan much group work and work interactively with you. Hence, should you be unable to attend the entire course or should you be prevented from attending the course at all, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can allocate the place to other interested persons. In the event of multiple unexcused absence, we reserve the right to exclude you from further ZEWK courses.

Please help us to develop our program in a targeted manner. Your data will not be disclosed to third parties.

Im Rahmen der Berlin University Alliance ist unser Programm für die Nachwuchswissenschaftler*innen der HU Berlin, FU Berlin und Charité geöffnet.