Overcoming the challenges of starting a doctorate together
A doctoral degree yields more than just a title: If you already enjoyed research-based learning during your studies, you may want to develop your interest in research into a passion and your profession. There are many motives for pursuing a doctorate. Embarking upon a doctorate can sometimes be challenging, there is a lot to organise. But maybe you're still unsure whether you want to obtain a doctoral degree? Then our peer programme "NaWi" for early career researchers is just right for you!
Overview
Our programme aims to support students in getting started with a doctoral degree - in the best way possible. Participants should be in the final phase of their course of studies and be interested in obtaining a doctorate. The aim of our programme is to
- support you in your decision-making process and help you get your bearings,
- support you in obtaining funding,
- offer you opportunities to get to know the everyday life of early career researchers at the University of Passau,
- develop your professional and academic skillset (e.g. work techniques, work organisation and self-management),
- get to know your future colleagues,
- share experiences with your peer group and benefit from peer support during the programme's duration.
Details about the programme, dates and application can be found on the following pages.
Please note that the programme's current working language is German. Some workshops are available in English, however. Mentoring can be conducted in any language agreed upon by the participants.
The Graduate Centre's information service is available to you at any time to get your bearings. Each semester we also offer an information event on how to embark upon a doctorate (presentation in German, Q&A-session in english as well). As part of the programme, you will take part in individual counselling and coaching sessions. If you decide not to pursue a doctorate at the end of the first phase of the programme, you will still have developed your individual profile of skills and competences which will help inform the next stage of your career. Find out more about the advisory services offered by the Graduate Centre.
Note: For the time being, this component will only be offered on a regular basis in the winter semester 2021/2022.
Reflect & Decide
As part of the programme, you will get to know advanced early career researchers who will act as mentors to help you navigate everyday life in the academic environment. In addition, you will regularly exchange ideas with the other mentees in order to jointly find solutions to challenges arising when starting your doctorate ("kollegiale Beratung"). Find out more about the programme and current dates.
Supporting each other
In order to successfully obtain a doctoral degree, you already need to have a certain academic and professional competencies. But you will also build new skills and develop existing ones in the course of your doctorate. The the graduate centre's qualification programme supports early career researchers with workshops focussing on work techniques in academia (e.g. how to write an exposé, scientific writing, scientific work methods), self and project management, networking and many more. During the programme, you will particpipate in these workshops.
Further qualification
Why not learn from the experiences of others and support each other in achieving our respective goals? The programme encourages networking with a kick-off and closing event as well as other social events. So while having to master your subject on your own you are not alone and 'lost at sea'. Find out more about the programme and current dates.
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