Workshops 2024/25

Onboarding Workshop Series

In this series of workshops, we will focus on a variety of topics that are specifically relevant during the initial phase of your doctoral studies, but also throughout your research career. From making the best out of your PhD, to establishing a positive and rewarding relationship with your supervisor(s), and to managing your research project in a smart and efficient way, we want to give you the knowledge, skills, and support you need.

 

The workshop series is a cooperation of the Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies, the Doctoral School of Philological and Cultural Studies, and the Vienna Doctoral School of Theology and Research on Religion.

Please register for one or more workshop(s) in a timely manner by sending an email to contact.vdtr@univie.ac.at

Workshop 1: “How to Navigate Your PhD: Defining Your Purpose and Path”

Find clarity and confidence as you transform from student to independent researcher.

Starting a PhD is more than just doing research and writing a thesis—it’s about stepping into your role as an independent researcher. This workshop will help you clarify the purpose behind your PhD and guide you through the essential mindset shift from student to researcher. We’ll explore how to align your PhD goals with your personal circumstances, making sure your expectations around time, energy, and effort are realistic and sustainable. By taking stock of what you can give and what you need, you’ll leave with a clear sense of direction and a PhD plan that actually works for you.

When & where 
7 November 2024, 11:00-12:30
Campus, Spitalgasse 2, Hof 1.11, 2A-Z1-01

Why join?
Defining your purpose and adjusting your expectations early on will save you from common mistakes, help you stay on track, and empower you to manage your PhD in a way that suits your goals and your life.

 

Workshop 2: “Building Strong Supervisory Relationships: Expectations, Feedback, and Professionalism”

Master the art of managing one of the most critical relationships in your PhD.

The relationship with your supervisor can make or break your PhD experience. This workshop will help you develop a clear understanding of what to expect from your supervisor and what they will expect from you. We’ll cover the importance of proactive communication, self-management, and the boundaries of a professional relationship. You’ll also learn to assess your feedback needs, communicate those needs to your supervisor, and gain tips on seeking support effectively throughout different stages of your PhD.

When & where
14 November 2024, 14:00-15:30
Campus, Spitalgasse 2, Hof 1.11, 2A-Z1-01

Why join?
A healthy, productive relationship with your supervisor sets the foundation for a successful PhD. This workshop will give you the tools to handle this relationship confidently and avoid common pitfalls.  

 

Workshop 3: “Managing Your Research Project: Staying on Track and Hitting Your Milestones”

Stay focused and make sure everything you do serves your long-term PhD goal.

Writing a dissertation and finishing a phD is a long-term project, and managing it well is key to making steady progress. In this workshop, we’ll focus on the practical side of project management: setting milestones, prioritizing your work, and making sure everything—from conferences to papers—feeds directly into your thesis. You’ll learn how to plan your research trips, writing tasks etc. realistically and break down big tasks into manageable steps. Plus, you’ll leave with a plan for the next three months that you can apply again and again throughout your PhD.

When & where
21 November 2024, 14:00-15:30
Campus, Spitalgasse 2, Hof 1.11, 2A-Z1-01

Why join?A well-managed PhD project means less stress, fewer last-minute panics, and a smoother path to completion. It’s all about staying on track and making consistent progress.

Coach

Melanie Sindeliar is a coach for early-career academics and an expert in academic editing and translation. With a PhD in anthropology from the University of Vienna and an MSc from the University of Oxford, Melanie coaches PhD students and postdocs in writing, grant applications, and job searches.

Exclusive Offer for Attendees
By attending all three workshops, you’ll receive ongoing email support from Melanie, offering personalized guidance and answers to your questions. Plus, you’ll join a supportive community of peers, where you can connect, share experiences, and build a network that will help you throughout your PhD and beyond.