The course also emphasizes building connections with peers—a supportive environment where you can share experiences with PhDs from different disciplines and feel part of the broader academic community at Leiden University. In addition, you will meet fellow PhDs from diverse fields. You exchange experiences, support each other, and discover that you are part of a larger academic community.

Why this course?

This reflective and practical course is designed to help you take more ownership of your development and direction. You will start by exploring what motivates you in your research and what lies within your sphere of influence and control. Through guided exercises, you will map out the key milestones for the coming year, assess your current skills, and set focused learning goals. In this course, you will share experiences and gain new perspectives from other PhDs. By the end, you will have a clearer sense of direction and concrete steps to shape your PhD journey with confidence and focus.

What will you do?

• Identify what lies within your circle of influence and control to align your PhD trajectory with your personal goals.

• Recognize which factors positively or negatively affect your PhD journey, and determine which actions are within your reach to address them effectively.

• Set clear priorities for your personal and professional development by mapping out the key milestones and tasks for the coming year—and learn where to find the support and resources you need.

Setup

This is an interactive workshop with short plenary introductions, small group discussions, and individual exercises. You will engage in practical activities and reflection rather than just listening to a lecture.

Study load

The course consists of one 3.5-hour session in Leiden. No preparation is required. During the session, you will develop a personal action plan to follow up on what you have learned.

Afterwards, you are warmly invited to join for a drink or lunch—an informal opportunity to connect with other PhD candidates.