What is a PhD?
Orienting Yourself to a PhD Program
Are you considering pursuing a PhD? Are you exploring PhD positions or PhD research? There are various reasons to embark on a PhD program: it could be that you'd like to spend a few more years at the university doing research, or that you want to further develop yourself in a particular field, or that you simply want "Dr." in front of your name. Whatever your precise motivation may be, it's important to be aware of the following things beforehand.
What is a PhD Research Project?
In short, a PhD involves conducting research for four years and writing a dissertation about it, which you then defend before a committee of professors. After this, you are awarded a doctorate.
Why Would You Want to Pursue a PhD?
You immerse yourself in research for four years and get the opportunity to take various courses, attend conferences, give lectures, meet new people, and further develop yourself, both personally and professionally. Your PhD program is viewed by the university as a learning journey, and this has implications for your salary: generally speaking, salaries in the private sector are higher. On the other hand, as a PhD candidate, you have much more freedom.
For a career in academia, pursuing a PhD after your Master's or Research Master's is the first step. For a career in the private sector, a PhD often gives you an edge as an applicant.
What Can You Do After Your PhD?
Many people think that once you start a PhD program, you must or can remain at the university for the rest of your career. This is not the case. Recent research by the Rathenau Institute (2022) shows that only 30 percent of PhD graduates ultimately continue to work at the university. 70 percent find a job outside of the academic world.
Start your orientation with the Career Navigator from AcademicTransfer, a handy tool that helps you discover your opportunities as a researcher. This roadmap provides you with insight into research positions within various sectors in the Netherlands. You'll find general information about positions, tasks, and skills, advice from experts in various sectors, and personal stories from researchers who have made career transitions. And there's more! Register for free on AcademicTransfer and gain access to various tools that support you in exploring and taking career steps.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.