Workshop Series: The Last Steps Towards Completing Your Doctoral Studies

Self-organisation: (Self-)evaluation, Final Decisions, Final Efforts, Final Revisions

May 8, 2025 | 13:00 - 15:30
DSHCS meeting room (Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2.7, 2A-Z1-01)

As your project nears completion, motivation and self-organization often become more fragile. The initial excitement has long since turned into a demanding workload—introductions and conclusions still need to be written, to-do lists keep growing, and time estimates frequently prove to be optimistic at best. Meanwhile, deadlines loom at an alarming pace, yet clear milestones to structure your progress may be lacking.

Adding to the challenge, assessing your own work can be difficult: Is it good enough? How much more refinement is needed? Supervisor feedback becomes both essential and intimidating at this stage.

What we do in this session

• Identify common pitfalls in the final phase of a dissertation and how to overcome them.
• Explore practical strategies for time management, setting priorities, and maintaining motivation.
• Discuss self-evaluation techniques to help you assess your work with confidence.
• Develop approaches for structuring final revisions efficiently.
• Reflect on how to communicate effectively with your supervisor to get the support you need.

Through guided exercises, discussion, and shared insights, this session will help you refine your self-organization strategies, manage stress, and move toward a confident dissertation submission.

with Lea Pelosi

The Final Stretch: The Supervisor's Perspective

May 8, 2025 | 15:45 – 17:00
DSHCS meeting room (Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2.7, 2A-Z1-01)

What do supervisors expect in the final phase of a dissertation? What makes a strong submission, and what common pitfalls should you avoid? In this panel discussion, experienced supervisors share their perspectives on the final stretch before submission. They will discuss their expectations, offer guidance on best practices, and highlight key "do’s and don’ts" for completing your dissertation successfully.

with: tba

Online Session: Final Formal Steps

May 15, 2025, 13:00 - 14:00

Learn about every administrative step necessary for the submission of your doctoral thesis and the registration for your defense.

with: Peter Gaitsch

Preparing for Transition

May 22, 2025 | 13:00 - 15:00
DSHCS meeting room (Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2.7, 2A-Z1-01)

Defending your thesis is more than just a final academic requirement—it is a moment of commitment to your work. How do you want to present and highlight your key findings? What kinds of questions and critical remarks might arise from the reviews, and how can you position yourself effectively in response?

At the same time, your defense marks a significant transition: you are no longer just a student but stepping into the academic world as a “mature” scholar. While preparing for this milestone, you also need to look ahead—what comes next? The future may feel uncertain, as continuity in academia is not guaranteed. You may be stepping away from a structured environment, possibly even from academia itself, and entering a competitive job market. But rather than viewing this transition as a source of anxiety, how can you turn it into an opportunity—one that opens new perspectives?

What we do in this session

• Defense Preparation: Strategies for structuring your presentation, handling critical feedback, and building confidence in your research.
• Mindset & Self-Presentation: Exploring the right attitude for your defense—balancing authority, openness, and resilience.
• Career Perspectives: Discussing different career paths, inside and outside academia, and how to navigate the transition.
• Managing Uncertainty: Practical approaches to dealing with insecurity and turning transitions into opportunities.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, this session will help you approach both your defense and the next steps in your career with clarity and confidence.

with Lea Pelosi

What Comes Next? Insights from Alumni

May 22, 2025 | 15:45 - 17:00
DSHCS meeting room (Spitalgasse 2, Hof 2.7, 2A-Z1-01)

What is it really like to wrap up your dissertation and take the next step? What should you expect in the final phase. How do you navigate the transition from being a doctoral candidate to entering the job market—whether in academia or beyond? Join us for a panel discussion with recent graduates of our programs who will share their firsthand experiences. They’ll discuss the challenges of completing a dissertation, lessons learned, and strategies for handling uncertainty during this transition.

with tba