The Doctorate Day at the end of September at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences was well received by around 50 doctoral students and those interested in doing a doctorate from the four universities in Brandenburg. The exchange of experiences and different perspectives on the doctorate provided a wealth of information for the visitors. Quote from one participant: "Before, the doctorate was a dark hole, now there is a viable path."

With workshops on "Motivation and first steps" for those interested in doing a doctorate and topics such as conceptualisation and writing techniques for advanced doctoral candidates, the event covered a range of topics that combined both information and motivation.

In a panel discussion, it became clear that a doctorate opens up new career prospects not only in science. Today, it is easier to realise a doctorate than in the past, with research positions, doctoral and/or degree scholarships facilitating funding. A cumulative doctorate compared to a monograph was also discussed.

The 6-person organising team from InnoWest and all 4 universities of applied sciences in Brandenburg were pleased with the written feedback - summarised as follows: "Great start to a cross-university format, nice group of participants from all universities, mixture of different aspects and formats in one event".

Following this successful first joint event for doctoral candidates from the four universities of applied sciences in Brandenburg, further formats for doctoral candidates and those interested in doing a doctorate are being considered.

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The photos available here may be used for reporting purposes. Please note the copyright notice © Gregor Schmidt, Andrea Vollmer/FH Potsdam