The Empowered PhD: How to get beyond being a good student

Have you recently started your PhD and do you often feel overwhelmed, powerless or at a loss for what to do? Would you like to get beyond being a good student and feel in charge of your own destiny?

We’re here to help. In the course “The Empowered PhD” (three sessions) we will help you to feel more empowered, more in control and more satisfied during your PhD. We do this with a combination of presentation and discussion of research findings, and hands-on communication training.

This course is open to all PhD students, and particularly those in their first year. The course takes place in three sessions, sometimes with a homework assignment before and/or in between sessions. If there is a homework assignment before session 1 you will be notified of this in the invitation you will receive.

Format

• 30 minutes preparation
• 1 three-hour session
• followed by 2 three-hour sessions in smaller groups
• with homework

Learning goals

In the course you will gain:

• understanding of the PhD workplace and challenges facing PhD students today (first session)
• practical communication skills to empower you in the work environment (second and third session)

Feedback from previous participants

• Course rated 4 out of 5
• "It was so different from other workshops. I became aware of what my behaviour is, what impact it has on others and myself, and how I can change it"
• "I gained new insights in communicating effectively and handling feedback/critique"
• "I recently completed my PhD defense, and I especially wanted to express my gratitude to the two instructors of the “The Empowered PhD” workshop. I attended the workshop during the first year of my PhD, and it had a very meaningful impact on me. It remains one of the most valuable and memorable workshops I attended during my doctoral training."

Practical information

• The first session takes place on 23 November 2026, the second on 30 November 2026 and the third on Monday 7 December 2026
• All sessions are from 14:00-17:00h
• All sessions takes place onsite in Groningen
• Please note that in order to receive the credits for this course, active participation and attendance at all 3 sessions is required
• If you cannot attend (partially) due to sickness and emergencies, we kindly ask you to keep us informed
• Details on the location(s) will be shared by email one week in advance