From 16 till 20 September 2024, Prof. Lukasz Gruszczynski, a Visiting Lecturer at the OSCE Academy and a participant of the Erasmus+ Staff for Teaching Mobility programme from Kozminski University in Poland, conducted a seminar titled "Embark on an Academic Journey: Exploring PhD Opportunities in the European Union," for MA students at the Academy. The sessions, centered on application processes for academic programmes, provided students with practical advice on navigating the complexities of higher education applications.
The seminar focused on key aspects of the PhD experience, including the rewards and challenges of doctoral programmes, strategies for crafting competitive applications, and tips on securing funding for academic research. Prof. Gruszczyński also addressed the importance of essential academic skills, such as managing time effectively, developing strong writing habits, and utilizing AI tools for research. The seminar emphasized the importance of building a professional network and navigating academic publishing to succeed in the PhD journey.
A highlight of the seminar was the exploration of diverse career paths available to PhD graduates, both within academia and beyond. This provided attendees with a clear view of the long-term opportunities that a doctoral degree can offer.