Each month, new PhD students arrive at DTU from around the world. Twice a year, the newcomers are invited to participate in a welcome reception hosted by the PhD Office.
On 29 September, Martin P. Bendsøe, Senior Vice President and Dean of Graduate Studies and International Affairs, and Aase Grundtvig, Head of the PhD Office, bid welcome to 80 international and Danish PhD students.
The Dean reminded everyone present that they were not really students anymore. Instead they are candidates for a PhD and are learning by doing.
“There are 90 different nationalities on campus, so the next three years is a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues and to establish friendships with people from all over the world.”
Planning is important
Three years go by so quickly, so the Dean encouraged the new PhD students to make sure they plan ahead and integrate their travels and stays abroad into their study plans.
“Plan your three years and please allow for replanning. If it’s not working, then re-evaluate what you’re doing and change the plan. Don’t panic or despair. Your PhD thesis must generate NEW knowledge, but your thesis will always be optimum—the best you could do within the timeframe!
"Push yourself and learn from your mistakes. You only know where the edge is if you fall over the edge…"
Martin P. Bendsøe, Dean of graduate studies and student affairs
Think about your future career, talk to your advisor, the career centre or visit the annual DSE fair where companies turn up to recruit talent.
And please remember to have a fantastic time despite the pressure you might be feeling and that your advisor puts on you. But push yourself and learn from your mistakes. You only know where the edge is if you fall over the edge…
Sandra Wingaard Thrane is in her final year at DTU, and according to her a PhD at DTU is hard, fun, exciting, and unpredictable. In her address she told the newcomers to
“be excited about the possibilities, don’t worry too much, and enjoy yourself. Be your own project manager. Use your supervisor, but if it’s not working, change direction—change it up and replan your PhD. And remember that this is just a job and not your life, so be clear in your mind about when you’re on the job and when you’re not…”
Sandra also took time out to answer a few questions:
Why did you choose DTU?
I have an engineering education from DTU and have always been happy studying here. I like the way engineering encompasses all fields of science and combines them. We really try to see the whole picture at DTU and that is quite exciting.
What has been your experience of studying and working here?
I love the innovative fast moving atmosphere at DTU. People are always starting new projects, coming up with crazy ideas, and no one ever discourages you. I think that is quite unique and makes it fun to come to work every day.
Would you recommend it?
Yes definitely. If you want to work in science, DTU is the place to be.
Any advice for the newcomers?
Try to enjoy your PhD studies. Sometimes it is easy to be caught up in deadlines, expectations, publications and conferences, and planning what will happen in a year or two. But really, your PhD studies will be a time in your life where you have all the opportunities and freedom. So enjoy it and remember how cool it is to have a job where you get to experiment and try out stuff.