Graduate & Professional Training Center Ulm

Are you considering pursuing a PhD/doctorate? Here, you will find comprehensive information and guidance to help you make your decision and prepare for the PhD/doctoral journey. For personalized advice, feel free to contact the individual institutes within the faculties.

Before Your PhD/Doctorate

The decision to pursue a PhD/doctorate is an important step in one's academic career and should be well thought out. This checklist is designed to assist individuals contemplating a PhD/doctorate with their planning and preparation. It is crucial to consider one's individual needs and goals and to adapt planning accordingly. The factors vary depending on the subject area and research project and serve merely as a guide for those interested in pursuing a PhD/doctorate.

Checklist for Prospective PhD/Doctoral Candidates

Reflect on why you want to pursue a PhD/doctorate. Is it to enhance your academic career, to deepen your research skills, or to explore personal interests? Understanding your motivation for pursuing a PhD/doctorate is crucial. 

What are the benefits of a PhD/Doctorate?

Why pursue a PhD/Doctorate at Ulm University?

Clarify your research interests and goals. Reflect on whether you want to pursue a specific topic that may require several years of your academic career.

Consider your long-term career aspirations. Is a PhD/Doctorate necessary for achieving your goals, or could you succeed with a Master's degree or another qualification?

Explore the financial support options available during your doctorate to help fund your research projects.

PhDs/Doctorates are rigorous and require a high level of commitment and stamina. Consider whether you are prepared to embrace these challenges and handle the necessary workload.

Choosing the right doctoral supervisor is crucial. Make sure that you can build a good relationship with your supervisor and that your research interests and goals are a good match.

Also consider alternative career paths outside the academic world. There are many career opportunities for people with a Master's degree or equivalent qualification. A PhD/doctorate is not always necessary.

Source:
Hillenbach, A-K., Hacke, M., Schlegel, M., Witter, B. (2014). Recommendations for the transition from the Master's to the doctoral phase (Volume 2). Uniwind GUAT. https://www.uniwind.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Publikationen/UniWiND_Pub_Bd2_web.pdf

 

When did you come to the realization that you wanted to work in science?

1 / 4
“During my studies, I realized early on that I wanted to do a doctorate. [...] The decision to stay in science after my doctorate was not quite so easy [...]. In the end, however, I followed my enthusiasm and passion for science [...].”

Prof Dr Mathias Klier
2 / 4
"Even during my studies and my doctorate, I was attracted to an academic career. [...] However, a phase in industry made it clear to me that the freedom to shape my own research agenda means a lot to me. [...]."


Prof Dr Birte Glimm
3 / 4
“I was already attracted to an academic career during my studies and doctorate. [...] However, a phase in industry made it clear to me that the freedom to shape my own research agenda means a lot to me. [...].”


Prof Dr Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
4 / 4
“I already knew during my studies that I wanted to do a doctorate. The step back from industry to academia was more a matter of chance and life path than stringent planning. [...].”


Prof Dr Maurits Ortmanns

Ulm University offers exciting doctoral opportunities across various research fields for individuals aiming to pursue a doctorate. Each faculty at Ulm University is responsible for providing specialized guidance and managing all doctoral processes. Discover the supervision options and apply for a doctorate at Ulm University. 

Additional Useful Links

► Parenting & Science: Discover family-friendly work and study conditions.

► Family-Friendly University: Receive assistance with personal family matters.

► Information for International Doctoral Candidates: Please contact the International Office for more details. The following information may be pertinent before your arrival:

Checklist