Join us for an inspiring two-day retreat designed for PhD candidates in their final year! Step out of your busy daily routines and dive into a mix of reflection, learning and connection. You’ll share your insights, talk about upcoming challenges, and exchange smart, practical strategies with peers who understand your journey.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll be guided through the essential steps of the final PhD phase and take part in a workshop on preparing and confidently defending your thesis. You’ll also explore what drives you professionally and map out your future career possibilities, whether you plan to stay in academia or venture into new directions.
And it’s not all work, there’s plenty of time for fun and social activities. The programme is designed to spark interaction and inspiration among Last year’s, but also with first year and midterm PhD’s, creating a lively and supportive community across all career stages.
Preliminary programme
Day 1 | |
09:00 – 09:30 | Arrival and registration |
09:30 – 10:15 | Introduction to the retreat
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10:15 – 11:00 | The last phase of your PhD – timetable, propositions, printing, TESF, Q&A |
11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee / tea break |
11:15 – 12:15 | Defending your thesis – Workshop by Claudius van de Vijver |
12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch |
13:15 – 13:30 | Self-reflection – lessons learned during your PhD |
13:30 – 15:30 | Forest walk in groups: How to make your PhD a success? |
15:30 – 16:00 | Group report |
16:00 – 16:15 | Break |
16:15 – 17:00 | Do’s and Don’t: tips from last Years to First Years |
17:00 – 17:15 | Break, get a drink |
17:15 – 18:30 | Career Perspectives – Networking session with PE&RC Alumni |
18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner |
20:00 – 24:00 | Pub quiz, PE&RC Party and fun activities |
Day 2 | |
08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast |
09:00 – 10:15 | Presentation Academic Transfer (by Audrey Peeters)
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10:15 – 10:30 | Coffee / tea break |
10:30 – 11:45 | Into the Future – Career values and Motivated skills What makes your work meaningful to you? What skills have you obtained? |
11:45 – 12:00 | Into the Future – Prepare 2-minute presentation What is your personal career perspective? How to get there? |
12:00 – 12:45 | Presentations – 1 |
12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch |
13:45 – 15:00 | Presentations – 2 |
15:00 – 15:15 | Round up |
15:15 – 16:00 | Farewell drinks |
| Go back home to finish your PhD! |
The retreat is free of charge for all PE&RC PhD candidates (all others pay 150 euros). Do note that beverages in the bar and snacks are on your own account.
PE&RC Cancellation Conditions
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS read the Cancellation conditions for PE&RC courses and activities.
Please note that if you cancel within a week and a half of the Retreat or are a no show we will charge you 150 Euros cancelation fee.
