Training
Within the DIGS-BB program, advanced training courses are seen as a backbone of a strong PhD thesis, helping to improve the capabilities, productivity and performance of our PhD students. Our training is divided into two parts: a mandatory part for all first-year PhD students as a requirement for completion of their PhD degree and an elective part, which can be used to acquire additional skills that will enhance their PhD degree.
The mandatory part is composed of an Introductory Predoc Course and the Foundation level scientific writing course.
Thesis Supervision
Another hallmark of the DIGS-BB is the provision of expert mentoring and thesis supervision by each student’s Thesis Advisory Committees (TAC). Each TAC is composed of three experienced DIPP faculty members usually representing different PhD program disciplines and research institutions. The TAC will accompany each PhD student throughout the thesis work.
PhD students at the DIGS-BB will meet their TAC on 3 or 4 official occasions: 3 months after the start of the PhD, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years after. On occasion, they also meet half a year before the end of the PhD (4 years as a maximum). For each TAC meeting, PhD students prepare a report and a presentation on the current status of their thesis work. At the end of each TAC, the scientific performance of the PhD student is evaluated and recommendations are made for future work. But the role, usefulness of the TAC does not stop here. Each member of the TAC can be approached individually at any time during the PhD period for guidance and recommendations.
DIGS-BB Mentoring Program for Predocs in their 3rd Year
Mission
In order to support our predocs, we have set up an Alumni Mentoring Program to foster preparation for the next step after graduation, enabling a successful smooth transition into the post-graduation job market.
The job opportunities after graduating at DIGS-BB cover a wide array of fields, including academia, managerial positions, industry jobs, and consulting/advice for NGOs or politics. The importance of proper preparation and long-term investigation for the first position became apparent in the course of several Alumni experience talks at the DIGS-BB Alumni Reunion and in individual conversations with on-campus predoctoral researchers over the years.
We aim to facilitate meaningful connections between experienced alumni and current PhD students of the PhD program, across a variety of academic and non-academic careers and research fields.
Program Framework and Goals
The structure of the Mentoring Program consists of three pillars, summing up the different formats throughout the program duration for a cohort of up to 12 students who will be matched with a personal mentor for at least three one-on-one sessions.
The DIGS-BB Mentoring Program is supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation.
© Pexels, Ekaterina Bolovtsova
Graduate Academy of the TU Dresden
Due to the fact that DIGS-BB PhD students are members of the Technische Universität Dresden, they can not only profit from the offers of our PhD program but also from the trainings, workshops, and funding schemes the TUD Graduate Academy (GA) provide through its various support programs.
