Interpersonal Communication for PhD candidates

Overview

Key facts about the Interpersonal Communication for PhD candidates at the Wageningen University and Research:

• PhD candidates often find themselves in situations where good communication skills are called for. The most important one, when communicating with their supervisor. Whether it is for example in deciding upon the right direction for the research, or negotiating on how many experiments to include, young scientists find it difficult to pursue their own ideas and maintain a good relationship with important others at the same time. 

• We discuss Dutch cultural characteristics (egalitarian, utilitarian, organized, authority, punctual) and ways of communicating (directly) including aspects of particular relevance to PhD candidates (taking responsibility and initiative).

• PhD candidates are taught how to engage in constructive and open conversation. We encourage them to verbalize their problems and expectations and we practice that with them in role play. They learn how they can get to the point swiftly, propose solutions themselves, and also share their positive experiences with their supervisor.

• In this workshop, PhD candidates learn to take ownership of the cooperative relationship with their supervisor and to discuss their expectations with regard to supervision.