Are you thinking about your future? Do you want to apply your mathematical knowledge in a company, or continue your education first by pursuing a PhD degree?
With this one-day event for students in both theoretical and applied mathematics we aim to showcase the benefits of doing a PhD to help students to make their choice whether they want to apply for a PhD or not. We have invited speakers from many different areas in mathematics within academia and industry.
The event is sponsored by YoungKWG
When: Friday February 7, 2025, ±10.00h – 18.00h
Where: VU Amsterdam (the exact locations will be communicated before the event via email to all participants). Travel costs for students coming from far away will be covered after the event. Make sure you have a ticket where the travel cost is mentioned (OV-pay, OV-card, digital ticket).
Target audience: master students in mathematics studying at a university in the Netherlands. Especially women and students from minority groups in mathematics are encouraged to join. If we have enough spaces, (3rd year) bachelor students will also be considered.
Registration: You can register for event via this link. For more information on registrations and late registrations, contact us at aphdisthatforme2025@gmail.com. Registration deadline: Wednesday 29 of January 23:59.
Note that the number of participants is limited so we may need to make a selection from the registrations. Hence, registration does not guarantee a place. We will inform everyone after the registration deadline.
Young KWG:
Young KWG was founded to foster a community of young mathematicians in th early stages of their careers. When we say “young mathematicians”, we embrace a broad spectrum, ranging from bachelor students to (assistant/associate) professors, from aspiring mathematics teachers to young industry professionals.
With Young KWG, we aim to create a community of young mathematicians in the Netherlands, a place where individuals can connect, interact, and learn from one another. We especially support international colleagues starting their careers in a new environment.
As a master student you may want to become from an early stage a member of the Dutch Mathematics Association, which can help you grow your network and have access to events organized in the Netherlands. Don’t miss this opportunity! You ask for a membership here.
Programme
Plenary speakers
- dr Mia Jukic, Scientist – TNO
- dr Valentijn Karemaker, Assistant professor at the Mathematical Institute of Utrecht University
Workshops
Do’s and don’ts when applying for a PhD in mathematics
Speakers: Martina Chirilus-Bruckner and David Holmes
Having trouble writing a motivation letter? How long should it be? What to include and what to omit? Our speakers, professors of Leiden University, will give advice on what to focus while writing a CV and motivation letter for a PhD position. They will also share examples of good and bad practices.
The next two workshops run in parallel, and students indicate which they prefer to attend.
Impostor Syndrome.
Hélène Propsma from The Diversity Company
You have a good education, and everyone is full of praise for you. But still you always hear that little voice in your head: when does everyone discover that I really can’t do anything? People who suffer from Imposter Syndrome set the bar mercilessly high for themselves and underestimate their own performance. No matter how well they do their job, no matter how many degrees or compliments they receive, they are constantly afraid of being exposed because they persistently doubt their own qualities.
Outcomes of a PhD
Speaker: Chiat Cheong
Common myth: “After 4 years of a PhD I only developed skills to continue with research.” In this workshop we focus on a wide range of skills that PhD students develop throughout their research years. Our speaker, Chiat Cheong, is a scientist who made a transition from academic career and her professional mission became: making PhDs and postdocs aware of their potential and providing support in their career development.
PhD panel:
- Maike de Jongh, Twente University
- Sebastián Carrillo Santana, Utrecht University
- Wim Nijgh, Leiden University
- Anouk Eggink, Utrecht University
Schedule:
Time Activity
09:30 – 10:00: Arrival and coffee
10:00 – 10:05: Welcome
10:05 – 10:50: Academic speaker: Valentijn Karemaker
10:50 – 11:00: Break
11:00 – 11:45: Industry speaker: Mia Jukic
12.00 – 13.00: Lunch break
13:00 – 14:00: Plenary Workshop: Martina Chirilus-Bruckner and David Holmes: Do’s and don’ts when applying for a PhD
14:30 – 16:00 Parallel workshops:
- Outcomes of a PhD – Chiat Cheong
- Impostor Syndrome – The Diversity Company
16:00 – 16:45: PhD panel
16:45 – 17:00: Closing
17:00 – 18:00: Drinks
Organising committee:
Additional Information
A resource has been created by the organisers listing ways to find PhD positions in the Netherlands: PhD positions and subscription lists.