PhD Network Netherlands (PNN) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to representing the interests of PhD candidates in the Netherlands. PhD candidates can turn to PNN for support on improving working conditions, career prospects, professional development, networking opportunities, and equality among PhDs. In this blog, we’ll outline the activities and services PNN offers—and how you, as a PhD candidate, can benefit from them.
Advocating for PhD Candidates
PNN acts as a powerful voice and representative for PhD candidates. The organization actively campaigns for better employment conditions, such as fair salaries, stronger social security, and improved contracts.
PNN representatives influence university policy regarding PhD candidates by regularly engaging with local PhD organizations—four times a year, in fact.
PNN also monitors and reports on trends and developments in the PhD landscape. It shares up-to-date and relevant information for anyone pursuing a PhD, including changes in laws and regulations, funding opportunities, political developments, job openings, and events.
Guidance and PhD Positions
PNN supports PhD candidates on a range of topics—such as writing a research plan, navigating the probation period, securing funding, progressing through the different phases of the PhD trajectory, taking courses, and teaching responsibilities.
They also offer guidance for situations like requesting maternity or parental leave, and provide information about the final stages of your PhD—such as defense preparations, ceremony planning, invitations, and thesis production.
PNN also highlights platforms where you can find PhD vacancies. It’s often said that PhD positions are filled through professors’ networks, so it’s smart to let as many relevant contacts as possible know that you’re open to such opportunities.
Workplace Conflicts and Gaining Work Experience During Your PhD
Beyond clarifying your labor rights, PNN also offers the Professional PhD Program (PPP). This program gives PhD candidates the opportunity to gain 3 to 6 months of work experience.
Although PhD training is aimed at preparing candidates for an academic career, about 70% of PhD graduates end up working outside academia. You can apply for vacancies offered through the PPP, or reach out to companies on your own initiative.
Tips for PhD Candidates
To wrap up, here are a few general tips for PhD candidates:
- Take initiative: Take the lead in shaping your research and its direction. This gives you more control over external factors and helps you stay in charge. Otherwise, you may end up simply following someone else’s plan.
- Keep writing: Writing helps you process information and reflect on your research. It also allows colleagues to track your progress and engage in meaningful discussions. Publishing articles can enhance your academic profile and career prospects.
- Attend conferences: Conferences are not only inspiring, but also help you reflect critically on your own work. You learn from others, engage more parts of your brain, and retain information better.
According to Bales’ Learning Pyramid, this method leads to 80–90% retention. By contrast, listening results in about 5% retention, reading 10%, and hearing + reading 20%. Engaging in discussion helps you retain 50%, and hands-on experiences up to 75%. So, make sure to attend conferences!
