Promovendi Netwerk Nederland (PNN) is a national advocacy organization focused on representing the interests of PhD candidates in the Netherlands. PhD candidates can turn to PNN for improvements in working conditions, employment prospects, career development, networking opportunities, and equality among PhD candidates. In this blog, we outline the activities and services offered by PNN and how you can benefit from them as a PhD candidate.
Advocacy for PhD candidates
PNN serves as a powerful voice and representative for PhD candidates. It actively advocates for improved working conditions, such as fair salaries, enhanced social security, and better employment contracts. PNN representatives influence university policy-making for PhD candidates, engaging in discussions with local PhD organizations four times a year. PNN monitors trends and developments in the PhD landscape, disseminating up-to-date information relevant to the PhD journey, including changes in legislation, funding, politics, job vacancies, and events.
Guidance and PhD positions for candidates
The advocacy organization PNN provides guidance to PhD candidates on various topics. This includes drafting your research plan, probation period, funding, stages of the PhD process, courses, and teaching. They also assist with maternity leave requests or parental leave. Additionally, PNN provides knowledge on completing your PhD, including information on promotion costs, the ceremony, invitations, and the dissertation production process. It also highlights the most well-known platforms where you can find PhD vacancies. It’s often said that PhD positions are usually filled through the professor’s network, so always inform as many relevant connections as possible that you are open to such opportunities.
Work conflicts and gaining work experience during the PhD journey
In addition to clarifying your labor rights, PNN offers the Professional PhD Program. This program allows PhD candidates to gain three to six months of work experience. While the PhD journey typically prepares you for an academic career, 70% of PhD graduates work outside academia. You can choose from their job listings or approach companies on your own. Click here for more information about the Professional PhD Program (PPP).
Tips for PhD candidates
Finally, a few general tips for PhD candidates:
Take Initiative: take initiative in your research and its direction. This allows you to have more control over your external environment, putting you in the lead rather than being part of someone else’s plan.
Keep Writing: writing helps you process information and research. Colleagues can see your progress, which can lead to discussions. Writing articles also increases your value as a researcher in the academic job market.
Attend Conferences: attending conferences is important for gaining inspiration and critically evaluating yourself and your work. You learn from others and engage multiple parts of your brain, improving information retention. According to Bales’ learning pyramid, this leads to 80% to 90% retention. Typically, you retain 5% by listening, 10% by reading, and 20% by hearing and reading. Discussions lead to 50% retention, and hands-on experiences (doing) lead to 75%. Make sure to attend conferences.
