What Have I Learned From My Research Around Doctoral Schools?

Hello from my trusty computer, where I find myself almost daily. 

Recently, I’ve been busy researching better doctoral opportunities in Europe, focusing on neuroscience. Although I haven’t struck gold yet, I’ve decided to start creating a guide for those who, like me, want to avoid settling for the first available doctorate.

My goal is to share the mistakes I’ve made and the wise advice I’ve received. Guidance I follow as I search for the right fit.

So far, I’ve gathered a few insights:

1. Why Shouldn’t You Narrow Down Your Research Field Too Much at the Cost of Finding a Good Mentor? 

Even the best research topic can struggle under a mentor stuck in outdated ideas or with a controlling nature that stifles new concepts, treating grad students like mere assistants. According to Çili (2024), Frontiers in Psychology, the quality of the supervisory relationship is a significant predictor of doctoral students’ mental health outcomes.

Speaking with current doctoral students in the lab you’re considering can be revealing. In fact, poor working conditions can quickly lead to dissatisfaction, causing students to openly criticize their supervisor’s shortcomings. According to Sverdlik and colleagues (2018), supervision is the strongest external factor in doctoral completion and well-being.

2. Why Should You Choose a Specific Lab, Not Just a University? 

This part is crucial. Don’t be swayed by university rankings; instead, examine the lab’s publication history.

The Impact Factor measures publication prestige. According to Seglen (1997), BMJ, the Impact Factor is a flawed proxy for quality: it reflects a journal’s average citations, not any single paper. For recent data, check HERE.

Instead, I personally focus on author counts in publications. Warning signs include the boss being the main author – a sign they might be reluctant to share credit. According to Levecque and colleagues (2017), a supervisor’s leadership style strongly shapes PhD students’ mental health.

3. What Should You Consider When Choosing Your Destination Country?

You need to take into account multiple factors, including:

1. Relative wages – quite straightforward; 
2. Employment system – opting for a university position over a scholarship can simplify administrative tasks, like securing loans; 
3. Local English proficiency level – it may sound trivial, but it’s a significant challenge in countries like France or Italy; 
4. Xenophobia – declarations of equal opportunity might not always be true. I learned this when applying to Denmark, where local candidates are often favored; 
5. Cultural differences – researching local customs online can be helpful. I was seriously considering Finland, but learning about their dining etiquette and social norms changed my perspective. The idea of keeping hands on the table while eating and the importance of finishing every meal politely, even if it’s not to your taste, was surprising. Also, saunas as social hubs and a preference for pastel colors were quite unique; 
6. Professional growth opportunities – choose a country with plenty of centers in your field. You’ll eventually be looking for postdoc opportunities, and relocating again might not be practical, especially if family matters are involved.

4. What Other Factors Matter?

…which might not be as crucial and yet, they are important: 

1. The length of the doctorate; 
2. The university’s overall reputation; 
3. The ease of travel to and from Poland. 

Once you leave home, visiting 2-3 times a year should be enough – no need for too much nostalgia. Previously, I used to focus only on cities with airports, but then I realized it’s not that important.

That’s all for now. I’ll continue to share more insights as my journey progresses.