UACES Doctoral Training Academy 2025

The UACES Graduate Forum is delighted to invite PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to the 2025 Doctoral Training Academy (DTA) - an annual event offering practical support and professional development for those pursuing research in European Studies and related fields.

This year, the DTA will focus on professional life after completing a PhD and strategies when preparing to move into a new career. As we are all aware, the work does not stop after completing a PhD, and current PhDs and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are considering what the next stage will look like. Whether it be post-doc or lectureship positions, research work in the public or private sector, industry roles as a consultant or entrepreneur, or in not-for-profit areas of advocacy or civil society engagement, the possibilities for career development are varied, and this year’s DTA is designed to help make sense of this period in many PhD and ECR lives.

These sessions will concentrate on tips and strategies that promote professional development and career growth, both within and outside of academic spaces, allowing participants to improve their skills and knowledge to better address life after finishing the PhD.

Important Travel Update: The EU is rolling out new biometric border checks for non-EU travellers. Find out how this may effect your journey to the DTA.

Over one afternoon and the following morning, this event will feature three panel discussions and a hands-on training session. There will also be ample time to connect and network over regular coffee breaks and a formal drinks reception in the centre of Madrid on the evening of November 20th.

Session 1 - Academia: Strategies for Finding and Getting a Post-Doc or Lectureship (university affiliated postdocs, industry funded, fellowship funded, associate professor/adjunct lecturer, entry-level academic jobs)

While it may be tempting to cast a wide net for any open post-doc or teaching positions, this session will cover some strategies and techniques for finding the best options for you and your research. This session will discuss key factors in the process, such as things you can do during the PhD timeline, where to begin searching for these roles, and what things to consider when starting off a career in academia. Drawing on our speakers’ knowledge and experience, this session is designed to be a space for PhD students and ECRs to ask any questions they might have about post-docs and academic careers in a setting that promotes open dialogue on topics of academic and professional growth.

Session 2 - Government: Policy and Diplomacy: EU-level and Beyond (Civil servant, government employee, policy expert for development and writing, policy analyst, local representative, consulting)

Depending on research and professional aspirations, transitioning into work in diplomacy and policy development may make a lot of sense, but what does this process look like and what does it require? This session, led by (description of experts who know what they are talking about unlike me), will look at the process of moving into policy and diplomacy work after finishing a PhD and how to best facilitate that transition. With expertise in local and EU-level policy and diplomacy work, this session will provide both a helpful overview and space for more specific questions, facilitating conversation on navigating the ins and outs of establishing a career in policy and diplomacy.

Session 3 - Consulting, Research and Development/analytics, Business ventures, Editorial and Publishing Houses; NGOs/CSOs, Research Institutions, Think Tanks, Advocacy work, Education and community engagement)

The shift from doctoral studies into a career in the private sector is becoming more and more common. This session will focus on the best ways to facilitate such a career move, with advice and tips from industry professionals on their own experiences on the common pitfalls and complications that might appear when moving into the private sector, and with strategies to help ensure individuals are prepared for the potential challenges and rewards of such a transition. Throughout this session, the speakers will also highlight positions that might suit ECRs and discuss transitioning skills gained from doctoral research into the demands of not-for-profit roles. From work in editorial and publishing houses, corporate roles in R&D, and positions with NGOs and think tanks, this session will help to clear up common misconceptions about work in the private sector and explore the many options when using skills gained during a PhD in professional settings.

Session 4 - Workshop: Preparing for Work in the EU: Tips and Strategies for Designing CVs and Prepping for Interviews

Deciding on an industry or professional role that interests you is only the first step when progressing along a path of career development. Picking up where the previous sessions ended, this workshop will address key skills when preparing to enter the EU job market as PhDs and ECRs, such as CV preparation and interview readiness. By exploring techniques for applying for jobs and attending interviews for work within and in partnership with the EU, participants can work on feeling more comfortable and prepared for all experiences when job hunting. This session will also cover strategies for handling difficult interview questions with poise and tailoring CVs and cover letters to best suit such work, ensuring that participants leave the workshop feeling prepared while encouraging open dialogue and greater networking. 

The European Union is in the process of introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital border control system that replaces passport stamping with biometric registration, namely facial and fingerprint scans.

The system will apply to all non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area, including UK citizens. While full implementation is not expected until 2026, parts of the system may be introduced in late 2025.

What this means for delegates:

• You will continue to travel as normal using your passport, but may be asked to provide biometric data at the border (photo and/or fingerprints).
• Once registered, only facial biometric verification will be required.
• Please allow extra time when entering Spain to accommodate any new procedures during your first visit under the EES system.

We recommend reviewing the official EU guidance here before travelling.