PE&RC Midterm retreat - June 2023

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PE&RC Midterm retreat

Thursday 15 - Friday 16 June 2023 

Hotel De Bosrand - Ede

Scope

Whereas the idea of the first years retreat was to make you more familiar with what to expect during the PhD track and how to avoid major catastrophes and disappointments, this will be the time to reflect and see if nevertheless such catastrophes and disappointments have surfaced, and how to deal with them. In light of this, some workshops are organised: "Communication with your supervisor", "Stress and work pressure", "Time and project management", and "Paper writing". An essential part of the weekend is also reflecting on the question "Am I on Schedule?" We will reflect on this in groups and then we will together think of ways to catch up if your lagging behind, or to stimulate and motivate you to keep up the good work. We will also discuss people's personal plan of action for the second part of the PhD. Apart from these issues, the importance of networking and peer-coaching are highlighted. Finally, this retreat is meant to get back in touch with your fellow PhDs and learn from them how to tackle specific issues.

Preliminary Programme
Day 1
09:00 Registration & Welcome (Hotel De Bosrand, Ede)
09:30 - 10:15

Introduction

  • Retreat programme
  • The PE&RC T-Shirt 2.0
  • What makes the weekend a success
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee / Tea
11:00 - 11:45

Corona and your PhD
• Inventory of the situation
• Overview of pros and cons of the current situation
• Prospects for the near and far future

11:45 - 12:30 WORKSHOP | Happiness: Past, present, future
  • Happiness: Past, Present, Future (identifying and evaluating)
  • Plan of action to increase happiness or remain happy
  • Group session
  • Plenary reflection
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:00 WORKSHOP Happiness: Past, present, future- continued
15:00 - 15:30 Coffee / Tea
15:30 - 17:30 How do you place your development in a future perspective / Where will you be or want to be in 10 years?
  • You each get 10 minutes to think about this question
  • Outcome is presented in a playful manner
17:30 - 18:30 Drinks in the bar / Leisure time
18:30 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 20:15 The PE&RC PhD Council (PPC) (chair PPC)
20:15 - 21:00 PhD Quiz organised by the PE&RC PhD Council (PPC)
21:00 Leisure activities and drinks: those that have interesting games (cards, monopoly, etc.) please bring them along!

 

Day 2
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 - 11:00

REFLECTION ON DAY 1: PhD Challenges & Solutions

  • Presentation on main challenges experienced by PhDs and how these can be tackled
11:00 - 11:30 Coffee / Tea
11:30 - 13:00 Workshop | Networking and Profiling: Increasing your domain of influence
  • Introduction
  • Selling yourself
  • Profiling
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 15:30 PERSONAL PLAN OF ACTION: What must I do to reach my objective?
(prepare a 2-minute pitch):
  • What are my main challenges
  • How do I plan to tackle them (tips and tools)
  • Who will check that I stick to my plan (buddy)
  • Exchange thought of how to make your plan of action SMART
15:30 - 16:30 Farewell Drinks with all groups together
16:30 Departure back home

 

Target group

This retreat is primarily meant for PhD candidates in the second or third year of their PhD.

Location

This retreat will be held at Parkhotel De Bosrand in Ede (Bosrand 28, 6718 ZN Ede).

Fees

This retreat is free of charge for all PE&RC PhD candidates (all others pay 100 euros). Do note that beverages are on your own account.

Logistical issues

Bedding and towels are supplied by the venue. Food and drinks are catered for. Beverages are on your own account.

More information

Claudius van de Vijver
Phone: +31 (0) 317 485116
Email: claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl

Registration

To register, please enter your details below and click "Register".