Aptitude colloquium
In a nutshell: What's it all about?
During their first year, all doctoral students must defend their doctoral plan in an aptitude colloquium. Their doctoral thesis supervisor sits on the aptitude committee.
Opportunities and possibilities
During their first year, all doctoral students must defend their doctoral plan in an aptitude colloquium. In doing so, they prove they can assess the relevance of their research area and place it in the current context of scientific research. Passing the aptitude colloquium is a condition for definitive admission to the doctorate. In your role as manager, you must provide advice and support and fuel the student's passion for research.
Get active: How to demonstrate good leadership
- Help the doctoral student to be inspired by the research and the project chosen.
- Agree on the research framework and develop together a binding doctoral plan which sets the parameters for the future.
- Take time for questions and exchanging ideas in order to effectively support the doctoral student initially until they pass the aptitude colloquium.
- Support the doctoral student so they can plan bigger projects independently and take the first steps towards their implementation.
Self-reflection: Am I applying my social and leadership competencies effectively?
Enabling people:
- Has the doctoral student taken the necessary step towards independent scientific research?
- Have I given the doctoral student sufficient and helpful feedback?
- Does the doctoral student have a realistic view of their own capabilities?
- Have I highlighted to the doctoral student potential perspectives for successfully completing their doctorate?
Acting responsibly:
- Is the doctoral student prepared for the aptitude colloquium?
- What factors contributed to the passing/failing of the colloquium?
- How could I have prepared the doctoral student better in the event of a negative outcome?
In short: 5 steps to success
Areas of responsibility: Roles
Manager: assesses the doctoral candidate's performance in the aptitude colloquium; as a member of the aptitude committee, provides supervision in the role of doctoral thesis supervisor
Employee: responsible for planning and performing the aptitude colloquium
Main responsibility
Employee