1. Been there, done that (part one) – How things are working out for me Maiju Welling 17.3.2016

2. How I became a PhD student? 2009: Started doing research in Docent Minna Männikkö’s research group Finnished my ”syvärit” in 2 years 2011-2012: continued to work with the research group 2013: applied to UniOGS 2016: writing my thesis 2017: defending my thesis

3. Things I like about UniOGS Follow-up group Travel grants (Paris!) Great courses Mentoring programme OARSI 2014 in Paris

4. Things I ”dislike” about UniOGS Bad/useless (mandatory) courses (or courses taken at a wrong time) The requirements for field-specific studies

5. Why UniOGS and PhD? I want to learn basic principles about doing research I want to achieve a higher academic degree I want to defend my thesis and be proud of my work It gives me useful skills, knowledge and networks I believe that I will benefit from it in my future career

6. How to make things work out for you? Be active! Exploit your follow-up group, opportunities to apply for (travel) grants, useful courses etc. Stress a little, but don’t get stressed Talk to someone Have/get a life outside your studies/research/work Remember your goal First you have to define it!