Phd Update - How is it going?

Wow, time flies! After starting my #PhD studies in 2020, I’m already in my third and final year of studies. I think now it’s time to share an update on what I have been working on during the last months and also some high- and lowlights from this intense and challenging time.

All about articles & peer-review

In contrast to a monograph, which is the more traditional way of doing a dissertation, I’m doing an article-based (cumulative) dissertation. The cumulative PhD dissertation consists of a string of scholarly articles, which are aimed for publication in acknowledged international journals.

The individual articles have one overarching topic - in my case it is political participation in #socialmedia - but can examine it from different perspectives. I like the cumulative dissertation because it allows me to research current topics and issues and publish them in a contemporary context.?

After completing an article, you submit it to a selected scientific journal. If the main-editor accepts the article, it goes through a so-called double blind peer review. This means that two editors of the journal read the article and give feedback on whether it is suitable for the journal. In many cases, you get very comprehensive feedback and often a request to revise parts of the article. If the editors feel that the article is coherent after revision, it can be published in the next issue.?

However, I have to say that the publication process in acknowledged international journals is very challenging and occasionally intransparent. Sometimes you also have to be a bit lucky to be in the right place at the right time. And you shouldn't be sad if you don't get published after the peer review and all the work you put into the submission was more or less in vain. It’s all part of the experience. ;)

Tough schedule but very rewarding connections

While I am working on my research projects and the related articles, I also have to collect ECTs points (like in a bachelor's or master's program) in order to complete my PhD studies.

In addition to various research group meetings at HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration , I attended several methods courses, a writing workshop, and two academic conferences. Unfortunately, since most of these activities took place during the height of the Corona pandemic, only virtual participation was possible most of the time. Although it was quite stressful at times to balance the PhD program and my full-time job, the input from the courses and the interaction with professors and other PhD students was very enriching and fun.?

Change of perspective from student to lecturer

During the PhD program at Institut for Erhverv og B?redygtighed | SDU , great emphasis is placed on the fact that as a student you not only work on the research projects and take in-depth courses, but also have the chance to pass on your own knowledge and gain experience in teaching.

I took the opportunity and also expanded my skills as a guest lecturer. First, I had the chance to teach the master's seminar "Crisis Communication" at my alma mater, the Universit?t Hohenheim , in the winter semester of 2020. In addition, I am teaching the course "Persuasive Communication & Storytelling" at the HSBA in Hamburg in the current semester. I really enjoy the change of perspective from the student to the lecturer side and I enjoy discussing current aspects and topics in communication science with the students.

Besides, I always look forward to visit Hamburg - one of my favorite German cities - especially when I can combine my teaching activities with visiting friends! Thanks for the great weekend, Tanja Klindworth and Elisa Prozell .

What's next?

In the next few weeks, I'll be working on my final article, take care of the submission to the journal, and give a presentation at SDU. So there is still a lot to do, but overall I am well on schedule and confident that I will be able to submit my thesis on time.?

And although I enjoy scientific work enormously, I'm also relieved that slowly the finish line is visible on the horizon and that I will be able to turn to other hobbies or leisure activities again, such as tennis, once I have handed in my thesis.?;)