Chances and Challenges - The BGHS Podcast

Are you embarking on the dissertation journey? Or are you already in the middle of finishing or even nearing the end? You are not alone with your questions and issues! “Chances and Challenges” is the podcast that dives deep into all the chances the dissertation phase brings, as well as all the challenges that can arise from it. Join us and our guests as we explore the possibilities and hardships of writing a dissertation and everything that surrounds it. From information about what it actually means to do a structured doctoral programme like the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) offers, over how to choose a supervisor, overcoming issues during writing and what options you have after finishing.
Each episode features insightful conversations with academics, BGHS doctoral researchers and alumni and experts in their fields who share practical tips and invaluable advice. And even though the podcast is in English – every episode features valuable information for international and German doctoral researchers alike.
Whether you are just starting out, knee-deep in the writing process or preparing for your defense, “Chances and Challenges” is more than worth the listen. Follow us now for inspiration, support and the information you need to successfully not only complete your doctoral degree but also know what to do after it. We will help you navigate the dissertation, one chapter at a time.

Chances and Challenges - The BGHS Podcast

Latest episodes

Insights in Daily Life and Professional Experiences of Doctoral Researchers

Insights in Daily Life and Professional Experiences of Doctoral Researchers

42m 36s

This episode is a guest episode of "Chances and Challenges - The BGHS podcast" hosted by four BGHS doctoral researchers: Iris Bartelt, Jakob Krusche, Josué García Veiga, and Christina Zschieschang. We discuss how we experience daily life as scholars in the humanities and the social sciences, how we find routines and structures with alternating tasks and under uncertain circumstances and how we experience collaboration and networking as PhD scholars.

Chronic Illness, University, and the Good Life

Chronic Illness, University, and the Good Life

42m 9s

In this episode, Sabine Schäfer from the BGHS talks to Clara Buitrago, a BGHS alumna and coordinator for internationalisation at the BGHS, about how Clara coped with a chronic illness during her PhD and her professional career at university and what it has meant for her life today.

Children, Employment and PhD

Children, Employment and PhD

42m 15s

In this episode, Sabine Schäfer from the BGHS talks to Sophie Borchelt, doctoral researcher at the BGHS and coordinator for internationalisation at the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University, about what it feels like to reconcile children, employment at university, and working on the PhD. They are addressing the challenges of this situation, but they focus especially on the rewards and on how we, as members of society, can help make the situation easier.

Developing as a researcher during PhD

Developing as a researcher during PhD

45m 40s

In this episode, Sabine Schäfer from the BGHS talks to Thomas Faist, professor of sociology of transnationalisation, migration, and development at Bielefeld University, about transitions and developments of doctoral researchers during the PhD phase. They are dealing with issues such as the transition from student to researcher, the impact of different funding conditions of doctoral researchers on this development, and possible role conflicts.