Learning by Research

The self-assessment approach presented here is designed to help you think about the range of competencies you have gained during your PhD. It will help you demonstrate and highlight these competencies as you pursue your career goals. It can also help you identify how these competencies allow you to expand your career opportunities after your PhD.

The first step, right from the start of your thesis, is to take a look at the competency framework presented in this guide and start thinking about the competencies you have already acquired. You will have more experience to draw on for your self-assessment over the course of the first year of your thesis. We urge you to assess your competencies at least once a year, for example, ahead of the Individual Monitoring Committee (CSI), and to take advantage of cross-disciplinary training and career programs offered by the Doctoral College to advance in your thinking.

The goal is not to “tick” all the boxes by the end of your PhD. It is rather to reach an overall balance, to acquire a minimum level of competence in each area, which you may continue to develop throughout your career. the idea is to take the time to develop a way of talking about yourself professionally, and in a persuasive way, with all professional contacts, not just recruiters. This will be useful throughout your career.
> The skills portfolio is proposed as a tool to facilitate this process.