<figure><img src="image_41.png" /><figcaption>Janusz Andryjenko</figcaption></figure>

## My whole life in the marine industry

Janusz Andryjenko, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdańsk. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Economics in the University of Gdańsk on 13 December 2010. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *Quality costs as part of the process of improving business competitiveness (case study of a maritime transport enterprise)*, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Janusz Żurek, PhD, D. Sc.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

For sixteen years, I have been working at Chipolbrok - Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Company in Gdynia, which provides services in the generally perceived maritime transport. I currently hold the position of the head of the quality and safety department. Formally, I am "designated person ashore" (DPA). In accordance with the requirements of maritime conventions, I am the liaison between a ship crew and company directors on all matters regarding quality and safety, including antipiracy or antiterrorist security. Ship crews contact me about a broad spectrum of problems with management systems, environment protection, ship security. I also run the management system according to the EN ISO 9001 standard in the company, which means supervising audits and all matters that refer to quality. Therefore, it is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental function, and I have a very great deal of responsibilities in my job description.

## Have you worked at another institution or company before?

My entire professional life has been built around the marine industry. I am a graduate of the Gdynia Maritime University. After college, I took a job in Warsaw at the Ministry of Transportation. I dealt with affairs pertaining to maritime transport, ship repair yards. A year later, I came back to the Tricity and began working at Chipolbrok, where I was employed for more than two years. We were creating the EN ISO 9001 quality management system and the management system for the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention in accordance with the ISM Code. By the end of the 90s, I was offered a job at Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard "Remontowa", where at first I was part of the promotion department, then I transferred to the organisation department, which handled internal quality control, and finally, on the basis of my evaluation, I was promoted to the Ship Repair Management Department. I moved up the career ladder from an assistant to a project manager deputy. I had worked at Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard "Remontowa" for seven years. Then in 2005, I went back to Gdynia and Chipolbrok for personal reasons.

## You have been at Chipolbrok for nearly twenty years. Is it, then, the place that meets your professional expectations?

When I was working at the Ministry of Transportation, I already knew that I would like to integrate my professional future with a maritime company, not with an institution supervising the areas of marine security. Duties carried out at the Ministry are in a natural way full of bureaucracy, and I saw myself in more of an operational and practical function. I like facing situations which can bring something new and surprising every day. As the head of the quality and safety department at Chipolbrok, I manage precisely such situations every day.
**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

Frankly, I am the most fulfilled when there are no issues and we do not encounter many obstacles during a multitude of seaport inspections. A lot of satisfaction brings me the fact that I have access to many situations that reveal irregularities and I have an opportunity to react more quickly, thus, solve problems effectively.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

I believe that professional accomplishments are the result of the work of an entire team, which I am a member of. So I do not recall any spectacular individual achievements. However, an important part of my professional career was working at the Ministry of Transportation, when Poland was aspiring to join the European Union and the Polish legislation was being adapted to international standards. I participated in projects related to the introduction of the new Ports and Harbours Act (1996). As a young man, I cooperated at the time with members of parliament and other people within the marine industry, which allowed me to gain interesting professional experiences. To this day I am still glad that when I was a novice deputy head of repairs in Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard "Remontowa", I had a chance to be the "firm's first impression" - I was always sent to the clients who were visiting us for the first time. As far as failures are concerned, in my current job, they have always been related to so-called force majeure, uncontrollable events, not dependent on us, our ship crews and the state of ship maintenance.

**To what degree does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

To a rather significant one. The title of my doctoral dissertation was Quality costs as part of the process of improving business competitiveness (case study of a maritime transport enterprise). Hence, I combined here the two areas - the marine industry and economics. In general, however, in our everyday life, and, undeniably, in the actions of each enterprise, economy is essentially everywhere. For instance, not meeting the standards of quality or safety translates into the company costs, which was also included in my doctoral thesis. Combining expert knowledge of the marine industry and economics allows for me to be involved in a variety of interesting undertakings. For example, I am a board member of one of our partnerships in the leisure and tourist sector.

**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

I think that the situation is entirely different for people who begin their PhD studies and prepare their doctoral dissertation right after college, and for people who have a certain, well-established position in their career. In a highly competitive environment, large companies or foreign corporations, writing a doctorate by young people, who just begin to follow their professional path, may cause some problems, such as other employees' fears for their jobs. If, however, you have a founded professional status, a PhD may be an added value. Still, it needs to be emphasised that in the business sector, experience, knowledge and competences are valued above all.

> When I was working at the Ministry of Transportation, I already knew that I would like to integrate my professional future with a maritime company, not with an institution supervising the areas of marine security. Duties carried out at the Ministry are in a natural way full of bureaucracy, and I saw myself in more of an operational and practical function. I like facing situations which can bring something new and surprising every day. As the head of the quality and safety department at Chipolbrok, I manage precisely such situations every day.
**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I wanted to complete my PhD project right after college, but I recognised that the lack of professional experience and practical knowledge would not allow me to formulate and prove an original hypothesis in my marine industry. I decided to gain work experience first, and I began the doctoral studies when I had ten years of practice and a wealth of work experience in an international company under my belt. In my case, the goal at the time was to broaden and develop the already-acquired knowledge. Apart from courses in economics required to pass exams, there were also those that interested me because of working in an international enterprise. The first category may include classes in quality research methods, didactics, higher education methodology; the second – those that relate to transport and logistics development policy, international relations, accounting and economic policy. An added benefit consisted of other students, who gained their experience from working in firms or universities. Consequently, doctoral studies were a forum for an exchange of ideas, which I value immensely. They looked more like MBA studies, where people learn from each other, and lecturers are wise men with the insight of students. I do not remember any skills or experiences that were not beneficial at all. It was a time put to very good use.

**Would you care to share a message or observation regarding the hardship of completing a doctoral thesis and dissertation defence with current doctoral students?**

Without a doubt, it is worth enduring this hardship. You need to have inexplicit aim and answer the question: what do I want to achieve? The knowledge gained during doctoral studies and while working on a doctoral thesis is very advantageous, it gives you a significant, general picture of the issues and problems that you can face in your company and your business sector. In my case it is the invaluable knowledge of the marine industry.
<figure><img src="image_42.png" /><figcaption>Tomasz Bednarz</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_43.png" /></figure>

## Virtual marine worlds

Tomasz Bednarz, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdańsk. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the Field of Humanities in the University of Gdańsk in 2015. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *A historical and archaeological study of De Jonge Seerp – the late eighteenth-century Dutch ship*, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Beata Możejko, PhD, D. Sc.

**Where do you currently work and what are your professional duties?**

I work at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk as a supervisor of the digitalisation department. At the same time, as an underwater archaeologist and a doctor of history, I deal with the exploration of shipwrecks in the Gulf of Gdańsk. For the last several years, I have conducted "the Gulf of Gdańsk Shipwreck Virtual Open-Air Museum" project, which focused on documenting underwater shipwrecks with the use of digital methods of documentation. Right now I am at the stage of drawing research conclusions, which will result in publications regarding this matter.

**Have you been employed in another institution or company before?**

I completed my master's studies in archaeology in 2000. Several months later, in 2001, I started working at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk as an assistant in the underwater research department. Afterwards, I was promoted to an adjunct, but my professional career "accelerated" once I was awarded a PhD. After many years of working as an adjunct, I immediately became a certified curator. This is the highest position in museology, and holding a doctoral degree is a job requirement in this case. Afterwards, an idea to create a digitalisation department at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk emerged. This department would manage documentation, shipwreck exploration, and digitalisation in general, for the purposes of our museum. I participated in establishing this department and I became its supervisor a short while after receiving a PhD.

**Did your employment after completing the studies and being awarded a doctoral degree go without problems or was it a challenge?**

I consider the fact that I was employed at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk to be a collection of different circumstances – the place and time I found myself in then. Many archaeology graduates did not take working at a museum into account at all, due to very low salary. To this day, I remember my first paycheck and what a ridiculously small amount it was. However, I was fortunate enough not to have to be influenced by the necessity to generate higher income right after college, so in my case the decision was not difficult.

**Why did you choose the National Maritime Museum and is it the best place of employment for you?**

In my case it was a matter of education. With my qualifications and competencies, in order to work in my chosen profession, selecting a position at a museum was practically my only option. I also had appropriate letters of recommendation. While writing my master's thesis at the University of Gdańsk, I frequently visited the National Maritime Museum to use the museum's materials. Therefore, I was already slightly recognisable when I was being hired here. The fact that I was employed at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk was a bit of a coincidence.
I have to admit, though, that it was a happy accident, since I am able to fulfil my
professional aspirations here.

**Is your current job fulfilling for you, and which areas would you indicate as the most satisfying?**

Like I mentioned, I can fulfil my professional aspirations here. Essentially, my two
fields of interest bring me the most satisfaction. One is digitalisation, so preparing
and executing everything that is related to introducing new technologies in
the area of digitalisation in our museum. We were able to apply solutions so
new that we have become pioneers of sorts in the museology world. While
contrasting the level of technological advancement in the area of digitalisation,
we definitely stand out in comparison to other museums, not only in Poland. The
other area refers to the opportunity to explore the underwater shipwrecks and
indulge my scientific passion. I wrote and published a lot of papers and I intend
to publish more, so I still grow as a researcher.

> Essentially, my two fields of interest bring me the most satisfaction. One is digitalisation, so preparing and executing everything that is related to introducing new technologies in the area of digitalisation in our museum. We were able to apply solutions so new that we have become pioneers of sorts in the museology world. While contrasting the level of technological advancement in the area of digitalisation, we definitely stand out in comparison to other museums, not only in Poland. The other area refers to the opportunity to explore the underwater shipwrecks and indulge my scientific passion. I wrote and published a lot of papers and I intend to publish more, so I still grow as a researcher.

**Is your current job related to the doctoral studies you completed, and in which areas do you use this experience the most?**

After completing my master's studies, I had a rather narrow background of
a historian's research workshop. PhD studies allowed me to familiarise myself
with this workshop and develop it. Of course, I am not an expert, but because
of it I had an opportunity to collaborate with several brilliant historians and learn
from the masters. I discovered and explored different research methods rather
extensively, which allows me to move freely not only in the world of archaeology
but also history. Moreover, I try to use that knowledge in my publications by
combining the two disciplines.

**Would you be willing to share with us your biggest professional success stories and failures?**

What I consider to be a success is that my doctoral dissertation was published
in 2019 in the form of a book entitled *De Jonge Seerp. the study of the late
eighteenth-century Dutch ship*. Thanks to that, the National Maritime Museum
in Gdańsk was honoured in the Sybilla 2019 contest in the category of scientific and research projects. It is a prestigious contest for museums, organised by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, in which the most important museal event of the year is being awarded. Another success is the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk receiving the Sybilla 2016 award itself in the category of digitalisation and new media for the *Gulf of Gdańsk Shipwreck Virtual Open-Air Museum*. *Recording and Inventory of Underwater Archaeological Heritage* project. However, I do not recall to have witnessed particularly unpleasant events, though one always wishes to do more and be better.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies and obtaining a PhD open up wider job opportunities?**

That should naturally be the case and most instances are probably like that, even though it surely depends on the field of science and the job market in a particular sector. I also know of situations in which people were hiding that they held a doctoral degree in order to be able to get a job below their qualifications. I get the feeling that a PhD has become a bit common. There are plenty of people who obtain it for the prestige alone, not due to a real need for the development of their professional career. Additionally, I notice that in some universities obtaining a doctoral degree is possible with a minimal workload.

**What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies and which one of them turned out to be the least and most useful?**

Some courses have developed my general knowledge, not professional, but I would not call them impractical. The most effective, however, were seminars that during my doctoral studies that were based on group work - preparing and referring different subjects. It was a good formula, since I intended to write my doctoral dissertation rather expeditiously. Systematic preparing and referring a variety of topics during seminars made the dissertation write itself to some extent. I also certainly developed the aforementioned history workshop, and I gained the ability to create something that we call historical narrative, which is useful in writing scientific articles.

**Would like to share a message with current doctoral students, future PhD graduates?**

Preparing a doctoral dissertation and obtaining a PhD requires effort, time and often personal sacrifice. But it is worth going to the trouble. I would only like to warn everyone that a doctoral dissertation needs to be written systematically, taking an appropriate research tool into consideration. In my case the doctoral studies, dissertation and all the effort that went into it, contributed to measurable effects both in the professional and financial aspects. I believe that it was the right choice of direction for my professional career development.

<figure><img src="image_44.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_45.png" /><figcaption>Leszek Frankowski</figcaption></figure>

## Mission – protection of the environment

Leszek Frankowski, PhD, a Polish national currently living near Gdynia. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Earth Sciences in the University of Gdańsk in 1999. His doctoral dissertation, entitled "The circulation and transformations of different phosphorus forms at the sediment - water interface in the Pomeranian Bay", was completed under the supervision of Prof. Jerzy Bolałek, PhD, D. Sc.

## Which company do you currently work for and what are your professional duties?

I have worked at the Water and Sewage System Company in Gdynia, called for short PEWIK GDYNIA Sp. z o.o., since the year 2000, so for twenty one years. In the beginning of my professional career, I was an analyst, I tested water and wastewater samples in an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) laboratory, among others (examining it for metal contents). After a while, I was promoted to a supervisor of the Water and Wastewater Laboratory Department. Presently, my responsibilities include planning and organising the laboratory's ongoing tasks, informative support of clients and executing the department's personnel policy. Our laboratory has been accredited since 2006, and I also perform the role of a quality supervisor. This is an additional function, whose purpose is to provide maintenance and gradual development of the scope of accreditations, which are granted by the Polish Centre for Accreditation. We attain accreditation No. AB 697, the current scope of which can be found on the following website: www.pca.gov.pl. Accreditation in a testing laboratory is associated with plenty of responsibilities and requirements specified by the PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02 standard: "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories." Apart from a series of technical requirements, the standard demands us to keep extensive system documentation. Ongoing organisational tasks and supervision over the documentation unfortunately leave me with not enough time for samples testing, even though I have to admit, I sometimes miss it.

## Have you been employed anywhere else before?

For a year between my PhD studies and the job at PEWIK GDYNIA, I was employed at Hydromega, a Gdynia-based company, which dealt with power hydraulics. I worked there as an expert for environmental protection equipment.

## What prompted you to choose PEWIK GDYNIA?

The main motivation was the urge to apply the knowledge and skills I obtained during MA and PhD studies in my professional work. I decided that I would hate to lose five years of studies and four years of work and study during the doctorate, on things unrelated to it.

## Is your current job fulfilling, and if so, what brings you the most satisfaction?

There are a few such areas. We are a very good team, a well-oiled machine. What is important to me is contact with people from other departments and the opportunity to visit facilities, such as water treatment stations or wastewater treatment plants. Even after many years, it is still a job that interests me. But above all, I feel that the work that we do is simply essential. We perform testing of drinking water and wastewater on various stages of treatment and sewage
sludge. One of the goals of our company is to increase the quality of the treated wastewater that enters the Puck Bay. The duty of the laboratory that I supervise is to support the control of this process. On the Wastewater Treatment Plant Department's request, our laboratory tests the sewage that enters the treatment plant as well as the wastewater that is introduced to the Puck Bay in Mechelinki. The laboratory also tests the water samples in order to control the treatment process in the water system. Our accredited and valid results are demonstrated to outside institutions, including the Environmental Protection Inspectorate or local sanitary and epidemiological stations.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

Our laboratory currently operates in two locations: the Wastewater Laboratory that is based in the Dębogórze Group Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Water Laboratory, which is situated in Gdynia. For many years our dream was to have one central water and wastewater laboratory. A few years ago the management of our company decided to begin construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Rumia. Apart from relocating current laboratories, we will be able to create new ones for microbiological, sensory, and chromatographic analysis. A purchase of many new devices and equipment is likewise planned. I believe the biggest professional success will be relocating to the new lab.

It is difficult to brag about your failures. Problems do occur, but thanks to a strong and experienced team we have been able to solve them for all those years and look towards the future in order to improve.

**Is your current job related to the doctoral studies you completed?**

In my current job I see a considerable similarity to the analysis that I carried out during my PhD studies. I performed chemical analyses of seawater and seabed sediments, and I cooperated with the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute. We conducted testing during research cruises around the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Pomeranian Bay. Tasks at the water system laboratory are different in nature, but many research methods are similar, so the analytic experience I gained during my doctoral studies was very useful. The skills of using data analysis software, which I developed while completing the PhD studies, proved to be very helpful in the laboratory work as well.

**In your opinion, do doctoral studies create ample career opportunities?**

I believe that PhD studies clear the path for people who plan to continue their academic career, because they substantially prepare you for research and didactic work. I had a chance to stay at the university, but I made a different decision. I suspect that in my case a PhD impacted a fast-track promotion. However, I think that those are very individual experiences, and I do not know whether this road is for everybody.

**What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and least useful?**

The most useful, particularly in the early stages of my professional career, was the substantive knowledge and the aforementioned analytical skills, thanks to which I was able to start working in the laboratory without any trouble. Moreover, good command of computing turned out to be immensely valuable. I began my PhD studies in 1994, so at a time when computer availability was not as obvious as it is nowadays. I had access to computer programs during my doctoral studies, and already then I could practise using applications like Excel, Statistica, Surfer, Grapher, and I was able to conduct data analysis with the use of those programs. The knowledge was certainly helpful in the water system lab, for instance in preparing the first drafts of the procedures regarding method validation and estimating their uncertainty.
However, when I was promoted to a supervisory position, what I found to be quite useful were the communication and organisation skills, which I developed during the doctoral studies, for instance conducting classes for students and master's students or obtaining financial resources for research.

It is difficult to say, though, what turned out to be the least beneficial. For example, many different devices and laboratory techniques, which I was introduced to during the doctoral studies, have fallen into disuse. Yet, thanks to those skills, it was easier to master new techniques afterwards.

**Did your employment after doctoral studies go without problems or was it rather a challenge?**

I guess it was not problematic. I secured my first employment from a job listing, and later on I found out that there was an opening for a chemist in the lab at PEWIK GDYNIA. I was granted an interview, after which I received an affirmative answer.

**What would you like to share with the current doctoral students and future PhD graduates?**

A PhD is a very good way of developing a professional career for young, ambitious, and open-minded people. However, you need to answer the question whether you wish to continue your academic work or you would rather cooperate within the industry or with research and development centres. I think it is worth establishing contacts with companies already during PhD studies, and search for those that are open to the experience of working with young scientists, which provides an opportunity not only for research work, but also to run a business profitable for a particular sec or of the economy.

> A PhD is a very good way of developing a professional career for young, ambitious, and open-minded people. However, you need to answer the question whether you wish to continue your academic work or you would rather cooperate within the industry or with research and development centres. I think it is worth establishing contacts with companies already during PhD studies, and search for those that are open to the experience of working with young scientists, which provides an opportunity not only for research work, but also to run a business profitable for a particular sector of the economy.
<figure><img src="image_46.png" /><figcaption>Małgorzata Geringer d'Oedenberg</figcaption></figure>

## Environmental protection from a practical perspective

Małgorzata Geringer d'Oedenberg, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdańsk. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Earth Sciences in the University of Gdańsk in 2001. Her doctoral dissertation, entitled *The role of benthic macrofauna in oxygen and inorganic nitrogen fluxes between sediment and bottom water in the coastal zone of the Bay of Puck, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Maciej Wołowicz, PhD, D. Sc.*

**What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?**

I work at the water and sewage system company „SAUR Neptun Gdańsk" Spółka Akcyjna (SNG SA), and I deal with matters that pertain to environmental protection from a procedural, legal, and organisational aspect. My job is related to employing the acts that are in force in Poland in the areas of environmental protection: environmental protection laws, water law act, waste act, and those on collective water supply and wastewater disposal. The scope of my duties includes securing permissions, which are required by law in regard to water system company functioning, implementing current procedures, and supervising their execution from a legal, organisational, and practical standpoint.

**Is your job directly related to maintaining the marine environment clean?**

Yes, but not only. Part of the overseen issues is transporting treated wastewater to the environment, including to the Gulf of Gdańsk. A wide area of environmental aspects that interest me in my job involves also matters that refer to the utilization and protection of drinking water reserves, as well as air emission or waste management.

**How long have you been employed at SNG SA, and did your position and professional duties change during your employment?**

I started working even before the doctoral dissertation defence. At first, I was briefly employed at the Office of Helsinki Convention, that is the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area from 1992, which was supposed to enter into force in Poland in the year 2000. It was a three-month experience; however, an interesting one, since it allowed me to look at the marine environment protection from an international organization's perspective. Nevertheless, I was searching for a different target job. I tried to get hired at SNG SA as a specialist who would deal with the protection of the environment. At the same time, I also submitted my application to a job agency, in which I indicated I could work as a French translator. It turned out that it was exactly what SNG SA needed at the time. Therefore, I was hired for that position in October 1998, but I waited for the creation of a target position, namely an environmental specialist, which happened in February 1999.

**You are also a city tourist guide. Can you tell us more about that job?**

It's my passion. I have always been interested in our region. Besides, I enjoy connecting with people, talking about history, places and other elements that illustrate it... During my last year of intramural studies at the University of Gdańsk, I enrolled in a foreign tourist guide course. Then, in 2012-2013, I completed a Tricity tourist guide course, and I have been guiding sightseers, who visit our region, ever since. Afterwards, I developed my competencies by completing
other courses, including a Malbork Castle
tourist guide. I also completed a postgraduate
programme in Gdansk studies at the University
of Gdańsk.

Why did you decide to work at SNG SA and
is it the best place of employment for you?

I did not have the chance to continue my
research work. However, during my studies
I took an apprenticeship in the laboratory
of a water and sewage system company in
Stockholm. I had an opportunity to conduct
observations of treated wastewater entering
the Stockholm Archipelago. Subsequently, my
master and doctoral theses were related to
research conducted in the Bay of Puck, in the area
of wastewater treatment plant outlet in Swarzewo,
so this topic had been my interest for a long time.
And yet, I was interested not only in the marine
environment, but also in the land activity that could
result in its protection. I considered it an interesting path
towards the development of my professional career.

What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

Working at SNG SA is rewarding and fascinating, because the company's actions have a real influence on what is going on in the environment. However, at times it is also frustrating. Regulations on environmental protection are often changing, which contributes to a lot of turmoil. Observing the environment and its changes from a practical point of view of someone who exploits this environment, makes you uncover and understand plenty of topics. Sometimes, however, in order to do some good, you are forced to think outside the box, not only using your scientific knowledge and expertise in regulations. You have to practise communication skills. Accomplishing goals, often through patient compromising, does actually bring a lot of satisfaction.

In which areas is your job related to your doctoral studies?

One of the common denominators is the fact that during my PhD studies I conducted research in the area of wastewater treatment plant outlet in Swarzewo. Another one is related to the knowledge of analytics, which is necessary while planning tests conducted by our laboratory and evaluating achieved results, and, above all, understanding the processes that we deal with.

Would you be willing to share with us your biggest
professional success stories and failures?

I do not recall any major failures... Perhaps, I regard staying too long in one professional environment as a bit of a failure. On the other hand, I think that my professional success is being open to other possibilities and areas of activity, such as for instance working as a tourist guide. It allows me to constantly improve and break with the routine.

In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies
open up wider job opportunities?

That depends on the field of science, in which one obtains a doctoral degree. In Poland, it also regrettably depends on the gender, since some employers are still afraid of employees who are, in their judgment, too educated, particularly women. It is very unfortunate and we need to fight with this stereotype.

Working at the water and sewage system company SAUR Neptun Gdańsk (SNG SA) is rewarding and fascinating, because the company's actions have a real influence on what is going on in the environment. (...) Observing the environment and its changes from a practical point of view of someone who exploits this environment, makes you uncover and understand plenty of topics. Sometimes, however, in order to do some good, you are forced to think outside the box, not only using your scientific knowledge and expertise in regulations. You have to practise communication skills. Accomplishing goals, often through patient compromising, does actually bring a lot of satisfaction.
However, it is worth putting an effort to get a doctoral degree. PhD studies broaden your horizons, teach you to see what is unobvious on the face of it, they give you the skill to gain knowledge on your own. It makes further professional development and self-sufficiency in different job positions easier.

**What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and least useful?**

I participated in my PhD studies in the mid- to late 90s. At the time, there was no possibility of taking part in lectures and classes. Our doctoral studies programme consisted of conducting research work, including of course preparing a doctoral dissertation and conducting didactic classes with students. It had an impact on the development of our skills and competencies. As far as research is concerned, in particular, I learned how to connect and analyse different issues from various fields. Whereas, conducting didactic courses allowed me to establish connections with people more freely. Thanks to working with students and participating in scientific conferences, I also developed the skill of public speaking, which was useful for conducting trainings and in my job as a tourist guide. During my doctoral studies I collaborated with French scientists, so I practised my French at the same time, which later on opened up job opportunities for me. It is, however, difficult for me to unequivocally say that some skills proved to be impractical. About ten years after completing my studies, I came back to oceanography for some time – I again had the opportunity to conduct research connected with marine life in collaboration with the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. It turned out that the skills acquired during my studies that had not been used for ten years were beneficial again and allowed me to participate in research cruises to Spitsbergen twice.

**What message would you give to PhD students?**

Undoubtedly, the mere fact of undertaking third cycle studies and conducting research is highly developing. Nonetheless, you cannot forget that not everyone will be able to take up research work afterwards. It is important to observe the job market within one's professional expertise – in the business environment as well as in public institutions. It is worth knowing how people who come from scientific centres are perceived in the job market. Not all employers feel comfortable hiring someone who, in their opinion, is overqualified and may potentially become their competition. You also need to take into account the fact that PhD graduates enter the job market at least four or five years later than their peers. Regardless, doctoral studies represent a time of inner self-development and becoming stronger in the fight against obstacles, which is certainly worth the effort.
<figure><img src="image_47.png" /><figcaption>Andrzej Gierszewski</figcaption></figure>

## The sea surrounds us from everywhere

Andrzej Gierszewski, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdańsk. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the field of History in the University of Gdańsk in 2016. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *The Curonian Spit and the Curonian Lagoon in the Middle Ages (until the year 1525)*, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Wiesław Długokęcki, PhD, D. Sc.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I work at the Museum of Gdańsk as an adjunct. I hold the position of a supervisor of the communication and promotion department. The condition of my employment at the museum in 2016 was writing an EU project. I started in the marketing department with administrative responsibilities associated with a specialised scope, such as graphic design. Additionally, my duties included cooperating with the business environment, final recipients, and simultaneously, writing an EU project for the Wisłoujście Fortress. After six months of employment, I also took over the responsibilities of a press secretary, and since November 2019, a supervisor of the established communication and promotion department. This rather wide range of duties requires me to sacrifice many hours for work, which calls for a combination of substantive and administrative capacity, like for instance managing a team, arranging a work schedule, and planning a promotional budget.

## Have you been employed at another institution or company before?

I began in the amber industry. Subsequently, just before completing my doctoral studies, I started working at the current National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk. I was brought in to carry out the 'Crossroads 2.0.' project, executed by parties from Poland, Lithuania and Russia, whose aim was, among others, to promote the archaeological heritage of those three regions. Once that project was completed, I came back for a while to amber craftsmanship. And right afterwards, I took a job at a new place, which I am affiliated with to this day, namely the Museum of Gdańsk.

## Why did you choose the Museum of Gdańsk?

You may say, jokingly, that the Museum of Gdańsk chose me. The director, who took office in 2015, hired me with a specific idea of preparing an EU project in mind.

## To what extent are the projects you handle related to marine topics?

The National Maritime Museum operates in Gdańsk, and that is exactly where the history of the sea and its people is unfolded. In the Museum of Gdańsk we tell the story of Gdańsk, also as a port city, always drawing attention to the fact that the sea has always facilitated the period of prosperity, such as for example in the XVII century. There are other precious "marine" facilities in the Museum of Gdańsk, like the Wisłoujście Fortress or the Guardhouse no 1. at Westerplatte.

## Is your current job fulfilling, and what is the source of the most satisfaction?

Although according to the act, I am not a museologist, I find great joy as one in seeing how an audience enters into different interactions with an exhibition, how they react to the story we tell. One of the tasks that brings me the most
I consider PhD studies to be an expansion and practical usage of the knowledge gained during first and second cycle studies. I also developed soft competencies in regard to communication and teamwork. I met incredible people in the faculty and university doctoral students councils, I got involved in the university social life. (...) Moreover, I realised that you must maximise your chances in the job market through developing additional skills. I completed a postgraduate programme in social communication, which opened up new possibilities for me.

satisfaction is the "Benefactors of the Gdańsk Museum" programme, as part of which you may donate items related to the history of Gdańsk to our museum. The possibility of honouring people from all over the world, who appreciate social effort put into the development of museology and history of Gdańsk, is a thing that adds a deeper sense into everyday work.

**What are your professional victories and possible failures in your current job?**

The greatest success is our wonderful team working at the museum, without whom nothing would be possible to accomplish. The rest, like awards, honourable mentions or words of gratitude, are a pleasant bonus. Failures usually result from the nature of museum work, where there is a multitude of events and plenty of responsibilities that go with it. Even though museums are considered a static place, it turns out that they are a breeding ground for ideas and their application, which sometimes, out of necessity, must be left without particular care. But those are more like stumbles, which can always occur, given such intensity of the job.

**To what extent is your current job related to your doctoral studies?**

To a small one. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on the general history of the Middle Ages, and, by definition, a museum should not be a place where you have the time to attain scientific fulfilment. The added value, on the other hand, is that medieval studies are a little like playing a detective. A whole falls into place from sparse information. That is a valuable skill, useful in professional life.

**Does obtaining a doctoral degree open up wider job opportunities?**

In companies related to the sector of humanities, such as museums, a PhD is an advantage. When applying for a job, PhD holders are seen as experts in their field of science, even though a doctorate is not required in administrative tasks, and essentially does not make things easier. In the private sector, humanists with a doctoral degree do not have it as easy, since it is frequently believed that they cannot be offered a job below their qualifications or that scientists simply do not fit in with their profile. I had worked like that in one of the Pomeranian companies for two years. I did not tell anyone anything about my doctoral degree there.

**What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies?**

I consider PhD studies to be an expansion and practical usage of the knowledge
gained during first and second cycle studies. I also developed soft competencies in regard to communication and teamwork. I met incredible people in the faculty and university doctoral students councils, I got involved in the university social life. The scholarship that was paid out at the time did not amount to much, but still, it did motivate you to work. Moreover, during my PhD studies I realised that you must maximise your chances in the job market through developing additional skills. I completed a postgraduate programme in social communication, which opened up new possibilities for me.

**How would you rate the usefulness of the skills acquired during your doctoral studies?**

Aside from already-mentioned soft competencies, a design of writing a scholarly work itself teaches you to notice what is the most important, and to have the skill of moving from the specific to the general, and vice versa. It is essential while formulating a concept of strategy operations at work, and later on in its implementation. During PhD studies one can also learn that action requires energy, lots of flexibility, and understanding, which correlate to a better functioning in the business environment.

**Did your employment after completing the doctoral studies go without problems or was getting a job more of a challenge?**

Employment in museum studies can sometimes pose quite a challenge for a young person. New positions are created rarely and there is usually not a lot of turnover. I was not employed in a regular way, but rather, like I mentioned, to complete a particular task - prepare a project. However, for some time now the situation at the Museum of Gdańsk is a little different, and the attitude has changed a bit as well. Over the last year, we have hired several new employees, and we plan to employ more in the years to come. This is a changing institution which seeks out people with experience, also from outside the industry, and those who wish to gain experience.

**What message would you give to current doctoral students and future PhD graduates?**

Putting an effort into writing a doctoral dissertation is a task worth doing as long as you have passion, willingness to be dedicated, and people who support you. I knew by my first year of studies at the University of Gdańsk that, upon their completion, I would undertake PhD studies, and I am certain that the years were worth the effort. However, it is connected with plenty of sacrifices in your personal life. Before making that decision and saying "yes", it is worth checking whether the challenge and adventure that a PhD offers pairs with your life priorities. And considering where you see yourself in a year, five years or in a decade.

<figure><img src="image_48.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_49.png" /><figcaption>Dorota Lost-Siemińska</figcaption></figure>

## I was born in Gdańsk, with a view of the shipyard

Dorota Lost-Siemińska, PhD, a Polish national currently living in London. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Law in the University of Gdańsk in 2002. Her doctoral dissertation, entitled *Principles of law of environmental maritime salvage*, was completed under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Wojciech Adamczak, PhD, D. Sc.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

For the past ten years, I have been working at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is a highly specialised agency of the United Nation that defines the standards of maritime security, marine environmental protection and civil liability for pollution caused by ships. I am the deputy director of the external affairs and legal department and the legal office supervisor. The department maintains contact with embassies and representatives of other countries accredited by the organization. It also manages media relations and promotes our organization. The main task of the legal department is to offer legal services. My expertise is applied in all legal affairs, both external, such as contracts concluded by our organization, and internal, e.g. employee disputes. But above all, we organise meetings, including diplomatic conferences, during which countries ratify international treaties and amendments, and adjudicate legal and technical matters. The legal office holds an advisory position during such meetings, and the final form of legislative acts is of course decided upon by the member states.

## Have you worked at another institution or company before?

I was writing my doctoral thesis and doing my legal apprenticeship simultaneously. Once the defence was concluded and I passed the doctoral exam, I joined one of the larger law firms. However, working as an attorney in an office did not sit well with me. At that time, I was communicating with professor Jerzy Młynarczyk and professor Zdzisław Brodecki, and I even wondered whether becoming a lawyer was the right choice for me. The professors told me that the Ministry of Transportation was looking for attorneys specialising in marine issues. It was a time when Poland was preparing to enter the European Union, and, concurrently, a time of an economic boom. So there weren't that many applicants for a job at the ministry, since the wages were very low. I submitted an application, and I moved, with my husband who also received a job offer in the capital city, from Gdańsk to Warsaw. I began working at the Ministry of Transportation and Marine Economy in the marine transport department, and I fell in love with it right away. I was carrying out tasks associated with the legislative process that pertained to the adaptation of the Polish law to the European Union law with regard to marine issues. My master's and doctoral theses were both on the topics that referred to international treaties, so I could participate in the process of formulating law on both a domestic and international level, which was fascinating to me. I participated in international meetings held in Brussels, New York City and London, and I represented Poland in the International Maritime Organization meetings.

## Why did you decide to work at IMO? Is this the best place for you?

I was born in Gdańsk, in a place with a view of the shipyard. Both my mother
and my aunt wrote their master's theses in the department of maritime law. The first time I participated in a maritime law seminar, I was six - my mom took me to a conference. Therefore, the sea is in my blood. I was not sure right away who I wanted to be, but I have always loved the sea, and I was fascinated with the maritime law. And at IMO this type of law is being established. I couldn't have imagined a better career and a better place to work.

**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

The most moving moment is when the president of a conference, that settles affairs regarding, for instance, marine environmental protection or improving the security of passengers on ships, concludes it with the words: It is so decided. Together with my team, we then feel like we are part of the process, which is a major step forward in the field of maritime law. It is a touching moment and nearly all of us have tears in our eyes. We also get a lot of satisfaction from the fact that our analyses or legal advice are beneficial, and they constitute a helpful guideline for the other member states. We are glad to be able to contribute to establishing international law.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

While working at the Ministry of Marine Transportation, I took on a role of a delegate representing Poland in a diplomatic conference, at which the member states dealt with hazardous substances and civil liability for marine pollution. I was the vice-president of this conference and I endorsed the final act with my signature. It was a very important and satisfying moment in my professional career. But the biggest stride was joining the IMO legal team, and, later on, my nomination for a legal office supervisor and the deputy director of the department. I am very proud of that. Failures... you cannot win all your cases and not everything goes the way we want it to. However, you have to take it into account as a professional risk. I do not regret any of my professional decisions. And even though I do not work as an attorney, the knowledge I acquired during the law apprenticeship and in my brief time as a lawyer are very useful.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

Legal opinions drafted in our department do not resemble trial documents or opinions formulated in a law firm. They are more comparable to doctoral theses with chapters and footnotes, they have an academic feel. I learned that sort of extensive analysis and meticulous writing during my PhD studies. The knowledge of maritime law, which I developed while preparing my doctoral dissertation, proves exceptionally useful as the basis for my actions.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

That's a difficult question. The answer depends on an individual case, and where a particular person comes from. In the Anglo-Saxon system a PhD is awarded only to those who wish to stay in the university and devote themselves to science and academic work. Yet, the Germans pay a lot of attention to degrees

> I was born in Gdańsk, in a place with a view of the shipyard. Both my mother and my aunt wrote their master's theses in the maritime law faculty. I was six when my mom took me to a maritime law seminar for the first time. Therefore, the sea is in my blood. I was not sure right away who I wanted to be, but I have always loved the sea, and I was fascinated with the maritime law. And at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) this type of law is being established. I couldn't have imagined a better career and a better place to work.
and titles. At IMO, where the working environment is international, very few
employees have PhDs and it is not a prerequisite for employment. However,
we do have our own academic institutions: the IMO International Maritime Law
Institute and the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. I often lecture
there and the fact that I have a PhD is immensely helpful. Therefore, completing
a doctoral dissertation and obtaining a PhD is very valuable for me personally,
but it is not the reason why I was hired. What was important was that I had
worked in the marine administration before and that I was the director of the
marine transport department.

What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one
of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?

I conducted classes for students, organised scientific meetings and seminars during my doctoral studies. I learned discipline, self-control, perseverance, and hard, arduous work. All of those skills are of use to me at my current job, and some of them also in everyday life. However, I lacked practice. I was writing my thesis in the marine field, not having ever been on board of a merchant ship. I believe it is important for a person, who prepares a doctoral dissertation in a particular field, to know it from the practical perspective as well. It depends, obviously, on a particular PhD student's situation. Some people write their doctoral thesis while already working in their profession, and they have a great deal of experience. I was preparing my doctoral dissertation right after college. It was a doctoral thesis on maritime salvage and my practical experience was obtained on a maritime salvage ship, not in a law firm that deals with those issues. So I had to organise the hands-on training on my own. I don't recall, however, any courses that were not useful, and I don't feel any sense of a waste of time.

Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly
or did it present you with any challenges?

Every next job was a challenge for me, but I didn't have any problems with
employment. I was very lucky. Family tradition and my passions helped
me choose my professional career path. I met many wonderful people who
guided me. I will always be grateful to my professors Brodecki, Adamczak, and
Młynarczyk, whose support and advice I could always rely on. When choosing
a position, I wasn't forced to be swayed by the salary, I could let myself make
my dreams come true.

What message would you give to PhD students
who dream of finding a satisfying job?

It is important to be ambitious and aim high. It is not worth taking the easy way out. It is, however, worth it if you set the bar high and establish ambitious goals, because reaching them fills you with an abundance of joy. Then comes a moment when not only can you derive immense satisfaction from your job, but also enjoy its benefits.
<figure><img src="image_50.png" /><figcaption>Joanna Maciak</figcaption></figure>

## Dreams come true

Joanna Maciak, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdynia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the field of Earth Sciences in the University of Gdańsk in 2017. Her doctoral dissertation, entitled *The risk evaluation of petroleum derivatives on the Baltic Sea environment versus legislation*, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Elżbieta Niemirycz, PhD, D. Sc., and Marek Gromiec, PhD, D. Sc., an assistant thesis advisor.

## What is your current place of employment, your position, and professional duties?

Currently, I am an employee of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management of the National Research Institute in Gdynia (IMGW-PIB). I am a senior expert in the Research and Development Centre in the Department of Oceanography and Baltic Sea Monitoring. My job requires me to perform laboratory analyses of the acid-base system in the Baltic Sea and tag microplastics in the bottom and marine sediments. I have also been participating in scientific and research cruises as a hydrologist since November 2020.

## Have you been employed anywhere else before?

Under an employment contract, I have not. During my doctoral studies, though, I was employed on two occasions under an order contract as an academic and didactic teacher of apprenticeship for second-year navigation students on the school sailing vessel "Dar Młodzieży". I was hired at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management for a 6-month internship towards the end of my PhD studies, while my doctoral dissertation was under review.

## Your doctoral dissertation thesis is interdisciplinary.

Yes. My doctoral thesis is interdisciplinary. My dissertation was on research related to tagging petroleum-derivative compounds in the Baltic Sea sediments, and it was closely connected with the legislation in force.

## Why did you choose the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management?

The reason I chose IMGW-PIB was the scope of the monitoring research, which is being conducted as part of a monitoring program of the Polish marine areas of the Baltic Sea by the Department of Oceanography and Baltic Sea Monitoring. Monitoring is fairly extensive, and it involves the physical, chemical, and biological parameters, concentration of hazardous substances, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and radioactive isotopes in various grids, marine debris that accumulates on beaches, and drifts in the water column along with microparticles. Research conducted at the Department of Oceanography largely coincided with the topic of my doctoral thesis, which is why I decided to apply for an internship at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management.

## You combine research work with other responsibilities. Is the current place of employment satisfying for you, and what is the source of the greatest satisfaction?

I currently integrate lab work with participation in monitoring cruises, which take place regularly, six times a year. Working at the institute is undoubtedly a major source of satisfaction. It provides me with a tremendous opportunity for professional development and collaboration with groups of experts, both national and global.
**Is your current job related to your doctoral studies?**

In some respects, yes. I still conduct environmental research. During the doctoral studies, I dealt with petroleum derivatives in the bottom and marine sediments. Currently, I also handle the same environment grids, but I mark other parameters.

**Would you be willing to share with us your most important success stories and professional failures?**

The most notable success for me is completing the doctoral studies, which required many years of hard work and a great deal of sacrifice, but also my dissertation was also honored by one of the reviewers. Working at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management and participating in research and monitoring cruises constitute a substantial amount of success for me as well. By taking part in research cruises, I continue my passion for sailing and navigation. As far as failures are concerned, surely, there have been a few, but I try to elicit the positive out of them, dwelling on it is a waste of time. I consider failures to be part of professional experience.

**How can your environmental research be integrated with meteorology?**

Taking into account the dangers that result from the observable climate change and its real impact on a widely-understood natural environment, including marine ecosystems, my research has fundamental meaning for comprehending basic connections of meteorological conditions on marine environment elements and their functioning. Extreme phenomena, such as storms that occur more often and have a more violent course, are becoming a growing problem. They cause significant environmental damage. They can also increase the risk of releasing pollutants and hazardous substances deposited in the bottom sediments in the water column into the Baltic Sea by means of, for instance, resuspension, that is, the redistribution of insoluble sediment particles in the water column due to water motion.

**In your opinion, do doctoral studies open up new job opportunities?**

Yes. I believe that completing doctoral studies provides new job opportunities not only in academia but also in other institutions that pertain to broadly defined science. Finding a job within one's academic expertise and qualifications after completing doctoral studies is not easy. A lot of my colleagues got employed in industries that have nothing to do with their doctoral research topics. A very important element of PhD studies is the opportunity to participate in interesting and professionally useful courses and trainings. It provides excellent chances of finding yourself in the job market. Knowledge and skills acquired this way may prove to be very valuable in a new job.
> I integrate lab work with participation in monitoring cruises, which take place regularly, six times a year. Working at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management of the National Research Institute in Gdynia is undoubtedly a major source of satisfaction. It provides me with a tremendous opportunity for professional development and collaboration with groups of experts, both national and global.

**What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies?**

Above anything else, the skills that relate to methods and methodology of the conducted research, but also advanced knowledge involving the newest accomplishments in conducted research, of basic and detailed nature.

**How do you rate the usefulness of those skills in your current workplace?**

I greatly value qualities like conscientiousness, openness, and curiosity. Currently, I participate in different workshops and courses, the same way I did during my PhD studies. In times of the pandemic, an opportunity opened up to take part in events online, to have an exchange of experiences and collaborative education with people from all over the globe. In my field, and in science in general, that is absolutely essential. Everything I have learned during my doctoral studies, I try to use in my work, and there are no skills that I would label impractical.

**In your case, was employment after college a challenge, or did it go rather smoothly?**

I have to admit that finding a job after obtaining a doctoral degree was a challenge. As I already mentioned, it is not easy to secure employment at a university after a doctoral dissertation defence, which is why I decided to try to find a job outside the academia. My first steps were directed to the labour office in order to register for unemployment, expecting to find an interesting offer there. I was faced with a painful reality there. I was offered a job below my qualifications and in no way related to my education, while I really wanted to continue working in the science sector. When I discovered that there is a chance to obtain a scholarship on your own and complete an internship provided that you find an institution that would hire you, I decided that my goal would be to identify such an institution. I wrote dozen of emails, and I did it! I completed an internship at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. I learned then that you have to fight for what is yours, and you cannot give up when you receive a reply that your education is excellent, but there are no job openings or time and opportunity for an internship...

**What message would you like to convey to current doctoral students?**

My message will be very simple: you have to believe in your own abilities and strive to reach an established goal. It is not always easy, but with hard work, determination, involvement, and a smile on your face, you can achieve a lot. You cannot give up. Dreams really do come true.
<figure><img src="image_51.png" /><figcaption>Marcin Szerle</figcaption></figure>

## Gdynia – my love, my passion

Marcin Szerle, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdynia. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the field of History in the University of Gdańsk in 2012. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *Sanitary condition and health protection in Gdynia during the interwar period*, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Marek Andrzejewski, PhD, D. Sc.

### What is your current employment position and your professional duties?

I am a certified museum custodian and, currently, a supervisor of the Centre for Research on Gdynia at the Gdynia City Museum. It is a new unit whose purpose is to undertake and coordinate projects and scientific activities related to the history of Gdynia. Apart from organising the work of the Centre, my current responsibilities include research introduction and conduction, as well as designing, future coordination and scholarly editing of two book series that the museum plans to launch. The first one will include the doctorates that pertain to Gdynia, while the other refers to its monograph developed for the 100th anniversary of granting Gdynia its municipal rights, which happened on February 10th, 1926. We took steps to collaborate as part of an agreement in this area with the Faculty of History at the University of Gdańsk, and in the future with the UG Publishing House as well.

### What type of research do you conduct as part of museum work?

It is directed mostly at exploring the history of the city in the context of the aforementioned anniversary of granting municipal rights to Gdynia. As part of an editorial team that is being appointed, I will handle the coverage of Gdynia's history in the interwar period as well as the management of a series of publishings that refer to the past of the contemporary Gdynia area in different time periods – from the ancient times to the present era. This research is also related to the maritime economy, a sort of liaison between Gdynia and the world through the sea, as well as to migration, largely recognised social issues and modern architecture, which Gdynia is very much associated with.

### Have you been employed in another company or institution before?

I have worked at nearly every level of a professional path in museology. Immediately after the master's thesis defence in 2003, I was employed at the Gdynia City Museum in the Science-Educational Department, and I spent more than nine years there. My education helped me with my employment – I majored in museology, but I minored in two additional specialisations: the history and culture of Pomerania and material culture history, and I also completed my student apprenticeship at this museum. My passion was not without significance as well – I have always been interested in Gdynia as a family town, which is why the choice of a master's thesis topic was not difficult. My primary task at the museum was conducting promotional and educational activities, particularly for children and adolescents. However, I missed the research work, which is why rather promptly, because already in 2004, I undertook the doctoral studies at the University of Gdańsk, with my employer's approval. After the doctoral dissertation defence, I got a job offer at the Emigration Museum in Gdynia as a researcher. I had been employed for several years at this museum in the History and Science Department that was being created. As the first, and thereafter, the most experienced substantive employee within the team, I participated in
the development of a permanent exhibition, I fulfilled
the responsibilities of a collections conservator, and
I conducted research work. In 2018, Assoc. Prof.
Jacek Friedrich, PhD, D. Sc. suggested that I come
back to the Gdynia City Museum, to the Centre for
Research on Gdyni, which was supposed to be
established beside the museum.

Why did you choose the Gdynia City Museum
as the best place of employment for
yourself?

Primarily, because of the consonance of my
scientific interests with the museum's profile
and my passion. I have never hidden the
fact that the reason for switching jobs was
the lack of possibilities to implement my
research for the Gdynia City Museum
on a larger scale. Now that we have
such opportunities, I cannot imagine
a better place outside the academic
environment.

Is your current job fulfilling for
you, and what is the greatest
source of satisfaction?

The source of the most satisfaction
is the opportunity to implement
research work connected with
the history of Gdynia, which is,
pretentious though it may sound, my
love. I still actually believe that there is
a place for scientific research in museums,
and that research centres may operate as
their units, collaborating with academic circles.
That is exactly why I have consequently and relentlessly been
pointing to that direction in my work. Nonetheless, I always want to use all of
my experiences, combining them together to make a whole. That refers to both
the didactic experiences at the museum (I am also an active tourist guide), and
to those gained by cataloguing collections and while organising exhibitions.

In which areas is your job related to your doctoral studies?

My current job is rather closely related to the PhD studies - it is a field of conducting research projects, queries, preparing scientific presentations and participating in conferences, as well as promoting the knowledge of Gdynia.

Would you be willing to share with us your biggest professional success stories and failures?

A success is certainly being awarded the highest degree in museology, that
is a certified museum custodian. I also have a realistic influence on building
an image, direction and strategy of my institution. I gained competencies that
allow me to co-create this facility. As an expert, I collaborate with other museal
and cultural institutions, I conduct historical lectures, architectural discussions
or historical walks. The opportunity to promote the knowledge brings me a lot
of joy. As far as failures are concerned, I have not yet published my PhD, and
terminated, or, as I like to think of it, only suspended my work on habilitation.
I had spent five months overseas on a post-PhD internship, a so-called post-doc,

Completing PhD studies allowed me to change jobs, increase my salary, and improve my professional position. A PhD made it possible for me to obtain a certified museum custodian degree, which is a promotion in the case of a museologist. Perhaps not right away, but gradually, step by step, every employer came to appreciate that I was awarded a doctoral degree, thanks to which I can perform increasingly compelling tasks and projects. I joined a group of academic reviewers and consultants. Completing a PhD is not easy, it presents a multitude of professional and personal challenges, but in my view, nowadays, a doctoral degree strengthens your professional position in the job market, where a master's degree is often not sufficient enough
which was supposed to be an introduction to habilitation. Afterwards, I was
awarded another scholarship abroad and the Polish Studies Association grant.
However, staying abroad for several years would have been too difficult for
personal reasons. Moreover, considering the length of my employment, I would
like to have a larger scientific contribution on my record. I wish I had been able
to convince the Emigration Museum in Gdynia to establish an actual history and
research department with a accepted complete programme that I proposed.
Nevertheless, I drew conclusions from each and every one of those stumbles,
since I regard them as such, and I have a feeling that I am in a good place right
now.

Does completing doctoral studies open up wider job opportunities?

In my case completing PhD studies allowed me to change jobs, increase my salary, and improve my professional position. A PhD made it possible for me to obtain a certified museum custodian degree, which is a promotion in the case of a museologist. Perhaps not right away, but gradually, step by step, every employer came to appreciate that I was awarded a doctoral degree, thanks to which I can perform increasingly compelling tasks and projects. I joined a group of academic reviewers and consultants. Completing a PhD is not easy, it presents a multitude of professional and personal challenges, but in my view, nowadays, a doctoral degree strengthens your professional position in the job market, where a master's degree is often not sufficient enough.

What sort of skills have you developed during your doctoral studies
and which one of them would you rate as the most and least useful?

While I was attending my doctoral studies, they were unfortunately more of
a revision of the programme rather than extension of the knowledge from the
period of my master's studies. However, I improved my research workshop, and
that is what is the most useful in my current job. The requirement of conducting
classes for students instilled confidence in me and developed my abilities to
speak publicly. I also met a number of wonderful people and those acquaintances
have evolved into friendships and professional collaboration. If master's courses
are more analytical, PhD studies constitute a step forward, they broaden your
horizons and teach you the skill of cross-sectional and synthetic thinking.

Did your employment after completing the doctoral studies go without problems or was it a challenge?

In my case employment after master's studies and post-PhD hiring went swimmingly, without any problems. The acquired knowledge and developed competencies fulfilled the expectations of every employer – I was and am treated like a expert in my own field.

What message would you give to current doctoral students, future PhD graduates?

I would like to tell them that undertaking doctoral studies and writing a doctoral
dissertation is worth it, because of the personal development, an opportunity
to broaden one's experience, acquire competences, maximise one's chances
in the job market, as well as gain perspective. I also believe that a person with
a doctoral degree is able to introduce plenty to a team in a company or institution,
since a PhD contributes to the acquisition of skills and new knowledge, which
makes an employee more reliable. Such a person's competences and experience
authorise them to become essential employees within a team and to join the
supervisory ranks.
<figure><img src="image_52.png" /><figcaption>Michał Tuszyński</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_53.png" /></figure>

Uniwersytet
Gdański

## A practical and academic perspective

Michał Tuszyński, PhD, a Polish national currently living in Gdynia. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the field of Economics in the University of Gdańsk in 2017. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *The impact of transport accessibility on the development of municipalities as exemplified by Gdynia between 2003 and 2013, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Włodzimierz Rydzkowski, PhD, D. Sc.*

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I work at the Port of Gdynia Authority SA (Zarząd Morskiego Portu Gdynia S.A.) as a project manager and development project specialist. I manage the company's strategy, strategic planning and development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), as well as legal and economic determinants of seaports, in particular, Polish ports. I perform various types of analyses and formulate opinions, which may become the basis for making long-term decisions. I also collaborate with international and domestic seaport partners, since we undertake ventures that have a common interest to us, such as the development of Motorways of the Sea or the integration with the port hinterland. Additionally, I represent the Port of Gdynia in the European Sea Ports Organisation in Brussels (ESPO), which is the principal entity implementing the EU transport policy in ports.

### Have you been employed at another firm before? If so, what were your professional duties?

I worked at the City Hall in Gdynia, where I handled the maritime economy affairs and the city's strategy in that respect. We formed ideas on the TEN-T network development in the Gdynia urban node, which pertains to both the port city and the port, as well as collaboration with the stakeholders, particularly in the sector of TSL (transport&logistics). I was able to advance effortlessly in such a way from one institution to the other, having the required education, competencies, and experience, including the necessary areas of cooperation with industry institutions, at both those places. A transfer of knowledge, exchange of information, and connections with certain experts allowed me to understand the specificity of the regulations' environment functions on an institutional level. That is precisely why I currently perform economic tasks, especially those related to the transport policy within the structure of the port authority.

### Why did you choose the Port of Gdynia?

At the time I was working at the City Hall in Gdynia, the focus of the company was on transport-related issues and on the potential for reaching the city as a location easily, particularly for entrepreneurs and business in general. The Port of Gdynia is situated in the centre of the city, which posed a challenge, sometimes even problems, that were supposed to be solved in the port-city relation. I used this relation in projects I carried out, in a variety of papers and articles, including scientific ones. I entered an institution that works on infrastructure and the improvement of conditions for conducting transport and logistics operations with the experience of working in the city. My port and city experience complemented each other. Moreover, port tradition runs in my family, since my great grandfather Franciszek and his brother Józef built the first port quays since the 1920s as part of a team under the supervision of engineer Tadeusz Wenda, the port construction manager. Moreover, my great grandfather's cousin, Fr. Teodor, was the first port chaplain, who blessed and participated in the opening of newly-constructed port
buildings, including the current headquarters of the port authority, which is the
pearl of the Polish modern architecture.

**What is the source of the greatest satisfaction at your current job?**

I derive the most satisfaction from cooperating with the port authority board, collagues and our partners, as well as from fulfilling my duties. I have a very strong team and we strive to achieve our common goal, that is the port's improvement. This, so to speak, port's enhancement is a very tangible everyday experience. Furthermore, I can combine the professional, economic, and business experience with lectures and research at the university, let alone the transfer of knowledge onto the students. What is intrinsic is that I share my experience with them, since I am not only an academic, but also a practician.

**Is your current job related to your doctoral studies?**

Certainly, I try to fully apply the knowledge and skills I developed during my doctoral studies, particularly while writing my doctoral dissertation.

**What sort of skills did you develop during your PhD studies, and which ones would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I had the opportunity to learn from the masters. While proceeding my Master's studies in the Faculty of Law and Administration, the notable Professor Janina Ciechanowicz-McLean provided me with the foundation for my research work. During my PhD studies in the Faculty of Economics, my mentor and supervisor was Professor Włodzimierz Rydzkowski, who, being a theorist and a practitioner himself, not only put forward the role and meaning of transport in the economic life, but also epitomised the "university's majesty". Professor Monika Bąk educated me on a university attitude: it is about fostering a university culture, which can be further adopted in our professional environment. Professor Dariusz Filar, who was a member of the Monetary Policy Council, provided us with economic knowledge and taught us to understand economic processes. I learned how to use statistical data and how important the statistics are in research from Professor Mirosław Szreder. As far as expert transport knowledge is concerned, in particular, I would single out a married couple - Professor Danuta Rucińska and Professor Andrzej Ruciński. In the area of city development and city policy with regard to transport development, I would name Professors Olgierd Wyszomirski and Krzysztof Szałucki. They always combined theory with practice - at the time of system transformation in Poland they established the fundamentals of city transport market in Gdynia. Professor Szałucki was also a long-time treasury of the city, and he explained the individual architecture of financing in the municipality area, which also has an influence on the port's development. I also recall my discussion with the late Professor Mirosław Krajewski, vice-rector for development and finance in the University of Gdańsk at the time, with whom I consulted certain aspects of my doctoral dissertation. I concluded that with regard to the infrastructure development in the University of Gdańsk we were experiencing the so-called Kalecki's paradox (Michał Kalecki was one of the most prolific, world-class economists, who formulated the theory of investment, methodology of planning and economic situation analysis). Newly-constructed buildings, large infrastructure supply base, which has an impact on the University's faster growth, would generate high costs of their maintenance in the future, which would in turn limit that growth due to rising costs maintenance. I considered whether such an extensive investment development would make sense given the demographic decline and progressively smaller number of students. Professor Krajewski acknowledged those fears, but inferred that it was precisely the moment that we needed to use for our benefit. Unless we exploited the European Union resources, we would not build scientific and research facilities, we would not specialise in particular fields, including the marine economy, and we would not become competitive in the future. I am very close to such a wide, holistic, and, at the same
time, strategic way of thinking, which I gathered from my PhD studies.

**In your opinion, do doctoral studies open up wider job opportunities?**

Yes, provided that we actually want to apply the skills and knowledge gained during our doctoral studies in our work, and not just make use out of the "Dr." prefix before our name. PhD studies and a doctoral degree surely improve professional prospects, which, however, does not mean that they facilitate finding a job in accordance with particular education.

**Was your employment after doctoral studies a challenge or did it go rather seamlessly?**

A professional advancement in my case was rather smooth. However, without my own involvement and effort, it probably would not have worked. Today, I am the only PhD graduate in my company, the port authority. But that does not in the slightest mean that I am smarter or more competent than my other colleagues. It has more to do with a certain responsibility and obligation to work harder.

**Would you be willing to share your greatest success stories and professional failures?**

I always think positively, long-term, and that is why it is difficult for me to point out failures. What I regard as my success is the fact that I am able to put my competencies and analytical skills to the port's improvement by integrating theory into practice. My knowledge is being applied, and I represent the company in many institutions in the sector. For instance, I consider my work at ESPO as a representative of the Port of Gdynia to be a success, since that is where the ideas are being established, which are afterwards proposed as legal provisions and implemented into the Polish law as well. They have a direct impact on the seaports' development, and they indirectly influence the quality of life of the city's townsfolk and Polish citizens. I also view the place I currently work at as a success, because I can use the knowledge of other people with considerable experience in the port industry, such as, the director, Leszek Jurczyk, my supervisor. He has worked at the port for more than forty years and is an excellent expert, and, at the same time, a very modest person with great propriety, who always shares his knowledge and experience with his co-workers. I think the way to understand success in the everyday professional life is best described by an old Russian wisdom: when we surround ourselves with good people and thoughts, our life and our professional and personal paths go in the right direction. I use my competencies, I improve on a professional level, and I believe I am going in the right direction.

**What message would you like to convey to current doctoral students? Is it worth putting in the effort?**

We should not ask whether it is worth it. Instead, we should ask what to do with the already obtained degree. A philosopher, Eric Hoffer, once said: who acquires the knowledge and learns, conquers the world. Youth does not actually rely on the birth certificate, but on an open mind that is always eager to obtain more insights. The knowledge gained during PhD studies as well as the skills of analytical thinking and information selection can be further used for professional development. I believe that 'proclivity to learn' is the essential common wisdom. Man is a homo exercens. He who does not adopt such an attitude towards life is just asking for trouble.

> I derive the most satisfaction from cooperating with the port authority board, colleagues and our partners, as well as from fulfilling my duties. I have a very strong team and we strive to achieve our common goal, that is the port's improvement. This, so to speak, port's enhancement is a very tangible everyday experience. Furthermore, I can combine the professional, economic, and business experience with lectures and research at the university, let alone the transfer of knowledge onto the students. What is intrinsic is that I share my experience with them, since I am not only an academic, but also a practician.
<figure><img src="image_54.png" /><figcaption>Cezary Wawrzyński</figcaption></figure>

## The region as a passion of local government official

Cezary Wawrzyński, PhD, a Polish national living in Ostróda. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the field of Economics in the University of Gdańsk in 2012. His doctoral dissertation, entitled *The tourist use of inland waterway as an axis of social-economic development*, exemplified by the Elbląg Canal, was completed under the supervision of Prof. Krystyna Wojewódzka-Król, PhD, D. Sc.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I am a member of local authorities and I work as a secretary of the municipality. That is a position, which in accordance with the current act on local authorities in Poland, requires knowledge, higher education and specific experience, and its duties are extensive. They include, among others: filling in for and representing the rural or urban municipality mayors (depending on who is the local authority chief administrator), overseeing the work of the office, preparing and monitoring the process of producing documents and legal act projects, developing policies and internal regulations, supervising not only office employees, but also, indirectly, organisational units, such as schools, public utilities management or a municipal social services centre. Summing up, those are the responsibilities that include the proper functioning of the entire local authority, among others, carrying out the municipality's own tasks.

## To what extent are your responsibilities related to the sea?

I live by the Elbląg Canal, which is unique and well-known around the world. I have been trying to have it entered into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for several years. Together with other municipalities and counties, we constitute the Association of Elbląg Canal Municipalities and Counties that aims to act for the development of tourism and tourist economy based on inland transport relating to the sea. The vision of development of our voivodeship is connected with tourism of the Great Masurian Lakes on the East and the Elbląg Canal on the West. Following European tendencies, we expect the inland waterways in Poland to become a common practice of spending free time, and even a way of life on water, for instance on houseboats. The idea of revitalising the Polish part of the of E70 International Waterway is an opportunity for the development of tourism for us. It is similar with the Vistula Spit excavation.

## Have you been employed at another institution or company before, and have your position and scope of duties changed?

I have worked in this position at the current municipal office for almost two years, since 2020. However, before that, I had been the secretary in the Ostróda city for ten years, and then in the Ostróda municipality for six years – altogether, that is eighteen years already. This is a distinctive position in the local authority and office, so when you take it, you have a fixed and essentially considerable scope of duties "right-away". This is an either/or situation (you either fill the position with a fully established scope of duties, or you do not fill it at all). Obviously, you can be periodically delegated (as it was in my case) to represent the rural or urban municipality mayor in a variety of organisations, associations, foundations, or supervisory councils of municipality companies, or with the local authority's participation.
**Why did you choose the career of a member of local authorities?**

That was in some respect a coincidence and emergence of certain circumstances. I was a city councilman, I co-organised the mayor's election campaign, and it is both a "substantive" position and, by necessity, a position of "politics", since you are in fact the mayor's "right hand." Still, in the case of the current "company", it was decided upon particular knowledge reserves and the experience in municipal authorities gained beforehand, which in a way "imposes" the choice, and allows to fulfil the contest requirements as well.

**Working in local authorities is to some extent public service.**

**Is it satisfying for you and what is the source of the greatest satisfaction?**

If you are committed to the work, then the job of a local authorities' member is a service, pretentious though it may sound. The specificity relies on the fact that according to the rules of democracy, every four or five years there is a verification and, you can say, the voters decide on further employment. Each year the mayor must receive a vote of approval, there is a legal supervision of a voivode over the local authorities' law. Therefore, the greatest satisfaction comes from winning the next elections, since it means that winner undertakings and substantive decisions outweighed the unwise ones. The satisfaction also derives from a situation where a municipality obtains external resources for development, such as from the European Union. This is as much a result of strategies devised before and the undertaken actions, which I participate in as well.

> I broadened my general knowledge in economics and regional development, which translates into present management skills and capabilities of participating in processes related to planning and development. Moreover, I write books on regional subject matters, so useful is also the back matter and methodology of conducting research, which were provided during the studies.

**To what degree is your current job related to your doctoral studies?**

My doctoral dissertation is more or less related to what I am dealing with at the moment. I wrote about using the inland waterway as exemplified by the Elbląg Canal, and the Canal and nautical tourism are at the centre of my interests. I completed the PhD studies in economics, and that is very useful, since economic laws are objective and universal. It is the knowledge and skills that are beneficial globally, so in the management of local municipalities as well. During my doctoral studies many classes were also related to regional development, the European Union functioning and international projects, which can be likewise valuable.
**Does obtaining a PhD open up job opportunities?**

That still largely depends, particularly in Poland, on the region (which is connected with the level of development and wealth), population size, state of economic situation and other factors. Nonetheless, it should not even be a question that a PhD will not hurt the personal development, and it should be the opposite - single exceptions rather confirm this rule... For me personally, an academic degree is advantageous, if nothing else, for publications and written works or while participating in symposiums or conferences.

**Would you be willing to share your greatest success stories and professional failures?**

Everything is ahead of me. The greatest success will be if we manage to enter the Elbląg Canal into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the activities undertaken so far, which I treat as my great successes, I can name once pioneer-level developments in the area of healthcare and the protection of the Mazovia natural environment. In the early 2000s, as the first ones in Poland, we turned a hospital into a joint-stock company, which was a great challenge. We were also able to block the building of a particle board factory in our region. That was difficult and not everyone understood it, but consequently, it will work towards sustainable development with regard to respecting natural environment. As far as failures are concerned, there have been losses, even electoral, but they were the result of a series of different events that one could not necessarily have an influence on...

**What sort of skills did you develop during your PhD studies?**

I broadened my general knowledge in economics and regional development, which translates into present management skills and capabilities of participating in processes related to planning and development. Moreover, I write books on regional subject matters, so useful is also the back matter and methodology of conducting research, which were provided during the studies.

**Which skills developed during your PhD studies do you appreciate the most?**

Those include the practical matters, such as using footnotes, guidelines on quoting and the knowledge of rules that prevent you from "plagiarising". However, in general, apart from broadening the knowledge itself, it was acquiring the skills of fast searching and finding the necessary knowledge in case it is required.

**Did your employment after doctoral studies go rather seamlessly or was it a challenge?**

I had worked in the local authorities before the PhD studies, so it was a continuation of employment. In the meantime, though, I moved to a different municipality. I took part in the contest, which I won, and presumably, a doctoral degree had a particular significance. To speak colloquially, one can believe that I had a better "bargaining chip" than the competition.

**What message would you like to convey to current doctoral students? It worth making the effort?**

Despite the fact that we experience a deterioration of criteria and norms in force in the public space, depreciation of the old definition of professional intelligence, one is supposed to aim to increase the knowledge and invest in one's own development, because you never know when that knowledge may come in handy... But it certainly will!
Kiel University
<figure><img src="image_55.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_56.png" /><figcaption>Verena Dauben</figcaption></figure>

CAU

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

## Trust yourself to do something and do it!

Verena Dauben is an oceanographer living and working in northern Germany - on the Baltic Sea coast. By birth, she comes from the interior of Germany - far away from the sea. She studied in Southampton and completed her doctorate in 2005. Now, she works in the private sector dealing with underwater technology and has had a "very comfortable permanent position in a small company for 13 years."

### Verena, how did you get from the inland to the sea and how did you end up studying in Southampton?

During school I thought that studying oceanography would be quite interesting. To improve my English, I went to Southampton for 9 months and enrolled in a college there. Near my accommodation there, the National Oceanography Centre was currently being rebuilt. I didn't know it, but looked at it and was thrilled. After school I studied there. After that I went back to northern Germany and got a Postdoc half-time position at the marine science institute GEOMAR. Since the recognition of my degree from Southampton here in Germany was currently very difficult, I decided to write my PhD thesis - theoretically- in Southampton, but I was in Kiel at the Institute of Oceanography the whole time. I had one supervisor in Southampton and one in Kiel. So, my PhD program was completely managed in Southampton although I spent the whole time in Kiel.

### What are your professional responsibilities in your current job?

Since we are a small company, everyone actually has to do everything. We also have office management, but I also do my own administration. Accordingly, Senior Management, Administration and Consultancy apply. However, the official title is "System Sales Manager". Leadership doesn't apply because we have a boss, but we don't have any hierarchies.

### Has your position changed since you were employed in your current job?

Not really. My job is so varied, there's always something new, but the job itself hasn't changed because everyone does everything.

### Which of the following sectors (according to the blue economy report 2020) is more related to the scope of your company?

It all happens sometimes. So far, I would say the main sectors are ship repairing industries, environmental monitoring and protection, wind energy but also mineral resources, extractive industry (offshore oil and gas), offshore wind power, shipbuilding and coastal defence. It is difficult to choose only 3 here, because we have to deal with many sectors equally.

### Why did you choose your current job by the MacArtney Underwater Technology Group or rather how did you get there (referring also to previous job)?

How I got this job, just like my PhD, did not happen in a direct way, but in a bumpy way. Since I didn't want to stay in science and it was very difficult to find a job outside of science, after my doctorate, I did a master's degree in business administration at the University of Applied Sciences in a further course of study. At the end of this degree I had to do an internship (including a master thesis), which brought me to ELAC Sonar (Electro Acoustic Sonar). ELAC SONAR is a market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of hydroacoustic systems for naval applications and I was increasingly involved in marketing. I had hoped
to stay there, but that didn't work out. However, there was a nice woman there, who knew someone at MacArtney and picked up the phone. A day later I had an interview with the company and was hired immediately.

At that time, my boss was looking for someone who was familiar with marine science and who could be loose with customers from marine technology and marine science at the same time. My employer found my training to be very innovative, as I also had knowledge of business administration in addition to my marine science studies, and he was happy to have found someone who also knew about operations and marketing.

**Which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?**

If I can find a good solution for the customer through the expertise I have acquired here, that is very satisfying. Sometimes customers (also from scientific fields) come with tricky problems and if I can solve them, that's great. My favourite thing is when not only can I solve problems theoretically, but also implement things on site, i.e. work practically (e.g. demonstrate devices, put them into operation...), sometimes I can get really dirty in the process.

**Does your current job position require a doctoral degree?**

No, but depending on the customers we have, it is sometimes an advantage to have such training.

**How is your job connected to your doctoral studies?**

I partly sell products that I used myself during my doctoral studies. Many of my customers used to be my colleagues. The way I learned to work. We sometimes have difficult projects where you first have to learn the science that the customer is doing, for example. Then it helps that you've learned how to do that.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes?**

For one thing, I get to travel a lot, but not too much, and that's fun! On the other hand, that I found a job that deals with ocean topics. It is rather hard for oceanographers to find a job outside of science. If they don't stay in science, oceanographers usually do something completely different.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional failures?**

When I don't get an order/project in which I have invested a lot of time. Fortunately, that doesn't happen often.

**In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution/university in which you obtained your doctoral degree?**

Yes, but it is very difficult. As I said before, it is very hard for oceanographers to get a job outside science. It is not communicated what you can do after graduation. I thought about it myself, that I wanted to do something with technology. But the fact that I have this job now happened more through "someone knows someone", that is, through contacts. I was lucky in that respect.

**What sort of skills did you develop during your doctoral studies and how do you rate them (from not necessary - to essential) compared with your current work requirements?**

Fundamental knowledge was rather moderately trained but is necessary in my current work. After my doctorate, I could have used statistics, but I learned very little or not really at all during my studies.

The most important skills for my current job are, for example, being able to quickly get to grips with difficult topics and solve various problems, and thus also creativity. Our jobs are so varied and sometimes you have to really read up on scientific issues before you can solve customer problems. Listening carefully to the customer is of course also very important, as well as being able to communicate well and work in a team.
Soft skills are essential for my current job and compared to the fundamental skills, I was able to acquire them very well. The most important ones are team work, project management, adaptation capacity, stress control, communication capacity, initiative and decision making, conflict management, change management, complex problems resolution and planning. A little less, but still good, I was able to develop soft skills like critical thinking, rationalization and innovation.

I was also able to acquire good interpersonal and social skills during my doctoral thesis and those are also essential for my current work requirements. Flexibility and self-assurance and optimism are the most important ones, followed by creativity team work capacity, self-esteem and proactivity. I don't know if I acquired empathy and active listening during my studies. I am empathetic by nature and can actively listen well. However, I feel the same way about many of the listed skills. I would say that they were used moderately during my studies, along with other skills such as leadership. Persuasion is one of the least important skills in relation to my education.

**Which of those skills are the most important ones in your current job and which do you value the most?**

The most important skills for my current job are, for example, being able to quickly get to grips with difficult topics and solve various problems, and thus also creativity. Our jobs are so varied and sometimes you have to really read up on scientific issues before you can solve customer problems. Listening carefully to the customer is of course also very important, as well as being able to communicate well and work in a team. But actually, they are all important, just some not as much as others.

Since I really enjoy my job, I value all these skills and especially the ability to be empathetic.

**Which of those skills are irrelevant in your current job?**

For my current job, it is not so important to be empathetic. That was important in my studies and in my current job I have to be able to assess my customers at most. I would also rate interpersonal intelligence as rather unimportant.

**How was your transition to employment after you finished your doctorate: seamless or challenging?**

Difficult and bumpy. I did something completely different after my PhD. I had also considered staying in academia, but that was too difficult. Then I did another degree in business administration and meanwhile worked on the publications of my PhD thesis. After my second degree, I did an internship at a company through which I got my current job (through relationships). All in all, with my second degree, internship, waiting and not knowing where to go and many applications, it took 2 ½ years to get to my current job.

**What brief message would you like to send to current PhD students?**

Hang in there! Do not give up, even if it is difficult! Deal with what you want to do and what you need for it in time. If you do not want to stay in science, then acquire the basic knowledge that you need in business enterprises, such as business thinking.

**What brief message would you like to send to current PhD advisors?**

They should take care in any case. If they accept someone, they should also accompany and advise them. This doesn't mean that they should give the students everything in bits and pieces, but simply provide more support and prepare them better for their careers.
<figure><img src="image_57.png" /><figcaption>Florian Huber</figcaption></figure>

## Archaeologist, Scientific Diver, Author & Speaker

Florian Huber, PhD, was born in Munich, in the south of Germany and holds a doctorate in Archaeology. Now he lives in the north of Germany at the Baltic Sea coast, has been self-employed in his profession for more than seven years and travels for his projects all over the world.

**Florian, you are a native of southern Germany. How did you become an independent underwater archaeologist?**

I have studied prehistory, anthropology, philology and Ethnology in Munich, Umeå (Sweden) and in Kiel. I served as a research assistant at the Institute of Prehistory and Early History at the University of Kiel, focusing on underwater archaeology and historic archaeology. Since 2004 I have worked as a group leader for Maritime and Limnic Archaeology (AMLA) and in 2014 I completed my doctoral dissertation on working methods in difficult lacustrine and marine waters. Expeditions and excavations have led me to various corners of the world, including Sweden, Iceland, Ghana, Mexico, Chile, New Zealand, the Azores, and Sudan. In 1992 I started to explore the seas as an avid scuba diver for example in the water-filled caves of the Yucatán Peninsula, in search of Maya and prehistoric artefacts. Then in 2013 I founded the research diving group "Submaris" with four friends. We are active in science and work for ministries of the environment, among others, but also shoot films for television and production companies.

**What are your professional responsibilities in your current job?**

In the Submaris team we are all equal and everyone does everything. In addition, I also have my own projects, which I also manage as an independent without further help.

**Which of the following sectors (according to the blue economy report 2020) is more related to the scope of your company?**

Since we are - as Submaris team - are divers private active, we have projects in different sectors such as marine archaeology, but also environmental monitoring and protection or marine protection and maritime transport.

**What was your previous job and why did you choose your current job/situation?**

I had been employed at the university as a research assistant for several years, which I enjoyed very much, and did a lot of teaching, among other things. What always happens with German scientists in the universities - when they are not particularly lucky - is that my contract at the university expired and my position was not renewed. But since I knew that this would happen one day I was prepared for it. So, I was a bit forced into it but am now happy to have taken this step and about the great flexibility my current job brings with it.

**Are you satisfied with your current job?**

Yes, absolutely, it gives me an incredible amount of freedom! Yes, absolutely, it does! So much so that I haven't applied anywhere else for years and haven't accepted any other positions, even though colleagues have offered them to me.
**How was your transition to employment after you finished your doctorate: seamless or challenging?**

Actually smooth. I, or rather all team members of Submaris, received start-up support from the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry over a period of 9 months. During the time of this financial support I already got first projects.

**How is your job connected to your doctoral studies and which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?**

The archaeological expertise, my training as a research diver and my doctorate.

**Does your current job position require a doctorate degree?**

You don't need a doctorate to become self-employed. But yes, in any case. Especially as a self-employed person, you then stand a bit higher on the competence level. I have never regretted that I did a PhD.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes and failures?**

My greatest professional successes are to have taken the step into self-employment, to have consolidated the self-employment, i.e. that it has worked out well, and of course to know that I can make a good living with it and earn good money. My greatest failures? In my current self-employment I had no failures. But at the university it was a pity that my position was not extended. I enjoyed teaching and leading the underwater research group. But as I said, I'm glad it happened, because now I earn more money than at the university, I can do a wide range of different projects, such as writing books, making films for nature programs, working for television and, thanks to Submaris, I now also do a lot of biological work, such as mapping seagrass beds, identifying algae on Helgoland and recovering ghost nets, which I would never have done at the university. At the university the focus would have been completely different, you have your teaching and your field projects but it would never have been as varied and I probably would never have gotten into marine sciences.

> Now I earn more money than at the university, I can do a wide range of different projects, such as writing books, making films for nature programs, working for television and, thanks to Submaris, I now also do a lot of biological work, such as mapping seagrass beds, identifying algae on Helgoland and recovering ghost nets, which I would never have done at the university.
**In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution/university in which you obtained your doctorate degree?**

Definitely no! I knew it would be difficult, that's why I concentrated on diving during this time, I did further training on my own initiative like underwater filming, self-taught underwater photography or diving with different gases. This is what distinguishes my profile and that of Submaris, namely that we have skills that others do not have. For example, we are booked by television for underwater photography because we can do it better than the cameramen who are employed by television. Unfortunately, many people don't know that there are very poor job prospects in archaeology. When students ask me if they should choose archaeology or biology, I always advise biology - if that is what they want to do. I see a lot more opportunities in biology. As an archaeologist you can stay at the university, go to excavation companies or work at a museum. But there are far more people studying archaeology than there are positions, which even stay filled for about 30 years most of the time.

**What sort of skills did you develop during your doctoral studies?**

Few study-related fundamental knowledges skills, to roughly summarize: it was a simple study, we learned how to dig, record and photograph, but not very much beyond that. On the other hand, I was able to acquire a lot of soft and interpersonal/social skills. Team work, project management, followed by adaptation capacity, communication capacity and innovation and creativity are the most important. Less important were negotiation and stress control and absolutely irrelevant is rationalization.

In terms of interpersonal and social skills, flexibility and self-assurance and optimism were the most important, followed by creativity, self-esteem, proactivity and interpersonal intelligence. Of course, active listening is also important but not very relevant in archaeology. Since I was a leader of the underwater group at the university (while doing my doctorate), I would classify leadership and empathy as a major development. Persuasion was the least important.

**Which of those skills are the most important in your current job and which do you value the most?**

All the skills I acquired during my doctoral studies are essential. Most important are initiative and decision making, creativity, motivation and self-confidence. What I value most is having learned to be highly self-motivated, to always motivate myself, to reach out to others and to put actions into practice.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral students?**

Trust yourself to do something and do it! If you have an idea, implement it immediately and try it!

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral advisors?**

To look beyond one's own discipline, create interdisciplinary opportunities, teach students to manage themselves and help them understand how much a scientist is worth.
<figure><img src="image_58.png" /><figcaption>Kerstin Maczassek</figcaption></figure>

## Have the courage to start in other areas that are not directly related to your studies

Kerstin Maczassek was born in southern Germany, but lives and works in northern Germany, in Kiel at the Baltic Sea. In July 2010, she completed her doctoral studies in Benthic Ecology at the University of Kiel. For the last four years, she has held a permanent position in a private company, which accompanies construction measures in the sense of nature and environmental protection.

### What are your professional responsibilities in your current job?

I am employed in a team. Sometimes I have projects alone but most of the time we work together in a team. My main task is to give advice in terms of nature conservation. For example, if a construction project is planned (for example: a cable is to be laid through the Wadden Sea, construction of a wind turbine in the sea...) the developer must comply with certain regulations (no damage to reefs, compliance with bird breeding times, species protection, noise pollution, etc.) and to implement this we are contacted. We then advise, make an environmental construction supervision and help to make the applications for the construction project, which is then to be approved by the authority. In addition to the mainly advisory function, there is a bit of administration and project coordination, which is usually done together as a team.

### Has your position changed since you were employed in your current job?

No, the projects are diverse but the tasks are the same.

### In which sector are you currently working and which sectors are related to the scope of your company?

We are a limited liability company. I would classify it in other public sector activities. We do everything that is related to both marine and terrestrial environmental protection (species and nature conservation), regardless of location. The institute in which I work is equally connected with many sectors, so to select only 3 would not be correct. Mainly the sectors are: E- Fisheries, Maritime transport, Maritime law, Marine and coastal tourism, Electricity and water supply, Coastal defence and Ocean conservation, and to a lesser extent Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

### Why did you choose your current job or rather how did you get there (referring also to previous job)?

During my studies, I already worked for a company (as an assistant scientist) that produced ecological reports. The job paid poorly but it was fun. I had worked there for a few years before I started my doctorate. With this work I was able to acquire basic knowledge, which helped me to get my current job. There was a job posting that I applied for. I was lucky.

### How is your job connected to your doctoral studies and which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?

I would not have gotten this job without a science degree. Since the projects are diverse, the company I work for has graduates with different backgrounds (marine biologists, geologists, foresters).

I have developed a feeling for marine ecology and the whole coastal area, which
is important for my current work. During my PhD I often went out on the boat and dived, this also helps me now with special projects. In addition, during the doctorate you have learned to deal with texts and someone who has done a doctorate will also manage to create planning documents (or environmental assessment). In contrast to a doctorate, in my current job you just have to be careful not to get lost in the details when writing. In summary, the skills of scientific questioning, critical thinking and text writing are among the most rewarding expertise.

### Does your current job position require a doctoral degree?

No, but it helps me in my line of work. As a construction supervisor, you are treated with more respect and given more credit if you have already completed a doctoral thesis.

### What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes and failures?

I consider the fact that I have always been able to work in an area that I enjoy and in which I have always been able to work very flexibly to be a success.

In my job, you can also make mistakes from time to time, but they are then discussed in the team and that's not a big deal, so mistakes don't count as failures.

Failures in my field are certainly experienced by those who are not team players, but that doesn't apply to me. But at the beginning, when I applied for this job, I thought I would be able to work in my hometown. But there is a branch that is not on the Baltic Sea coast but on the North Sea coast. But after I accepted the job, I realised that I would have to commute to the North Sea coast. Since there was no alternative, I started working there anyway. But since I didn't feel comfortable with it, I felt it was a failure for a year. But my employer kept his promise and now I can work in my hometown.

### In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution/university in which you obtained your PhD degree?

No, it's very difficult. I was just lucky. During my studies, I worked for a similar, smaller company that also produced ecological reports. After my doctorate, I went back to the company I worked for as a student, but since the pay was very poor, it wouldn't have been a job for the future anyway. However, this job has certainly contributed to the fact that I am here now.

### What sort of skills did you develop during your doctoral studies?

Fundamental skills, which are important in my job, I was able to develop very strongly during my doctorate. Besides these, stress control, rationalisation, communication capacity, innovation and creativity, planning, critical thinking and project management are among the best trained soft skills. I could not develop interpersonal and social skills to a great extent, excluding teamwork, because that is something I naturally bring with me to a great extent. On the other hand, I was able to strengthen my self-esteem, optimism and proactivity.

> I would not have gotten this job without a science degree. Since the projects are diverse, the company I work for has graduates with different backgrounds (marine biologists, geologists, foresters). I have developed a feeling for marine ecology and the whole coastal area, which is important for my current work. During my PhD I often went out on the boat and dived, this also helps me now with special projects. In addition, during the doctorate you have learned to deal with texts and someone who has done a doctorate will also manage to create planning documents (or environmental assessment).
I also gained in persuasiveness, since my boss was a tough nut to crack.

**How do you rate the skills you learned during your doctoral studies in comparison to your current job requirements? Which of the skills learned are useful and which are not?**

The fundamental skills are already very important for my current job, which I would not have gotten without my studies. The additional skills I acquired during my doctorate are moderately important – as I already said, my studies would have been enough. The other skills are more important. More important are the other skills: stress control, rational thinking, communication skills, conflict management, planning and critical thinking are among the most important, while project management and adaptation skills are among the least important. In terms of interpersonal and social skills, flexibility, team work capacity, active listening, self-assurance have been the most prominent during my PhD. I also learned a lot about persuasion, but this is not relevant in my current job. The skill I value most, and the one that is most important in my job, is being a team player.

**How was your transition to employment after you finished your doctorate: seamless or challenging?**

The transition went very smoothly. I was lucky. At the end of my doctoral thesis, this position was advertised, which I applied for and got directly.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral students?**

Don't give up, keep at it. What you don't learn in the PhD, you can learn in the job afterwards. Have the courage to start in other areas that are not directly related to your studies. There are many niches, you have to find them and apply on your own initiative. Also, if you have started a job and are a bit unhappy with the situation at the beginning, give the job time. Most of the time the job becomes more and more interesting the more you get to know it and if you have a great team you can be very satisfied.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral advisors?**

Also, look at the doctoral students' background. For example, after a year you could ask whether you want to stay in science or go into business and what you can do to prepare yourself better for the future. A kind of career advice would be great.
<figure><img src="image_59.png" /><figcaption>Matthieu Povidis-Delefosse</figcaption></figure>

C A U

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

## Don't underestimate the value of the broader skills acquired throughout your PhD

Matthieu Povidis-Delefosse is a bioscience expert who has always been fascinated by the nature and oceans. Born in France, he studied Chemistry and Biology here and in other countries such as Germany, Scotland, Thailand and Denmark. His doctoral thesis (degree 2012) brought him to the University of Southern Denmark.

He has been working for more than 10 years as an environmental advisor for offshore industry.

### Matthieu, how is it that you, as a native Frenchman, live and work in Denmark and have studied here in Kiel, among other places?

I have always been fascinated by nature and the sea. During my studies, I was always interested in chemistry and biology. In the last year of my studies in France, we had the opportunity to go abroad. So, I applied for the Bio-Ocean programme, which was partly in Germany and southern Denmark. Since my degree programme was too focused on chemistry, I first had to do an undergraduate degree in biology before I could participate in the Bio-Ocean programme. So, I went to Scotland for a year to study biology and improve my English. Part of the Bio-Ocean programme was that you could do a one-year project and graduate with a Master's degree in biology. I did that, travelled to Thailand - which was pretty cool - studied marine plants and biogeochemistry and completed my Master's in Denmark. During that time, I met my wife and we both got the opportunity to do a PhD in Denmark, and now I'm here.

### What are your professional responsibilities in your current job and has your position changed since you were employed in your current job?

I offer expertise in marine environmental issues; therefore, my professional responsibility is mainly to advise offshore projects and operations how to best manage environmental risks.

My activities in the current company where I work have not changed in the 10 months I have been here.

### Which sector is related to the scope of your company?

Vattenfall is one of Europe's leading energy company that produces heat and electricity from many types of energy sources (wind, hydro, biomass, nuclear, coal and gas). I am part of the Bioscience team within the Environment and Sustainability units and I support the offshore wind energy area of our company. In our team, we work with the scientific community and support projects that, for example, investigate the effects of wind turbines on ecosystems and test new methods to reduce impact.

### What was your previous job and why did you choose your current job/situation?

Before I moved into industry, I worked in research and as an environmental consultant.

### How was your transition to employment after you finished your doctorate: seamless or challenging?
I wouldn't say it was seamless, but it was an interesting challenge. It took me a while to understand how things work in the industry. It was a bit of an adjustment because science and industry are two different worlds. I had to deal with people coming from different backgrounds, and needed to understand expectations and my role into the business. It was a challenge, but after a while I settled in very well.

**How is your job connected to your doctoral studies?**

I studied marine biology and still work in this field, so I would say there is a direct connection.

**Which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?**

What I find very exciting and for which I am very grateful is the opportunity to link the academic world with industry in my job.

**Does your current job position require a doctoral degree?**

In the job advertisement for my current job, a master's degree was a prerequisite. That doesn't mean they aren't grateful that I have a PhD. It wasn't necessary but it helps especially in projects where I work with scientists/universities.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes?**

Science and Industry are two different worlds but can work very well together. I am very passionate about being able to build this cross-sector bridge between science and industry. So, I enjoy building and conducting any transdisciplinary projects that make this link and look at these as some of my greatest success.

**In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution/university in which you obtained your doctoral degree?**

In 2012, I was lucky to find a job that exactly matched my education and PhD specialty. In general, opportunities for people with a PhD education are largely open outside academia. It is maybe country-specific but, when I joined the industry about ten years ago, I often had to explain what PhD meant and how it differed from an engineer. This is no longer the case and I feel that PhD title is more and more appreciated.

> In 2012, I was lucky to find a job that matched exactly my education and PhD specialty. In general, opportunities for people with a PhD education have largely open outside academia. It is maybe country specific but, when I joined the industry about ten years ago, I often had to explain what PhD meant and how it differed from an engineer. This is no longer the case and I feel that PhD title is more and more appreciated
**What sort of skills did you develop during your doctoral studies and which of those skills are the most important ones in your current job?**

With regard to my studies, I was able to develop a lot of fundamental skills, everything I learned I actually still use in my current job. In terms of soft skills, team work, project management, adaption and communication capacity, planning and critical thinking were particularly important. The most experienced interpersonal and social skills are creativity, flexibility and persuasion. Some of the others are generally present in me and I would not say that they were developed or strengthened during my work.

Of all these skills, besides the fundamental skills, project management and per-
suasion are the most important for my current work.

**Which skills acquired during your doctoral studies do you value the most?**

I use all of these most of the time and would choose all of them but if I have
to pick just one or two I would say project management and communication.

I value project management and communication the most.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral students?**

If you are looking to start a professional life outside academia, don't underestimate the value of the broader skills, experience and maturity acquired throughout your PhD. These are extremely valuable for your potential future employer.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral advisors?**

Help students to see this (as mentioned above) and help them to put their
research in a broader perspective.

<figure><img src="image_60.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_61.png" /><figcaption>Matthias Schaber</figcaption></figure>

CAU

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

## Study what you burn for and it pays off!

Matthias Schaber is a fish biologist who has been fascinated by the underwater world and its inhabitants since he was a kid. Born in southern Germany, he made his dream come true and relocated to the Baltic Sea coast where he studied Marine Biology and specialized in hydroacoustics in his PhD thesis (2011). Today he works in the public research sector at a German federal research institute and has had permanent civil servant position since 2015. He has found his vocation and lives it out, among other things, as a sought-after shark expert.

## Matthias, how does someone who grew up far from the sea get such a rare and attractive position in marine biology?

Despite fancying also, a medicinal career or even considering to apply for pilot training, it became quite evident while majoring in biology for the A-levels that I would like to pursue that path. It may sound a bit corny, but in fact it was all of the colourful documentations on coral reefs, fishes, whales -anything related to marine biology-that paved the way to studying marine biology and fisheries biology. At that time, information brochures from the employment office indicated that studying biology might not be the smartest choice considering the necessity to actually find a job that also pays some bills afterwards. This however did not keep me from moving to the Baltic Sea coast and following my dream of studying marine biology. The rest is in fact a lucky combination of qualifying in the "right" topic at the right time and acquiring the required - rather specific-professional skills at a time when a position was open.

## What are your professional responsibilities in your current job and has your position changed since you were employed in your current job?

It is almost a bit of everything. My main task is to plan, coordinate, conduct and evaluate internationally coordinated scientific surveys to provide estimates on abundance and biomass of different fish stocks. Another aspect is to conduct basic and applied research in different aspects of fish and fisheries biology. Working for a federal research institute, policy consultancy is also an important part of my professional responsibilities. As head of the hydroacoustics workgroup and co-leader of the research unit "Operational Observation Systems", responsibilities also include administration as well as leadership to some degree.

## Which of the following sectors (according to the blue economy report 2020) is more related to the scope of your company?

I am working at a federal research institute. The scope of research and (policy) consultancy conducted at the institute however comprises fisheries, environmental monitoring and protection, ocean conservation and ICZM.

## What was your previous job and why did you choose your current job/situation?

After achieving a diploma degree in fisheries biology at Kiel University I hoped to be able to continue right away and do a doctoral degree, but there were no PhD positions open or available. Fortunately, about at the same time, due to the then expanding demand for marine and fisheries biologists in the consultancy sector I got a position at a private Consulting bureau in Kiel. There I conducted a lot of data collection (sea trips on chartered fishing vessels) for environmental
The most rewarding aspects of my current job are that I feel the job I do is an important component of a joint and common approach to the sustainable use and management of our marine resources. (...) Another highly rewarding aspect is my "old" passion for elasmobranchs, which I could further follow through employing observation systems (satellite tags) to investigate migrations and behaviour of endangered sharks (...).

impact assessments of the expanding offshore energy sector. I also did a lot of scuba diving to monitor the environmental conditions in marine protected areas along the Baltic Sea coast. That job was indeed really neat and I enjoyed it a lot – but I somehow felt a certain personal lack of scientific progress. I continued to have close ties with the research institute in Kiel, and after a few years got the opportunity to follow a PhD project in the framework of several scientific projects there. I have to admit that initially I was not too keen on learning or working with hydroacoustics – the main topic of the thesis offered. That was not my original plan, since I somehow intended to work a bit more with actual fish and rather than digital images of single fish and fish schools – but in hindsight I guess there could have been no better choice! Both did I learn to appreciate the enormous capacities of that method to investigate and characterize marine ecosystems – from coastal seas to the mesopelagic realms of the open oceans, and it happened to have been the right choice at the right time. When I was close to finishing my PhD on the distribution of cod in the central Baltic Sea – and after my temporary project contracts had been terminated –, there was a job announcement for a fishery biologist with a background in hydroacoustics at the federal research institute in –then– Hamburg. Even though I really love to see the world and travel a lot, I somehow preferred to stay in the area due to all of the social ties made in the years since my relocation to Kiel. So that position was in fact the lucky draw: It fully matched my scientific background and offered to follow a scientific career in my pursued profession at a more or less local institute. The cherry on the cake: I got that position.

**Are you satisfied with your current job?**

Yes, absolutely.

**How was your transition to employment after you finished your PhD: seamless or challenging?**

I would consider it rather seamless, since I transitioned from a research institute to another research institute. Even though some things, especially regarding administrative aspects etc. are certainly different at a federal research institute, this did not really affect my perception of the working environment and the way things are done. So in fact, the transition was really smooth. What needs to be mentioned though: I did not hold a specific PhD position but was employed
in several temporary project contracts (with the opportunity to use scientific outputs from the project work for a PhD thesis). The contracts were terminated prior to me actually finishing the PhD; accordingly, there was a temporary phase of a few months when I was unemployed (while still working on the thesis).

**How is your job connected to your PhD studies and which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?**

The methodology I applied in my PhD studies is the core methodology I am using at my current position. I used hydroacoustic methods to investigate the distribution (and abundance) of fish – and my current position is workgroup leader "hydroacoustics" in the research department "Operational Observation Systems", where I am responsible for both using these methods to provide abundance and biomass estimates for commercially important fish species in the Northeast Atlantic and adjacent seas as well as tuning and further developing these methods to characterize marine ecosystems.

The most rewarding aspects of my current job are that I feel the job I do is an important component of a joint and common approach to the sustainable use and management of our marine resources. I am involved in many coordinated, international research surveys and working groups, mostly in the framework of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and I feel proud to be a part of that community and to actually "achieve" something. Another highly rewarding aspect is my "old" passion for elasmobranchs, which I could further follow through employing observation systems (satellite tags) to investigate migrations and behaviour of endangered sharks, but also through my membership in several working groups and expert groups on the management and protection of elasmobranchs as well as through providing political consulting on many possible aspects of shark fisheries and conservation.

**Does your current job position require a doctoral degree?**

The job advertisement read "PhD welcome" – and I was close to finishing my PhD when I successfully applied for the position. I submitted my actual dissertation shortly after I had started the new and current position.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes and failures?**

I'd say the fact that I –more or less on a daily basis– can contribute to and participate in research and work that plays a key role in the sustainable use of marine resources and the conservation of the marine environment counts as great professional success. More specifically, I held a key position in a joint and successful effort by several federal agencies to internationally protect an endangered shark species. That one was great, too.

I do not want to sound too boastful, but I cannot recall anything that I could really count as professional failure.

**In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution/university in which you obtained your doctoral degree?**

The method I mainly used during my PhD is widely employed in both research and science as well as e.g. in commercial fisheries – and a broad range of other applications in the marine sector. Accordingly, depending on whether the focus is on the method and its development itself or rather the employment of this method to conduct research on different aspects of marine and fisheries ecology, there in my point of view is a range of opportunities for further career development – in that specific case. This may comprise both a career with any of the established companies in the sector, and a career in a developing company, as well as rather scientific approaches to using the method in the research sector.
**What sort of skills did you develop in your doctoral studies, and which of those skills are the most important ones and which of those are irrelevant in your current job?**

Regarding the fundamental skills, I would consider the ability to scientifically formulate and analyse a research question using the specific methods applied in my PhD still as the most important ones. To be as specifically proficient as possible and at the same time open for and willing to learn other approaches is a crucial skill. Regarding the soft skills, both as head of the hydroacoustics working group at the institute and as a member of a range of international scientific working groups, I would consider team work, communication capacity, planning and initiative/decision making the most important soft skills. Team work capacity, active listening as well as interpersonal intelligence I'd assess as the most important interpersonal and social skills. Negotiation and rationalization as well as e.g. persuasion would not apply as relevant skills in my current job.

**Which skills acquired during your doctoral studies do you value the most?**

Scientific thinking, self-organized and target-oriented working. The mostly successful fight against procrastination.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral students?**

Wherever possible, strive to diversify your professional skills as broad as possible.

**What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral advisors?**

(please, specify)

Any guidance beyond the purely scientific approach is surely highly appreciated – it would be great to provide the candidates also with a head start regarding application for research grants, involvement in scientific research bodies, etc.

<figure><img src="image_62.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_63.png" /><figcaption>Ruth Gingold</figcaption></figure>

## Being passionate about your job will carry you through difficult times!

Ruth Gingold is a biologist and completed her doctorate on Benthos Ecology in 2010 in Mexico. She currently has two fields of employment: On the one hand, she has a project-related (temporary) job at the University of Kiel. On the other hand she is on an unlimited contract in a private company – two different employers that can be combined professionally.

### Could you give us a timeline of your professional path since the doctorate?

My doctorate was completed in 2010 in Mexico, where I worked on issues of benthic biodiversity. After that, my husband, who is a paleoceanographer, and I moved to France, and in 2013 we moved to Kiel, Germany. Together we decided that it would be unsettling for two people to pursue careers in science while having a family, so after my PhD I devoted myself to our family and children, while working as an independent translator of scientific texts. I remained interested in working in science, but had no connections in Kiel. In 2017, I approached a professor at the University with my own project proposal. Fortunately, he was interested, and I spent the next two years from 2017 to 2019 as a guest scientist (unpaid) setting up the project and doing fundraising. The project was at the interface between science and environmental education, which was really interesting. Working at the University then brought me in contact with many people, among them a partner at CRM (Coastal Research and Management), an environmental consultancy firm in Kiel, Germany, where I was offered a job in 2019. Since then, I have been working at both places, CRM and Kiel University.

### What is your job profile in your current position?

Involved in joint projects, I build a bridge between the two institutions – a company of the private sector and the University. I have a variety of responsibilities, and must emphasize that I really enjoy that we work as a team. One of our common projects is called Aquator, where we support start-ups in the field of blue bioeconomy. At CRM I also work in a project called "InEVal", that looks at using starfish as an alternative to fish meal. I also do project management, supervise students, and look after aspects of conducting projects at the company.

### What made you choose this job?

I really liked that the profile of the company was allied to my qualifications, since I did my doctorate in marine ecology and I am using this knowledge now in my job. I wanted to stay in this scientific field, so it fit perfectly. Also, the people I work with are sincerely interested in moving things towards a more sustainable future. Being part of this team and the process is a dream come true.

### What do you particularly like or perhaps dislike about your current job or career path?

As I said, I really like that we work as a team, everyone contributes and supports others. I am also really enthusiastic about working in an applied field, where I feel I can contribute to improving sustainability. This was an important criterium in my career choice.

I have always been interested in science, but as a university academic I found that there is little security or life-planning possible. One lives from one short
term contract to the other - this is certainly a negative part of being a scientist. Also, in the search of a permanent position in academy, you must be prepared to move to another city or even country, which is why we as a family chose to take the path we did with just one of us - my husband - pursuing an academic career.

**Which skills do you use most in your job?**

A key skill I think is being flexible and interested in many aspects of the job - I have to be able to take a project through all phases from management to implementation and doing the science. Being motivated is an important part of it - I am motivated to make the world a better place! Another skill is in using scientific, analytical thought processes, that are necessary in data analysis, interpretation and publication.

In addition to being flexible, one really needs tenacity to see a task through, no matter how complex. Sometimes this calls for improvisation and thinking out of the box! What's also important, and part of this, is taking responsibility for one's work, so to be able to work independently when necessary, and, on the other hand, have good communication skills to be able to work in a team.

**Which skills from your doctorate do you bring into the job?**

Since I work in the same field, scientific knowledge of marine ecosystems and biodiversity is really important to my work now. But other than this, during my doctorate I learned to be independent, finding solutions to problems and persevering at the task. Presenting and defending my work, during conferences, in talks and during the disputation is also useful now, when we need to pitch or present our work or simply when discussing with colleagues. The scientific discussion is an important part of developing solutions.

**How was the transition from academia to your present job?**

For me personally it was sometimes a bumpy road. In retrospective, everything went well, but when I was on my way this was not always that clear. The good thing was that my husband had a salary and he supported me to find my way back to work after I had looked after the children for many years. I was "free" to do what I was interested in, at least for one to two years. After I had independently worked as a translator for some years, entering the University, even unpaid, and then getting my current job at CRM and a paid job at the University, I felt incredibly optimistic about "getting back on track". It was and is very empowering!

**Any messages to researchers currently doing their doctorate?**

I would just advise people to inform themselves of the academic system, especially possibilities after the doctorate which can be precarious and uncertain. Specifically, to think early on about what they may want to do outside of academia, to have a plan B. When I did my doctorate this was not spoken about. One should be aware that there is also hard competition in academia especially as one progresses after the doctorate.

Lastly, I would say be passionate about what you are doing - that will carry you through difficult times

> I really liked that the profile of the company was allied to my qualifications, since I did my doctorate in marine ecology and I am using this knowledge now in my job. I wanted to stay in this scientific field, so it fit perfectly. Also, the people I work with are sincerely interested in moving things towards a more sustainable future.
<figure><img src="image_64.png" /><figcaption>Susanne Landis</figcaption></figure>

## I combine both my passions – creative arts and science

Susanne Landis is an evolutionary biologist and received her doctorate at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in 2014. Since 2017 she has been working in the field of science communication in the private sector.

**Could you give us a timeline of your professional path since the doctorate?**

In 2014, I completed my doctorate in marine ecology and evolution, working on host-parasite interactions in a warming ocean. Following this, I debated with myself the pros and cons of going on to a postdoctoral position. My background was in science but I had also done two semesters at a Fine Arts and Design school before my doctorate. Ultimately, in 2016 I founded, together with a friend, our own start-up company that did science visualization. We built up our portfolio and had clients, and I realized that this is really what I am passionate about – to visualize science! So when, in 2017, a position opened at the Science Communication Lab (SciCom Lab) in Kiel I jumped at it and have been there ever since.

**Please describe your profile in your current position – what does your work entail?**

I'm primarily responsible for the conception of products such as interactive digital posters, illustrations and films. Since I have a research background, I have direct contact with clients to understand their communication needs and content, and am the person who transfers this into a storyline and narrative for communication. I then pass this on and work with designers and programmers who implement these into the final product. Our clients include large organizations such as the DESY in Hamburg and universities in Germany and Europe. We work on all kinds of topics from astrophysics to archaeology and ocean sciences. Basically, I am in close contact with the scientists and dive into the science by reading papers and making myself familiar with the research.

**What made you choose this career path and company?**

As I said, my passion has been in creative arts as well as science, and I have found a profession that combines both, so it is ideal for me. My colleagues at SciCom Lab are really great – the working atmosphere is harmonious and we work as a team; this is really important to me!

**Can you think of any major successes or failures you have experienced?**

Just the ability to work on what I love to do is a success for me! It's nice also to be recognized by awards, such as the "Kantar Information is Beautiful" award in 2019 or the German Design Award Gold, that we recently got for the interactive poster "Explore the Ocean". I can't think of any big failures, but of course there is always the uncertainty of how to proceed from here – I am in a rather small niche with a unique job description so the number of job offers is not large.

**Which skills do you use most in your current job, and how do these relate to skills you acquired during your doctorate?**

The detailed knowledge I obtained during my doctorate was not as crucial as the skills I obtained. Certainly, the ability to read and understand primary scientific literature, how research is conducted and how scientists think and collaborate is something that I learned during the doctorate that is crucial for my current
job. I am familiar with scientific writing, finding and interpreting research data, and am at home with scientific language – these are all the skills I use daily! During the doctorate I took several courses that were really useful, such as writing for the public and different presentation techniques. I think the social skills were innate in that I had them already. Things like conducting lab work are skills I haven't used since then!

For my current job I had to acquire additional skills in professional programmes such Adobe Illustrator and also more detailed graphic skills, such as how to visualize an abstract.

## How was the transition from academia to your present job?

It was certainly a challenge – I had to find a small niche where my skills and my passions would fit with a job! Being self-employed was great, but acquisition of clients remained a challenge. I felt more secure when I started at the SciCom Lab: being employed definitely reduces my stress level. However, with the support of my partner, our family and friends, we have been quite secure. It's important also to maintain a balance that I do at home, with friends, doing sports and being on a holiday!

> Just the ability to work an what I love to do is a success for me! It's nice also to be recognized by awards, such as the "Kantar Information is Beautiful" award in 2019 or the German Design Award Gold, that we recently got for the interactive poster "Explore the Ocean".

## Any messages to researchers currently doing their doctorate?

Looking back, I'd say that if you know you don't want to stay in science, you should take courses in other directions to broaden your horizon. It certainly helped me to implement what I learned in terms of science visualization by building a portfolio that opened jobs to me later on. I also think it's important to follow your passion, that is what makes one happiest!
<figure><img src="image_65.png" /><figcaption>Sven Neulinger</figcaption></figure>

## Valorising scientific skills as a bioinformatics consultant

Sven Neulinger has completed his doctorate in 2008 in the field of Marine Microbiology in Kiel, Germany. A few years after graduating, he founded his own company, together with a colleague.

**Could you give us a timeline of your professional path since the doctorate?**

In 2008, I completed my doctorate at the then Institute für Meereskunde-GEOMAR (IfM-GEOMAR) in Kiel, Germany in the field of marine microbiology, then I continued there for a few years as a Postdoc in the same field. Postdoc positions were precarious, so in 2011 I spent a few months getting additional qualifications in project management, and then went back to science at the Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology at Kiel University. It was there that I immersed in bioinformatics, learning the tools and skills for next-generation sequencing and sequence analysis. I was involved in supporting and advising colleagues and doctoral candidates in bioinformatics; I quickly learned that, while sequencing itself was relatively easy to carry out, bioinformatic and statistical evaluation and interpretation was much more complex! With a colleague in the working group, the idea was sown to start our own business, since it was evident that these services are needed. A further three years followed as a post-doc before, in 2015, my colleague and I took the leap to form our own start-up. Since September 2015, we have been the founder-partners in our consultancy omics2view.consulting GbR.

**Please describe your profile in your current position – what does your work entail?**

Apart from conducting bioinformatic and statistical data analysis, my colleague and I meet regularly to discuss new methods and the strategic direction of our company. Of course, we also answer questions from clients and write quotations. Sometimes even the greatest entrepreneur is just an office jockey.

**What made you choose this career path?**

The decision to start our own company came from the realization that we had considerable expertise in bioinformatics, as well as a background in science. These are skills in high demand, and we were certain that we could valorize these, while being independent external consultants. We are also able to apply our expertise to other clients and fields. Also, within the academic system, short-term contracts and a precarious job situation make long-term planning difficult, which contributed to this decision.

**What do particularly like or perhaps dislike about your current job or career path?**

An advantage to being external consultants is that we now interact at eye level with our clients. Being a service provider is a different situation from being a member of the University team. It is a comfortable professional situation and allows us a certain self-determination. We are also in a position to determine the spectrum of our services and expand to clients in other areas with similar needs. Of course, there are challenges associated with being self-employed. We deal with a volatile market and sometimes contracts are irregular, although to date we have had no major problems with acquisition of clients. We have established
a successful advertising strategy involving paid keyword searches in web-based search engines and have regular long-term clients. Nonetheless, one must be able to tide over difficult periods in a company.

**Can you think of any major successes or failures you have experienced?**

A success for us was certainly when we were awarded the Innovation Prize of the "GründerCup KielRegion 2016." For me a success is being able to do what I enjoy and have expertise in, on my own terms.

If I think about "failures" I recall that I started out with the single goal of reaching a professorship that I have not (yet) achieved. This also caused me to be more single-minded in academia rather than pursuing other options. In retrospect, I realize that I did not succeed in networking and getting the patronage that is important in the academic system to achieve that goal.

**Which skills do you use most in your current job, and how do these relate to skills you acquired during your doctorate?**

A lot of the technical and scientific skills that I use now I acquired during my doctorate. These include deep knowledge of biological systems and molecular biological methods. Key aspects of that period such as giving scientific talks, writing publications, pitching ideas, and knowing how a lab functions are all skills I draw on for my work. Also knowing how the system of science works, and how funding constraints and projects work is really useful. The detailed expertise in state-of-the-art sequence analysis and interpretation was part of my post-doctorate. The project management training I took taught me the importance of stakeholder management and communication.

In retrospect, from my current job, I think knowing more about the business aspects of starting a company would have been really useful – I mean the financial, fiscal, and legal knowledge that I had to learn on the fly.

**How was the transition from academia to your present job?**

I experienced transitioning from the University to my own company with my business partner and colleague as very liberating! We did not take external funding, but received support in the process from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry that helped as well.

**Any messages to researchers currently doing their doctorate?**

Think carefully about your options within and outside othe academic system! Be aware of the limited perspective as a post-doc and the need for a strong network and supporter. Whichever way you choose, you'll need certain skills to get there that you can acquire along the way. If you ever get lucky enough to lead your own team, remember that empathy is at least as important as expertise!

> An advantage to being external consultants is that we now interact at eye level with our clients. Being a service provider is a different situation from being a member of the University team. It is a comfortable professional situation and allows us a certain self-determination. (...) A success for us was certainly when we were awarded the Innovation Prize of the "GründerCup KielRegion 2016."
<figure><img src="image_66.png" /><figcaption>Thurid Otto</figcaption></figure>

## Networking during your studies is very important

Thurid Otto received her doctorate in (marine) Biology from the University of Kiel and graduated in 2012. Now she has a permanent position as head of a department in a government institution dealing with nature conservation.

**What are your professional responsibilities in your current job and has your position changed since you were employed in your current job?**

I work at a state institution and I am a ward manager. My tasks range from leadership to administrative tasks. Organisation is also a broad field, as we supervise and advise on various nature conservation projects. I have a lot of responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the projects, but I am also in demand for technical advice on specific nature-related issues.

**Which of the following sectors is more related to the scope of your company?**

Terrestrial conservation, including coastal areas.

**What was your previous job and why did you choose your current job/situation?**

Before that, I worked on a small island in sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. I had a lot of temporary contracts and you can never be sure if you would get more contracts. So, I was looking for a permanent position and I also wanted to go back to my home country. Then came the job advertisement for my current position. I achieved what I wanted. I work in nature conservation, in the country of my choice, and I have a permanent position.

**Are you satisfied with your current job?**

Yes, absolutely!

**How was your transition to employment after you finished our doctorate: seamless or challenging?**

At first it wasn't easy, but I think it was mainly because I just applied for the wrong jobs. You have to think carefully about what you want to do and what you need for it. After my PhD, I needed something simple again and applied for a project (simple work with fish: measuring, determining...) for which I was overqualified. At that time, I simply wanted to do it, but my doctorate was certainly a hindrance in the application. Then I was self-employed and worked for the WWF. However, I only got this job through a good network of a friend. But here, too, the projects were always interrupted and I was unemployed in between. After that, I got the job on the small island, as already described, but I also only got this job through a good network.

**How is your job connected to your doctoral studies and which aspects of your current job are the most rewarding to you in view of your expertise?**

Although I have a degree in natural sciences and work in nature conservation, the two topics actually have nothing to do with each other. Professionally, I'm doing something completely different. But everything I learned in terms of other skills, such as time management, organisation, recognising complex interrelationships... helped me a lot, of course. My career has more or less built on each other. My luck to have got this job with a management position is a combination of the soft skills I learned at university and the professional expertise I got in my jobs before.
Supervisors should take care of their doctoral students and use their own relationships and networks to connect doctoral students, for example to send them to conferences or other meetings and encourage them to network.

**Does your current job position require a doctoral degree?**

No, but I think it was beneficial.

**What do you consider to be your greatest professional successes and failures?**

My greatest success was my luck. I wasn't well connected myself, but I knew
knew someone who knew someone. So, I got the chance to work at the WWF
(World Wide Fund For Nature), which certainly goes down well on your CV if
you want to work in nature conservation. The same applies to the job after-
wards and now I have achieved what I wanted.

I would say my biggest failure was wasting too much time and energy applying for the wrong jobs (where I was overqualified).

**In your opinion, after completing doctoral studies, are there wide opportunities for further career development outside the institution university in which you obtained your doctoral degree?**

No not in my field and in my time. There are areas with more or less post-doc positions and you should think about what you want during your studies and network and make contacts.

**What sort of skills did you develop during your doctoral studies?**

From a professional point of view, what I learned was very special and it was
clear to me that this type of work would then be completed and not continue.
You learn a lot about yourself during the doctoral thesis. It quickly became clear
to me that I didn't want to stay in research, but I finished it anyway. If you want
to stay in research, you should look for a topic that offers good opportunities
for further projects.

During my doctoral thesis, I had some setbacks that you learn to deal with.
Team work, project management, organisation, looking at things critically and
flexibility are the skills that I have developed and strengthened the most.
All of these experiences were useful for my current job and all the skills I learned
are still important.

**Which skills acquired during your doctoral studies do you value the most?**

I think the most important thing for me is flexibility. I deal with constantly
changing topics and different characters that you have to adapt to. The daily
routine is also not structured, sometimes there is a lot of action in the morning,
sometimes in the afternoon and sometimes on the weekend. Spontaneity is also
very important.

What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral students?

The technical knowledge is important, of course, but in my field only a few really work in what they have learned. It is very important to network during your studies. A friend of mine did an internship at an information centre during her studies and is now the director there. It's also helpful to get in touch by phone before you apply for the job. My last point would be: think carefully about what exactly you want, because for some jobs you are overqualified with a doctorate.

What brief message would you like to send to current doctoral advisors?

They should take care of their doctoral students and use their own relationships
and networks to connect doctoral students, for example to send them to
conferences or other meetings and encourage them to network.
<figure><img src="image_67.png" /><figcaption>Stefan Krause</figcaption></figure>

## A leadership position at a state environmental agency

Stefan Krause completed his doctorate in 2012 in the field of Marine Geobiology in Kiel, Germany, where he comes from. Since 2021, he has a leadership permanent position at a state environmental agency.

**Could you give us a timeline of your professional path since the doctorate?**

Sure. I started by doing a Diploma (Masters) in marine biology in Kiel and Cape Town back in 2000. My introduction to science was not great, so I left academia to work in a private consultancy for the following eight years. The work was really diverse – I was diving, going on fisheries cruises, conducting environmental impact assessments and managing projects. Around 2008, I returned to science to do a doctorate – I was curious, wanted to pursue my dream of doing research, and also thought it would improve my career opportunities. In 2012, I completed the doctorate, working on microbial-mineral interactions in the deep sea. This was followed by a post-doc, and working as a science project manager, but the job precariousness and lack of career perspectives made it difficult for me to continue in academia. Thus, when an opening at the LLUR (State Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas) came up, I jumped at it and have been the head of department for Coastal Waters there since 2021.

**Please describe your profile in your current position – what does your work entail?**

I now have a leadership position within a state agency, so about 90% of my work is administrative and dealing with personnel. I'd estimate that 10% is related to scientific content. Basically, I was an expert and now it's my job to see that my team of experts can work most efficiently. Our task is to monitor and evaluate coastal water quality and compliance with EU directives and regional conventions for the protection of the marine environment. To do this, we carry out water and sediment sampling, seafloor mapping, measurements of environmental parameters and provide evaluations to the ministries for strategic decision making. The individual experts work very independently, my work as team leader is to report on findings, collate and communicate with the ministry. We are, basically, the scientific arm of the state agency.

**What is it that you particularly like or perhaps dislike about your work?**

Communicating with people – colleagues, scientists and other stakeholders is definitely something that I really enjoy. What I appreciate, is that within a modern state agency there are clear, written, rules that make for a good working environment. Things like personnel leadership, employee health, overtime, stress management are explicitly addressed; this certainly helps with a good work-life balance. It's also rewarding to be able to work with experts and continually learn something new and relevant.

More challenging is the slow pace of change and processes that makes planning very long-term and rather inflexible. But this is something I have learned to work with. I would also like to be in the field more than is possible in my current job!

**Can you think of any major successes or failures you have experienced?**

Well, having this job, at a high level, with job satisfaction and also job security, is certainly a success for me. When I look back, I did aim to build a career in science that ultimately I did not achieve since at that time I missed a clear career perspective. I don't see this as a failure, though, and in retrospect I think I would
do it the same way again!

**Which skills do you use most in your current job, and how do these relate to skills you acquired during your doctorate?**

A lot of the transferrable skills I acquired during the doctorate are really helpful. Primarily, the ability to write clearly and precisely, publish in scientific language, the process of reviewing and editing documents is something I use all the time. Something we take for granted in science is the ability to communicate fluently in English, that is not so obvious in the state agency! Another primary scientific skill I took with me from the doctorate is to research a complex theme, find and evaluate information and form valid arguments.

From my time as a science project manager, I got familiar with financial and budget planning as well.

The doctorate, however, was mostly about deep knowledge in a particular topic, in my case water chemistry, and that is something that I have not really used much since.

**How was the transition from academia to your present job?**

Quite smooth; I had a combination of academic background and work experience in environmental consultancy between my Master and Doctorate. I think both helped to demonstrate the skills they were looking for, and also showed some leadership experience for the job.

**Any messages to researchers currently doing their doctorate?**

There are many opportunities in my area. At our state agency, but also others in Germany and Europe, there are a lot of scientists from all academic fields, so jobs are available that are attractive and contribute to society. One thing I learned is that it helps to have demonstrable technical skills such as GIS, Data Skills, Writing and Language skills. Aside from acquiring them, try to get certificates to add to your portfolio, e.g. an ESRI certificate for GIS applications or Cambridge Certificate for English. Have a strategy to build your profile, and include communication, presentation and leadership skills. Particularly leadership is something that is neglected in academia, but is crucial in an agency or company.

My main message is to hang in – there is always light at the end of the tunnel; open your mind to alternatives to academia!

> In 2012, I completed the doctorate, working on microbial-mineral interactions in the deep sea.
> 
> This was followed by a post-doc, and working as a science project manager, but the job precariousness and lack of career perspectives made it difficult for me continue in academia.
> 
> Thus, when opening at the LLUR (State Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas) came up, I jumped at it and have been the head of department for Coastal Waters there since 2021.
<figure><img src="image_68.png" /><figcaption>Evangelia Louropoulou</figcaption></figure>

## Using knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development

Evangelia Louropoulou completed her doctorate in Marine Chemistry in Kiel, Germany in 2019. Quickly realising she didn't want to stay in academia, she returned to her home country in Greece and started looking for opportunities in the private sector. In January 2020, she took up her current position with a small consulting firm in Athens, where she has been working ever since.

### What is your job profile in our current position?

Our firm specializes in the optimization and automation of business processes by the provision of IT solutions and services/consulting. One of the fields we are active in is the sustainability market. Currently Environmental, Social and Governance (a.k.a. ESG) issues along with Climate Change-related information are key elements of financial stability and sustainability for companies. Companies are nowadays required to disclose both their metrics and their policies on issues such as carbon emissions, energy use, waste management, effluents quality, use of chemicals etc. Our role is streamlining the processes of data acquisition, management and reporting on ESG and Climate Change -related indices, metrics and risks. We have clients in Greece and Germany. Personally, I lead the Sustainability, ESG and Climate Change services and I am responsible for the conceptual design and development of our IT solutions. As environmental and climate-related data can be quite complex, I provide the technical expertise for our clients. I am in close contact with our clients, and customize these tools and reporting processes for them according to their business sector. Part of my job is also the monitoring of frameworks, directives, legislation and sustainability reporting standards at the international and national levels, to ensure that our services are up to date.

Finally, an aspect that I enjoy about my job is that I use my academic background to develop and apply for research projects as part of innovation and collaboration of our company with research institutions and universities; at present we have applied for two such projects. In this sense, I am a hybrid between the academic and private sectors!

### What made you choose this job?

My main motivation was that I wanted to use my knowledge and technical expertise to assist others in organizing and improving environmental reporting, management and, hence, their sustainability. Regarding the work environment, I already knew the company I work in, and the people there, so knew what I was in for. The company is small and privately owned, which I really like as it provides greater involvement, more flexibility and more opportunities for innovation.

### What do you particularly like or perhaps dislike about your current job or career path?

In general, I am very satisfied with my job. The most rewarding part is getting client appreciation and knowing that I am using my knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development and to the improvement of business processes. It's also gratifying to see the direct applicability of what I do when it is implemented within the companies.

A challenge is certainly in client acquisition, but that is common to any private business and to any project regardless of being in the private or academic sector.
## Which skills do you use most in your job?

One key skill I am using in my job is communication, written or verbal, to a range of people both on a technical and a more general level. I would say that I spend about 60% of my time writing reports and other documents, doing technical or general presentations, and externalizing our work. Time management and project organization are also highly important. Regarding the technical skills, I can draw on my academic expertise to understand technical terms, analyze data, read the scientific literature and translate knowledge to business applications. Often, I need to acquire expertise in new fields which is a challenge but also rewarding, so learning did not stop with my doctorate.

Coming from a doctorate, I felt well prepared with these skills, but also had to acquire new skills on the job - I needed to understand how a business works, and was well guided in this by my colleagues.

> In retrospect, I would say it was definitely worth the effort to do a doctorate in terms of scientific and technical expertise but also life-learning; the doctorate definitely shaped my character, the way I work and the way I view and manage projects.

> I would tell young researchers that there are several options after the doctorate that they should investigate. Whatever one chooses, it should fit one's character and be in line with one's ambitions!

## How was the transition from academia to your present job?

The transition from the doctorate and pure academia to a company was a bit scary at first, mostly because of the direct contact with the clients and for meeting the clients' expectations. I needed to adjust to a new way of working that is much more collaborative and team-driven. Although I always liked to work collaboratively, I find the environment here more conducive to this than that I experienced during the doctorate.

Ultimately, the transition was smooth for me because I had established contact with the company during my doctorate, so we knew each other. Prior to the doctorate I had done an internship in the Environmental & Sustainability Department of an aluminum-producing factory, so I had some experience in working in a non-academic/industry environment. That certainly helped as well.

## Any messages to researchers currently doing their doctorate?

In retrospect, I would say it was definitely worth the effort to do a doctorate in terms of scientific and technical expertise but also life-learning; the doctorate definitely shaped my character, the way I work and the way I view and manage projects.

I would tell young researchers that there are several options after the doctorate that they should investigate. Whatever one chooses, it should fit one's character and be in line with one's ambitions!
University of Split
<figure><img src="image_69.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_70.png" /><figcaption>Marijana Sumpor</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_71.png" /></figure>

## We can be smart, but we also need to be wise!

Marijana Sumpor, PhD, a Croatian national currently residing in Croatia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Economy from the Doctoral School of Economy, Business and Tourism within the University of Split in 2005. Her doctoral thesis, entitled Coordination of development policies towards an integrative regional development policy, was completed under the supervision of prof. dr. sc. Pero Filipić.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I am the director of Euro ekspertiza, a micro firm providing consultancy services in strategic planning and evaluation for the public sector.

### Have you worked at another institution or company before?

Yes, I have worked in the Department for Regional Development at the Institute of Economics, Zagreb in the period 2001-2018. Before, I have worked in the Risk management department at BNP-Dresdner bank Croatia (1998-2000). And my first position was in the Department for macroeconomic analysis and forecasts of the Ministry of finance, Republic of Croatia.

### Why did you decide to work at that institution/company?

#### Is this the best place for you?

I have decided to start my own company after accomplishing certain goals that I have set for myself in research. An additional and important factor for changing to the private sector was the benefit of having a wide network of partners and clients.

### What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

Visible results and high satisfaction of returning clients.

### Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

Yes.

As a victory, I can mention the task to be the project team leader for the elaboration of the National regional development Strategy for Croatia 2016-2020. In this project I had the opportunity to practically test the coordination model from my doctoral dissertation and gain practical experience in implementing a theoretical concept in reality. It was my personal success.

When thinking about failures, I was engaged in a project where my international partners did not share the details of an analysis as I was only responsible for gathering the data, but not for the conceptualization and results. I had the feeling of not understanding my job entirely. A few years later, I was engaged to update the analysis and had the opportunity to understand what was done years before and to improve the methodology, clearly include all formulas, as well as the output in the way that anyone could continue with the updates in the future. I have contributed to the transparency of the work done. In the end, it was paid by public money.

### In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?

Almost all projects I am involved in are related to my PhD studies, as I am
a specialist in regional development and public sector strategic planning and consultant for Croatian Presidential office, the Government, line ministries, cities, regions. Also, I do have consultancy contracts for the European Commission, World Bank, GIZ and others.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

Completing doctoral studies first of all have a great impact on our own self-esteem. It provides us with confirmation of personal success. In my case, my doctoral studies were directly related to the work I am doing, so it had a great impact on all aspects of my job and projects I have been working on continuously since 2006.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

Most useful skills are analytic skills and research skills. Least useful I found theoretical discussions detached from reality.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

During my PhD studies I already worked at a research institution and just continued to do scientific research for the next 14 years. Then I decided to start my own consultancy business, which is still highly research based and requires higher levels of knowledge and experience.

*Completing doctoral studies first of all have a great impact on our own self-esteem. It provides us with confirmation of personal success.*

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

It is a hard decision to continue studying and complete PhD studies. The motivation has to be very strong and the benefits of having a doctoral degree are very high, if your work is later related to it. By having this degree, it will give you an initial advantage in your job and society. However, it is important to treat colleagues, partners and friends respectfully, even if they do not have such a high level of education. It happens very often that we do have a wider understanding of issues we are dealing with than many other people that did not have the time and opportunity to read and do expensive research on specific issues.

An important message is that we can be smart, but we also need to be wise!
<figure><img src="image_72.png" /><figcaption>Igor Glavičić</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_73.png" /></figure>

## The most satisfaction comes from seeing how people progress during training

Igor Glavičić, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline Agriculture from the Doctoral School of the Department of Maritime Studies within the University of Split in 2021. His doctoral thesis, entitled "Structure of fish communities on vertical coralligenous habitats in the Hvar channel", was completed under the supervision of the prof. dr. sc. Alen Soldo.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I work as a diving instructor, actually as a head of the diving center. I have been teaching people how to dive for almost 20 years and while it does include education of course, 90% of my job is in the sector of tourism.

### Have you worked at another institution or company before?

Yes, even though I have been doing the same job for a long time, I used to be a trainer at the Sea Club.

### Why did you decide to work at that institution/company? Is this the best place for you?

For 10 years already, I run my own scuba diving center. It is much easier not to be dependent on anyone, or not to have a boss. I am doing what I like and I also enjoy working with people who I find honest and fair.

### What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

The most satisfaction brings me when I see how much of a progress people I train are making. It brings me joy when they really learn something during the time we spend together.

### Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

Few years ago, my colleagues and I had a very interesting and specific assignment which I found very interesting due to several aspects. Together with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OESC), we were in Turkmenistan at the Caspian Sea where we trained local border security how to control the sea border. It is a country with virtually no tourism, so since we were a part of the internationally sponsored peace mission, we were granted visas without any issues and relatively fast.

### In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?

It overlaps to a rather small degree, maybe 20% of my current work correlates with my field of studies. I am trying to take part in research as much as possible, but usually it is 2 or 3 weeks per year, mostly at the beginning and at the end of summer season. So, during that time, I collect samples from different fish stock on the depths up to sixty meters.

### In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?

I absolutely believe so. I think that it is easier to apply for a job when you
have something to "bargain" with, it simply makes one more competitive in the job market. If I was thinking the opposite, it would make me a pessimist. To conclude, I believe it is important to have higher qualifications.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

The most useful skills I have developed during my PhD studies are writing skills and how to produce scientific papers. Also, I have developed the ability of scientific thinking, experimental design, and how to conceptualize a scientific paper so reviewers accept it for publishing. Those are the skills I didn't have before and I have really sharpened those during the PhD studies. In addition, due to various factors, I did my PhD based on the Scandinavian model, which means it wasn't a traditional monograph text but it consisted of a collection of articles (aka multi-paper PhD model).

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

To be honest, nothing significantly changed in the business aspect. I am doing the same job as I was doing before obtaining the PhD title. There were some rather small changes of course, but nothing serious.

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

I would advise them to be persistent and to keep on being persistent, especially not to give up if they encounter any sort of a problem - big or small. They shouldn't allow themselves to get discouraged, it is strongly advisable to talk with a mentor and it is the only way to make some progress.

> I would advise them to be persistent and to keep on being persistent, and especially not to give up if they encounter any sort of a problem - big or small. They shouldn't allow themselves to get discouraged, it is strongly advisable to talk with a mentor and it is the only way to make some progress.
<figure><img src="image_74.png" /><figcaption>Božena Bulum</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_75.png" /></figure>

## Maritime lawyer – scientific advisor in Adriatic Institute

Božena Bulum, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Maritime and Transport Law from the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Law at the University of Split in 2008. Her doctoral thesis, entitled "Regulation of maritime transport services and access to port services market in the competition law of the European Union", was completed under the supervision of prof. dr. sc. Dragan Bolanča.

**What is your current place of employment,
your position and professional duties?**

Currently, I am employed at the Croatian Science Academy as a Scientific advisor. I have worked here since 2006 and I am confident to say that I am extremely satisfied with working in science. It is a type of profession which I find truly fulfilling.

**Have you worked at another institution or company before?**

As of earlier employment, I worked as an apprentice at the Commercial Court in Split where I acquired all the necessary preconditions to sit for the bar examination, which I successfully passed in 2003. At the same time, I enrolled in post-graduate studies in the field of Maritime Law and Law of the Seas. Since there were no open positions or employment possibilities at the aforementioned Court at the time, I have decided to relocate to Zagreb. For a brief period of time after the relocation, I have worked at the Notary office, and later on, I have started to work at the Ministry of Justice, at the Department of International Legal Aid. While working at the Ministry, I have decided it was about time to finalize post-graduate studies (which I started already in 2001.), which I eventually did, while working at the Ministry.

**Why did you decide to work at that institution/company?**

**Is this the best place for you?**

I was attending a seminar organized by the Croatian Maritime Law Association and it was there that I met my current boss. She has told me that they are looking for an assistant in the field of Maritime Law. After a while, I decided to take a job at the Adriatic Institute since they were offering benefits such as paid PhD, time dedicated to work on PhD thesis and higher remuneration. At the end of the day, it was not difficult to make such a decision and I am confident to say that my job brings me joy.

**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

I would say that I find writing scientific papers the most satisfying. I don't find it difficult but on the contrary - it fills me with joy. Also, I enjoy attending conferences where I get a chance to connect with colleagues from the same field. Before Covid, such conferences were much more frequent, especially in Italy since they have a really strong tradition of Maritime Law. As a matter of fact, we have a very good cooperation with Italian colleagues through the Croatian Maritime Law Association.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

As my greatest professional achievements, I would like to single out my book, the monograph from 2010, which was actually the first book dealing with
European Union law in the field of maritime affairs. Then, I participated in writing 2 chapters in books published by colleagues from Bologna and published scientific articles in foreign journals that are indexed in Scopus. Also, I have published in the proceedings of law schools and in the journal of the Institute of Comparative Maritime Law - which was established in 1958. and is indexed in the HeinOnline database.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

As a matter of fact, my current workplace is completely compatible with the research field I am dealing with. Also, in order to work at the Research institute, one is obliged to obtain a PhD degree within six years from the moment of an employment. It effectively meant that finishing my PhD was a requirement to hold my current work position.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

In my case, finishing PhD was a precondition to having a job which I am having today so it really did provide me with job prospects.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I got acquainted with the so-called Split School of Maritime Law and the Law of the Sea, and I ought to point out Professors Grabovac and Pavić, who were on my doctoral committee, and during my studies I met with their work. Then Professor Lukšić and Professor Jakaša, who used to be a head of the in the Institute where I work today, professor Bolanča who was my doctoral mentor, but also professor Vesna Barić Punda who taught us the international law of the sea which has always been very accessible and open to students. In principle, I came across their entire opus. Given that we had to write seminar papers, I have gained a solid basis of how to conduct a scientific research, collect literature, process it, and ultimately create a skeleton of research.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

It went without any complications because having PhD was necessary work as a Scientific advisor and my boss at the time gave me very good advice to direct myself in the sphere of European Law and Maritime Law so it all came to its place.

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

There is no perfect job, every job has its good and bad sides. On the other hand, it is already a great accomplishment when a person goes to work with a smile on her/his face and comes back home with the same smile. Of course, there are always problems, but I would like to tell young people not to give up and to keep trying. Young people should be persistent and when they detect their potential, they should nurture and further develop it. All of us are born with certain talents and if we continuously work on them, develop them, the results will be there.

Young people should be persistent and when they detect their potential, they should nurture and further develop it. All of us are born with certain talents and if we continuously work on them, develop them, the results will be there.