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3-minute summary of my PhD journey

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Why should you apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN PhD program?

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When I applied for my present position, I have no idea how great it is. Last June I just submitted my master thesis in University of Stavanger, Norway and started seeking chances for PhD. I studied Offshore Technology-Risk Management in Norway and hold a bachelor degree from China in Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation Engineering. I accidently saw this position on EURAXESS and applied in the mid of June just before the deadline.  After two months’ waiting (suffering), I received the invitation for interview, and at the beginning of September I got the offer. Since last December, I started my PhD.

Now after I get involved in and I have a full understanding of the whole project, I must say this is the best PhD program that I can ever imagine! I am so lucky to be selected. It is more like a trainee program between industries and universities. We are also being called as Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). My main base is in Berlin, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, but my PhD enrolment is in Technical University of Denmark. I enjoy this kind of way of cultivating so much maybe because I have two times of summer training program experiences and I get used to it and I enjoy working as a team.
 
Group photo taken by ESR2 Antoine Bassil

It is great that I met 11 new friends since I joined in this program. We all 12 ESRs from 10 different countries work together for the same project. Even though we are located in 5 different European countries, we get together frequently. The project provides us three times of training week during 36 months. Every ESR have its own special PhD plan with secondment arrangement. We are encouraged to shift to a different place to work for all together 6 months for a better cooperation.  The Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD program also creates opportunities for us to apply our research result into industry practice. They also create events like workshop and industry day to tie close with companies. Most importantly, they provide well-paid salary so that you can fully concentrate on your research without worrying any income problem.

If you want to pursue a PhD and enjoy cooperation and communication with people just like me, like to travel and work in different places, look forward to build close connection with industries, you should definitely apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN PhD program! How to apply? Keep your eyes open and search http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/and never lose hope J

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