University of Latvia’ students at the UACES Student Forum Research Students' Conference 2011

Have you ever though what to do when you finish your studies? If you´re interested in academic and research life, a PhD could be a good option for you.

For discover the possibilities that this future way of working can offer, 6 students from the University of Latvia – Kārlis Muižnieks, Valters Lācis, Līga Stālberga, Javier Mendoza Jiménez, Irina Koroļkova, European Studies Master Programme students, and PhD student - Romāns Putāns, had the chance to work at the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES) Conference 2011 in London held the 7^th of November, 2011.

The conference explored the process of pursuing a PhD, and gave very interesting advice on how completing a PhD. More than 30 students from different nationalities asked and discussed the most common issues they may have to face in their daily work as a PhD.

The opening consisted of two brilliant speakers, Jonathan Scheele, Head of European Commission Representation in the UK and Michael Shackleton, Head of European Parliament Information Office in the UK. Both speakers shared their experiences and opinion of the current situation and the future of Europe from the UK perspective, focusing particularly on the growth of euro skepticism and nationalism.

In this European and academic environment, we could exchange opinions and enrich our knowledge not only on the field of PhD studies but also in the vision of Europe as a whole.

After this enlightening experience, the possibilities seem endless, it seems it is just a question of choice, of what path one will take. 

For more detailed information on Conference please visit the Student Forum home page.

Prepared by

Javier Mendoza Jiménez, Master in European Studies, University of Latvia
Denize Ponomarjova, University of Latvia