At KEDGE, a PhD induction day is organised to welcome and inform new PhD students about available resources, academic projects and what the school expects of them. For the newcomers, it is also an opportunity to forge links with more experienced PhD students and KEDGE faculty.
Welcome to KEDGE's new PhD students!
Meet & Greet
The integration day began with a warm welcome from Olga Battaïa, Associate Dean for Research; Ralf Barkemeyer, Director of the PhD programme; and Elise François, PhD programme Coordinator, on the Bordeaux campus. The programme team and many of the professors were there to answer the newcomers' questions and make them feel at ease. Coffee, tea and treats helped break the ice.
Presentation of the PhD Programme at KEDGE
Next, the PhD students were given a welcome presentation. Ralf Barkemeyer spoke about the school's values and KEDGE's commitment to academic excellence. A Question-and-Answer session helped new PhD students understand academic expectations, thesis submission procedures and what resources for research are available at KEDGE.
Research and teaching training workshops
After receiving detailed information on the key stages of the study programme, the first-year doctoral students joined their predecessors for a training course focusing on presentation skills led by Neva Bojovic, Professor of Strategy at KEDGE. Other training activities will follow throughout the year, including dedicated courses on subjects such as research methodology, academic writing, or the publishing process, as well as other workshops and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Introducing the teams and resources at KEDGE
Meeting with the academic staff and associated services
The doctoral students met the directors of KEDGE's research centres and their thesis supervisors. They were able to discuss their research interests and obtain more personalised information on the conduct of their PhD. They were also introduced to the KEDGE staff responsible for supporting them throughout their studies (research project managers, department and programme coordinators).
Spotlight on available resources at KEDGE
After the welcome session, doctoral students were given access to the various online resources provided by KEDGE. The administrative teams took great care to help newcomers with their integration and to answer their questions and practical needs. Furthermore, as soon as they arrive, each new KEDGE PhD student is linked up with a small group of more experienced PhD students. A reassuring support, the mentors follow his or her " protégé " throughout his or her integration process.
Recreation, exploration and interaction
Lunch break and stroll around the campus
During the lunch break, doctoral students have the chance to relax with their peers and keep forging links. Some were also able to take a closer look at the campus and its many facilities: classrooms, research laboratories, sports equipment, library and documentation centre, catering facilities, workrooms, computer rooms, digital lab, business incubator and many other important features.
Finishing touch: the integration dinner!
The day ended with a friendly, informal group dinner in the restaurant “La Ferme de Compostelle”. Here, the new doctoral students and faculty members had the opportunity to chat, exchange good tips and celebrate their membership of the KEDGE academic community.
This successful induction day marked the start of an exciting academic adventure and opened the door to many opportunities for the personal and professional growth of our PhD students. Bravo and thanks to everyone involved for ensuring that all the logistical details were in place to ensure a good start into the PhD journey!
Why join the PhD Programme, KEDGE Business School's doctoral school?
The KEDGE PHD programme enables young researchers to become teacher-researchers. By joining this programme, students are supported by a research centre which gives them the opportunity to develop and enrich their research career by publishing articles in renowned academic journals and participating in research projects under the supervision of senior KEDGE professors.
