Ph.D. Student - Erlis Themeli

My name is Erlis Themeli. Currently, I am finishing my Ph.D. research.

What programme/track did you take in our Faculty? Why did you choose this programme/track?

In 2012, I finished the International and Comparative Private Law master program.

When I started looking for a master program, I was searching for a good university and a good program. The International and Comparative Private Law master offered quality of topics and excellence in teachers quality. These assets would be helpful my future academic as well as job market. Another reason for choosing UG was also the possibility to receive a scholarship. The scholarship program JoinEuSee in which UG was part, was detrimental to my final decision.

What have you done next to your programme? Which extracurricular activities did you participate in?

Student life was rich in Groningen. A cosmopolitan environment and culture was present everywhere. Thanks to that I made many friends from around the world. This inspired me to be Alumnus Ambassador and help future students and UG to reach each other.

What does your current job entail? Which competences are most important to this job?

Currently, I am finishing my PhD research. My most important task is designing and conducting the research. Apart form the overall theme of the research, small research related tasks are very common. I feeling is that the more someone progresses in the research career the more interesting it becomes. From my PhD position I mostly like the autonomy during the research and the possibility to show your skills almost independently.

Erlis Themeli is now working as Postdoctoral researcher at the Erasmus University.

How did you end up in this job? What is/was your career path?

During the final moths of my Master studies in Groningen I saw a call for a PhD position at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. I liked the topic very much. I decided to ask for more information and since my master program was directly connected with the research, I was encouraged to apply. I remember the interview for the PhD position was the same day as the master graduation ceremony. I didn’t attend the graduation, but embarked on a new adventure as a PhD.

Do you have any career tips for our students?

I would advise to anyone to use time wisely. One year of master flies away. Do make use of time, read, write, meet people, travel, don’t stay idle.