Abstract:

Due to their interdisciplinary character, PhD-programs in Information Systems often attract professionals from very different fields. The combination of Information Systems and Work Integrated Learning in postgraduate education has brought together PhD candidates that not only come from different disciplines, but who have relevant work experience in their respective backgrounds. This diversity plays a crucial role in developing researchers who are not only experts in their respective fields, but who are also equipped with the necessary skills to become global problem solvers, capable of tackling complex challenges in society and academia. To be effective in this role, it is important for PhD students to develop a range of soft skills that complement their previous technical expertise.

In this paper we share our PhD journey from the perspective of the development of soft skills that often escape the official curriculum. Combining teaching duties, common core courses and academic writing, our PhD-education has given us the opportunity to understand the importance of critical thinking, as well as the role of leadership and the intricacies in good negotiation skills. We have gained experience in collaborating and facilitating collaboration, even under strained circumstances during the pandemic. Our PhD network reached beyond our theoretical and practical training and provided us with opportunities for developing other soft skills, from effective presentations to ethics in conflict management and harmony between life and work. Despite coming from different backgrounds and writing very different dissertations, we have found common ground in IS and WIL aligning efforts, valuing our different perspectives and opinions and more importantly learning from each other and celebrating milestones together.

Keywords:

Soft skills, PhD, postgraduate education, Informatics, IS, Work Integrated Learning.