Tailored Guidance for PhDs:
Time Management for Academic Success
My offers are tailored to the needs and challenges of PhD students can make a real difference - helping them achieve stress-free productivity, greater job satisfaction, and a sustainable work-life balance. Join institutions like the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Technical University and unstress your PhDs!
During a PhD,
researchers face unique challenges:
Juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Balancing short-term demands with long-term goals.
Maintaining focus and concentration while managing competing priorities.
It’s no wonder that many researchers struggle to complete their PhDs on time while enjoying the process.
I believe every researcher deserves a journey marked by healthy growth, fulfilment, and fun.
Time management is the bridge between project management and the day-to-day realities of completing a PhD. It connects the broader objectives of a research project with the individual’s role, enabling researchers to set priorities and make proactive decisions about their contributions.
What I offer
1
Workshops
In my interactive workshops I share tips and tool that help PhDs manage their time more consciously, reduce stress & work with greater focus.
2
Retreats
My retreats are a mix of workshops and guided focus sessions.
PhDs get to learn about Time Management, apply strategies directly and get to work on their projects individually.
3
Office hours
Individual PhDs or small groups can book me for personalised guidance and feedback on their particular situation.
Time Management Workshops
Diana
Career Consultant at the University of Copenhagen
“Miriam facilitated a great workshop for us at the University of Copenhagen.
Her ability to engage the group and adjust her material for the people in the room was great. Resulting in every person walking away from the workshop with valuable new tools for structuring their tasks and focusing on the things most important.
Miriam is a good facilitator and amazing at communicating the knowledge in an easy-to-understand way to her audience.”
About Time Management Workshops for PhDs
My workshops are tailored to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, helping them master time management to thrive both professionally and personally.
The workshop follows a practical and empowering structure, ensuring participants not only learn techniques but also feel confident applying them in their daily lives.
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By the end of a workshop, participants will:
Learn how to
plan the future: Define, prioritise, and structure tasks effectively.
Organise the present: Maintain focus and manage distractions.
Reflect on the past: Identify insights and strategies for continuous improvement.
Develop a positive relationship with time management and to-do lists.
Explore methods to improve and sustain focus in their work.
Feel equipped with practical tools for handling tasks more efficiently.
Learn to integrate work on long-term personal professional goals into their schedules.
Build habits that reduce stress and promote well-being.
(These are examples - whether all those objectives can be reached depends on the type of workshop we agree on and on individual requests.)
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Many professionals know time and stress management tools in theory, yet struggle to implement them consistently enough to see results. My workshops address that gap, providing not only hands-on strategies but also post-workshop resources, including:
A comprehensive summary of the workshop’s key takeaways.
A step-by-step worksheet to guide participants in applying the discussed tools.
These resources ensure that participants can implement their learnings effectively, empowering them to stay on track long after the workshop.
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Doing a PhD isn’t just about research—it’s about navigating a complex balance of:
Learning new skills.
Teaching responsibilities.
Presenting results and writing articles.
Maintaining a private life.
Time management provides the link between these different aspects, helping researchers meet their needs, conserve energy, and stay in control.
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I understand that every group of PhD researchers has unique challenges. That’s why I’m always happy to adapt my workshops to address specific concerns. Whether it’s a one-time event or part of a recurring programme, I can create a solution that works for your institution.
Interested in Collaborating?
Let’s discuss how we can bring this workshop to your PhD students and postdocs. Whether you’re an HR professional, a PhD coordinator, or part of university leadership, I’d love to work with you to create a meaningful, impactful programme for your institution.
What participants say about the Time Management Workshops
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“I learned a lot from the Time Management Workshop, and have already implemented several of the techniques introduced by Miriam.
She is very talented on facilitating a safe space to learn and discuss about some of the obstacles you can meet doing a PhD.
Highly recommend!”
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“Miriam's time management course is great for PhD students, at any stage of their study.
Miriam teaches the students to rethink productivity and to let go of the negative associations they might have with the concept of discipline and productivity. She also gives great tools that can help you manage tasks more efficiently.
Miriam is a great communicator and I really enjoyed her course.”
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“I went into this with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised by the useful tools provided in the workshop!
Miriam is interactive and attentive, fielding questions from all of us. It is clear that she has done her research and also included personal experiences in the workshop.”
My Long-Term Vision:
Becoming Part of Your Curriculum
My ultimate goal is to integrate these workshops into university course catalogues, allowing participants to earn ECTS credits while learning skills that enhance their academic journey. By making time management an integral part of PhD training, universities can empower their researchers to succeed in a sustainable, balanced way.
FAQ
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These workshops are designed for PhD students and postdocs who want to manage their time and energy more effectively.
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Participants will learn:
How to set priorities and structure tasks.
Methods for staying focused amidst competing demands.
Practical tools for balancing long-term goals with day-to-day tasks.
Techniques to reflect and improve their work habits over time.
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The workshops combine interactive discussions, practical exercises, and reflection sessions. Each workshop typically follows a structure of:
Planning for the future: Define, prioritise, and structure tasks.
Organising the present: Stay focused and productive.
Reflecting on the past: Learn and adapt for improvement.
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The duration varies based on the format—half-day, full-day, or multi-session workshops. The structure can also be tailored to the group’s needs.
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Workshops can be conducted in-person (at universities or other agreed locations) or online via platforms like Zoom.
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This depends on the university. I’m happy to collaborate with coordinators to integrate the workshop into the course catalog and offer ECTS credits.
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Absolutely! I can adapt the workshop to address the specific needs of your group, whether it’s time management, stress reduction, or another related topic.
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HR departments, PhD coordinators, or individual organisers can contact me directly to discuss scheduling and content.
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I give workshops in English and German.
You have any other questions?
Contact me and I’ll be happy to answer.
Gergana Romanova
Innovation Researcher at the University of Copenhagen
“Miriam's time management workshop was highly valuable for our PhD students in the Pathways innovation program. Her enthusiasm made the session both engaging and motivating, and she shared practical tools that the students could easily apply to manage their busy schedules. What stood out most was her ability to tailor the content to the specific challenges faced by PhD students. The workshop not only offered useful strategies but also highlighted the importance of balance and well-being, which is crucial during this demanding phase of their careers.”
Let’s create a time management workshop that empowers your PhDs!
Fill out the form to schedule a (Zoom) call, and together we’ll design a time management workshop that supports your PhDs throughout their studies and beyond.
We process your data exclusively to answer your enquiry. Further information under Privacy Policy.
Retreats
A change in scenery can do wonders when it comes to generating new ideas, getting things done and staying focused.
Retreats and a change in scenery are a great opportunity to disconnect from the busy everyday, to stop multitasking and to fully submerge into one topic.
No interruptions from colleagues.
No grocery shopping or household duties.
Instead - Accountability, clarity, joint focus and deep thinking.
Focus Retreats are a mix of
Input on Time Management in form of workshop session
Individual, guided focused work sessions
Guidance on recharging batteries and taking effective breaks
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The minimum length of a retreat is two nights with arrival in the morning on Day 1 and departure in the afternoon on Day 3.
The maximum length is Monday to Friday, i.e. four nights.
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I can make suggestions for potential locations. The final decision will be made jointly and in agreement.
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The maximum number of participants is 15 people.
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Yes, working in silence and in guided focus sessions is integral part of the retreat.
The extend of workshops depends on the overall length of a retreat. However, the minimum length is four hours. This ensures that the PhDs make lasting adjustments to their work routines.
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I am flexible about time and location of retreats. However, they should be planned and fixed around three months in advance.
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Retreats can not be booked by individual researchers but are only available as group offers.
You can book me through your institution to host a retreat for a group of PhDs.
Let’s organise a retreat that helps your PhDs gain clarity and get things done with ease!
Fill out the form to schedule a (Zoom) call, and together we’ll design a time management retreat that supports your PhDs throughout their studies and beyond.
We process your data exclusively to answer your enquiry. Further information under Privacy Policy.
Office Hours
For on-going and on-demand support of PhDs, I offer regular Office Hours.
PhDs can book meetings, bring their questions and challenges and together we find a way to smoothen their schedule, set priorities, define boundaries and regain control.
Primary tasks and challenges of PhDs change over time.
When starting a PhD it might be more about What to at all?, while in later stages it might be more about How to do it all?
To provide PhDs with the help they need during the different phases of their journey, I offer regular Office Hours.
PhDs can book meetings and bring their questions. We untangle their demands, tasks and goals and find ways to combine it all.
Such individualised support ensures that PhDs are picked up right where they are, that they get the help that is relevant for them right now and ultimately helps them be less stressed.
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Office Hours are held primarily online.
However, for institutions in and around Copenhagen offline meetings at your institute are also possible.
Please, reach out for details!
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The frequency depends on the number of PhDs eligible for booking meetings and the demand.
Together we will find an interval that makes sense and make adjustments.
Examples could be:
1 hour / week
1 hour / 2 weeks
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No, the Office Hours are not strictly for PhDs only. Postdoctoral researchers, senior researchers and other academic staff are also welcome.
The extend of the Office Hours depends on our individual agreement.
Let’s give your PhDs the opportunity for individualised guidance and on-demand support!
Fill out the form to schedule a (Zoom) call, and together we’ll design a time management retreat that supports your PhDs throughout their studies and beyond.
We process your data exclusively to answer your enquiry. Further information under Privacy Policy.