Between Deadlines and Doubts: How to Build a Supervisor Relationship That Supports You

Graduate Studies Support Program

This workshop is part of the Graduate Studies Support Program of Berlin University Alliance. For an overview of all Graduate Studies Support Program events, click here.

Objectives
A trusting and well-structured relationship with your supervisor is key to a successful doctorate. But how do you communicate effectively when expectations are unclear, deadlines are tight, or conflicts arise? How can you express your needs, set boundaries, or even say no?

This interactive workshop supports you in navigating the complexities of academic hierarchies. You’ll get practical tools to strengthen your communication skills, understand your rights and responsibilities as a doctoral researcher, and reflect on your expectations. If relevant to your situation, we’ll also address intercultural aspects of supervisor relationships. Bring your questions and real-life cases – this is your space to gain clarity, confidence, and strategies for successful cooperation.

Content 

• (Intercultural) expectation management: With a focus on clarifying expectations/roles.
• What ideas/expectations do I have of successful supervision?
• Information on the HU's doctoral agreements and supervision situations
• Action strategies for potential areas of conflict in supervision situations
• Targeted communication strategies and tools, depending on requirements, for example
• Active listening/nonviolent (intercultural) communication models
• Case analysis of your own and general challenging supervision situations and development of action strategies