Hana Fitzová successfully graduated from the doctoral degree programme Economic Policy last year. It was a real success: she obtained the Dean’s Award for her doctoral thesis! She wants to share her experience with younger students who may hesitate to apply for a Ph.D. programme.
What was the most important factor in your decision-making about the doctoral programme?
My choice was quite clear. I enjoyed my Master’s studies, which combined mathematics with economics. In Economic Policy, I was able to apply the knowledge from both fields of study and move forward.
What did you enjoy the best in your studies?
I could present the results of my work at various conferences and workshops abroad. That was the best and at the same time the most stressing part of the Ph.D. studies. I improved the presentation of my own work, I had the opportunity to engage in professional discussions in English and most importantly, I received relevant feedback on my work. Seeing many countries and meeting people from all over the world was of course the icing on the cake.
On the other hand, was there anything you wouldn’t go through again?
It was definitely the last year, when I basically “only” summarized the research results. It seemed endless and I was running out of strength. When the thesis defence was close, COVID struck, the faculty was closed and nothing was certain any more. In the end, all ended well.
If you take a more general perspective, what are the biggest pros and cons of Ph.D. studies?
If you continue studying after the Master’s degree, you prolong your youth a little. You meet a lot of people, get to places, learn many useful skills. The financial aspect may be discouraging but if you study at full stretch, you can get grants and join projects that usually provide for some employment, there is nothing to fear.
You mentioned the financial demands, which account for the dropout of many doctoral students. Sometimes, it is not easy to combine work and research. How did you cope with it?
My case is even more complicated because I did not study in the full-time mode, but in the combined mode. So I was not entitled to any regular scholarship. I studied and worked on the thesis after work and on weekends. Luckily, my family was very understanding and supported me throughout the studies.
If you look back, what is the best experience you can recall in connection with your doctoral studies?
Probably the moment when I was told I had successfully defended the thesis. Of course, I have great memories of various trips and events with my fellow students and colleagues. I saw many European countries, visited a number of universities and met wonderful people.
Where did you get the motivation to finish your studies?
Doctoral studies are hard. However, if you enjoy them, have a good supervisor and family support and you are determined to finish the studies, there’s a way. You need strong determination and inner discipline. You mustn’t get distracted by various lures and people around you.
You dissertation was quite a success and obtained the Dean’s Award. It deals with the impact of European railway reforms on railway efficiency. Why did you choose this topic?
When I was considering the theme of my thesis, my supervisor Prof. Zdeněk Tomeš introduced me to the issues of current railway reforms in the European Union, and contradicting conclusions of the few studies that dealt with the topic. I became interested as there was an opportunity to apply mathematical and statistical methods in economic policy. I also wanted to find out why the results of the studies were so different.
What would be your advice to students who consider applying for a Ph.D.?
They should carefully consider whether they are ready to take up everything that’s associated with the Ph.D. They should realize what topic they wish to pursue and find a suitable supervisor. It is useful to meet some doctoral students and ask them about their experience, what they like and what they see as difficult or problematic. A clear study plan should be drawn up right at the beginning. The thing is the students really must be into their discipline.
Do you plan to stay in the academia or do you have other career goals?
I enjoy both my research work and teaching and find them fulfilling. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with nice people, experts in their fields; I like to move forward along the path of knowledge.
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