As part of initiatives aimed at supporting young researchers, promoting the professional development of graduate students, and popularizing scientific activity, a meeting was held between doctoral students majoring in Economics and a PhD graduate, Yevhen Pigul, who, after successfully defending his dissertation in September 2025, continued his professional career as a research associate. The topic of Yevhen Pigul’s dissertation research was “The Transformation of the Labor Market in the Context of Ensuring the State’s Economic Security.”
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of open dialogue and provided an excellent opportunity for graduate students to learn about his personal experience navigating all stages of the Ph.D. program—from admission to the graduate program to the defense of his dissertation and subsequent career in academia.
Particular attention was paid to issues such as planning research activities, effective collaboration with an academic advisor, and overcoming challenges that arise during the dissertation process.
Yevheniy spoke about the final stage of dissertation research, preparing to present its results, the public defense procedure, and the importance of being able to present one’s own scientific achievements in a well-reasoned manner.
The guest’s account of continuing a research career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree generated significant interest. During the meeting, graduate students had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss current issues related to preparing dissertation research, and receive practical advice on organizing their research work and further professional development.
Such meetings help boost graduate students’ motivation to conduct high-quality research, successfully complete their academic and research programs, defend their dissertations, and build their own research careers.