PhD Competence Tool
What Is the PhD Competence Tool?
The PhD Competence Tool is a digital self-assessment resource that helps you reflect on your research and professional skills throughout the years and plan your future career, both within and beyond academia. Based on the PhD Competence Model, this free tool defines the core competences essential for a successful and fulfilling PhD experience.
Why Use It?
Your PhD is more than a research project. It’s a journey of personal and professional growth. The PhD Competence Tool helps you to:
- Track your progress across 26 different competences
- Visualise your development over multiple evaluation periods (up to eight)
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Prepare effectively for annual reviews with your supervisor
- Plan your professional development strategically
By using the tool regularly, you’ll strengthen your self-awareness, take ownership of your growth, and build confidence in your evolving skill set.
How Does It Work?
Using the tool is simple and flexible:
- Complete the self-assessment to evaluate your competences across key areas, both disciplinary and transferable. This takes around 30 minutes.
- Reflect on your results to identify where you excel and where you can grow further.
- Revisit your assessment over time to track your progress.
You can complete up to eight evaluations during your PhD, allowing you to monitor your growth throughout your research journey. All data remain confidential and stored locally and offline on your device. You choose whether to share your results.
Best Practices
To make the most of the PhD Competence Tool:
- Export your results after each assessment and keep secure backups.
- Discuss your outcomes with your supervisor to support annual reviews or development planning.
- Revisit the tool regularly to stay aware of your evolving strengths and focus areas.
Remember: fluctuating scores are normal. They reflect deeper self-awareness and ongoing development.
Download PhD Competence Tool
Take charge of your development, reflect on your progress, and plan your future. Curious to know where you stand? Download the PhD Competence Tool now and open it from your download folder.
To make the best use out of the tool, read all the tips and instructions. Download the user guide now!