Doctoral Student Ida on the PhD Program in Social Work

Hello, Ida Kjellberg! You are currently pursuing your doctoral studies and learning to conduct research. How does studying at the doctoral level differ from advanced-level studies?

– There wasn't a significant difference during the first year. The main distinction is that I always, more or less, have my dissertation project in mind while taking the courses. Everything is leading towards a "final goal" – the dissertation itself, which wasn't the case at the advanced level. Also, it's more like a job, which I consider an advantage. I have colleagues, a workplace, receive a salary, and plan vacations. Treating it like a job means that I engage with the academic environment in a completely different way than at the advanced level, where I was "just" a student. So, a doctoral program is much more than just an education.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of doctoral studies?

– Compared to the advanced level, it probably requires a completely different level of planning and determination. You need to find a way to sustain enthusiasm, patience, and joy about the same subject for several years, as opposed to the six months dedicated to writing a master's thesis. But the advantage is the same – I have four years to learn about things that genuinely interest me, and I get to do it alongside smart people who challenge my thoughts.

What motivated you to apply for the doctoral program at the Department of Social Work?

– I was encouraged by my supervisor from the master's program. She thought I should apply here and that the questions I started to be interested in during my master's thesis would be relevant to explore further as a doctoral student in social work.

How did you eventually decide what you wanted to research?

– It all started during my master's program, where I read a lot about urban theory. Then I got a job in urban planning and became more and more curious about the "black box" that housing provision and urban planning represent for many people, especially for social workers dealing with homelessness and exclusion in urban environments. Then I sought assistance from people both from the master's program and from my previous work in the municipality to formulate the research plan that I applied to the program. So, I had a vague idea that was shaped together with other, more knowledgeable individuals.