Erfurt Professors Share Insights on Sustainable Academic Life with NCCU Doctoral Students
Date :
2025-11-27
Department :
International Master's Program in International Communication Studies
【Article by College of Communication】
On November 25th, 2025, first-year doctoral students in the College of Communication at National Chengchi University attended a seminar for “Work and Life Balanced and Sustainable Scholarship,” a session aimed at helping young scholars understand the realities of academic life. Delivered by Prof. Leyla Dogruel and Prof. Sven Jöckel from the University of Erfurt, Germany, the talk was part of the course “Introduction to Communication Scholarship” taught by Jhih-Syuan (Elaine) Lin. Over the one-and-a-half-hour discussion, the guest speakers explored the challenges PhD students commonly face and shared how they have navigated the ups and downs throughout their academic careers.
Prof. Sven Joeckel, Professor for Communication with a focus on children, adolescents, and the media at University of Erfurt, opened the session by revealing the unpredictable nature of academic work.
“Academia is struggling. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes you lose,” he said.
He reflected on the milestones along his academic path, from doctoral training to full professorship, while also acknowledging the failures he encountered during this tough period. He also introduced the ideas of scholars publishing a “CV of failure”, and noted that "real failure happens in the dark, and it happens all the time,” emphasizing the often-invisible, yet inevitable and necessary setbacks academics often face behind the scenes. Such a tough process, he said, forms an integral part of academic growth.
“You are not alone.” Pro.Dogruel said, whose research focuses on media innovation research, and elderly media users, highlighted the importance of emotional support and peer networks for early-career researchers. She encouraged students to connect with fellow PhD students who face similar challenges, as well as make “critical friends” who can provide honest feedback, encouragement, and a shared understanding. Such a support, she noted, is vital for maintaining motivation and well-being throughout doctoral study.
In addition to the importance of mental health support, she pointed out the uncertainties in a supposedly “planable” academic career, noting that limited job openings could be a great concern for those hoping to stay in academia. Yet, she also pointed out that, despite these constraints, unexpected opportunities do arise when universities seek new scholars in emerging and rapidly developing research areas.
Since work-life balance can be difficult to navigate, Pro. Dogruel recommended making family more visible in academic life. “It’s always very important to have a connection with the outside world, especially when your partner is not from academia ,” she said.
On November 25th, 2025, first-year doctoral students in the College of Communication at National Chengchi University attended a seminar for “Work and Life Balanced and Sustainable Scholarship,” a session aimed at helping young scholars understand the realities of academic life. Delivered by Prof. Leyla Dogruel and Prof. Sven Jöckel from the University of Erfurt, Germany, the talk was part of the course “Introduction to Communication Scholarship” taught by Jhih-Syuan (Elaine) Lin. Over the one-and-a-half-hour discussion, the guest speakers explored the challenges PhD students commonly face and shared how they have navigated the ups and downs throughout their academic careers.
Prof. Sven Joeckel, Professor for Communication with a focus on children, adolescents, and the media at University of Erfurt, opened the session by revealing the unpredictable nature of academic work.
“Academia is struggling. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes you lose,” he said.
He reflected on the milestones along his academic path, from doctoral training to full professorship, while also acknowledging the failures he encountered during this tough period. He also introduced the ideas of scholars publishing a “CV of failure”, and noted that "real failure happens in the dark, and it happens all the time,” emphasizing the often-invisible, yet inevitable and necessary setbacks academics often face behind the scenes. Such a tough process, he said, forms an integral part of academic growth.
“You are not alone.” Pro.Dogruel said, whose research focuses on media innovation research, and elderly media users, highlighted the importance of emotional support and peer networks for early-career researchers. She encouraged students to connect with fellow PhD students who face similar challenges, as well as make “critical friends” who can provide honest feedback, encouragement, and a shared understanding. Such a support, she noted, is vital for maintaining motivation and well-being throughout doctoral study.
In addition to the importance of mental health support, she pointed out the uncertainties in a supposedly “planable” academic career, noting that limited job openings could be a great concern for those hoping to stay in academia. Yet, she also pointed out that, despite these constraints, unexpected opportunities do arise when universities seek new scholars in emerging and rapidly developing research areas.
Since work-life balance can be difficult to navigate, Pro. Dogruel recommended making family more visible in academic life. “It’s always very important to have a connection with the outside world, especially when your partner is not from academia ,” she said.