Tomasz Sulka

Tomasz graduated from the PhD programme in July 2019 and has taken up a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Duesseldorf Institute for Competition Economics.

Why did you choose the University of Edinburgh?

I first came to Edinburgh to study for the SGPE MSc in Economics (Finance). I was attracted by the excellent reputation of the University, the international community of students, and of course the city of Edinburgh itself, which is a fantastic place to live.

What attracted you to this programme in particular?

I am pursuing the PhD in Economics because I liked the idea of researching a topic that I myself find interesting and important. Having a PhD also opens up a wide range of career opportunities – from academia to government, private sector, and international organisations.

The academic environment in the School of Economics is extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. From the start I felt like an important part of the School.

What are you enjoying most about your time here?

The academic environment in the School of Economics is extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. From the start I felt like an important part of the School, and throughout my PhD I have received a lot of support from junior and senior academics who weren’t necessarily on my supervisory team.

Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live and gives plenty of opportunity to unwind after a week of hard work. I particularly like its walkability, green spaces, and small neighbourhoods with cafes and local shops.

What are your plans for the future?

Starting next academic year, I am joining the Duesseldorf Institute for Competition Economics as a Postdoctoral Researcher. I hope that this first academic placement will allow me to develop my research agenda in a vibrant environment. I am intending to apply for more permanent Lecturer/Assistant Professor positions in a few years’ time.

Excellent support from the School of Economics allowed me to enter the extremely competitive and rigidly structured academic job market and secure a very good placement. This includes preparation in form of mock interviews and presentations, favourable scheduling of my teaching during the final year of PhD, encouragement on all stages of the process, and a generous travel budget which enabled me to attend job market conferences in Europe and the US.

If you could offer any advice to new or current students, what would it be?

Because the PhD might feel like a solitary struggle at times, encouragement from senior academics and the support of fellow students can make a world of a difference.

Take advantage of the friendly atmosphere at the School of Economics and don’t be shy about offering or asking for help.