I can't comment on the humanities but if you're in the sciences (and prob social sciences also) then definitely put him as second author. It's very unusual to have single author papers from junior researchers in the sciences.

You may view his contributions as minimal, but his position and decision to appoint you as a PhD student have facilitated you in being able to write it, even if his direct contribution to the document is small. In science subjects the PI of the group will always be last author on any publications going out of that group, except in some particular circumstances.

Look at it this way: if you're first author everyone will know you wrote it and the professional credit is yours. But having his name on it as well might attract a wider readership than if you were the sole author, so perhaps it's a good thing, and certainly doesn't do any harm.

I wouldn't recommend doing a second PhD. In the long term it might harm your employment prospects and I doubt it would enhance your situation, apart from buying you time.

Are there no other German universities you could apply to? Is there a reason why you are limited to your current university? If post-doc jobs are not available, what about a research assistant post?

Do you have a tutor you could discuss this with? Or does your university have an advisor for international students? I'd recommend talking to them to see if you can get some advice for your specific circumstances.

It could be argued that you should have asked her, so given that you didn't and that upset her, just apologise and move on. These things happen, and it only has to become a big issue if you/her make it one.

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and it doesn't have to be a big thing. Just apologise.

That sounds sensible. Obviously you don't want to turn down an opportunity that might turn out to be funded, but at the same time it would be ill-advised to mislead supervisors/departments, so I think you're handling this in the right way.

If one of the supervisors reacts unhelpfully, that might also give you an insight into what kind of supervisor they might be!

Out of interest, how far into your PhD are you? That might influence (i) whether or not quitting is a good idea (ii) whether or not the current situation could be improved.

And what are your long term aims?

I think the important thing to be aware of (which it sounds like you've been giving thought to) is that research work is very different to taught courses.

I would strongly advise getting some hands on research experience before committing to a PhD (if you do decide to do a PhD). If you can get a research assistant post that would be the best thing, but even a summer project would be good. It will give you a feel for how research differs from taught courses, and whether you feel that you have (or could develop) the necessary skills for working in research. Some people have a more natural ability for research than others, but there are a lot of key skills that can be learned. Being able to identify one's strengths and weaknesses is a skill in itself, and you seem to have a good level of self awareness. Critical thinking skills can be learned, but you might need some guidance. Do you have a tutor you could discuss this with?

I've seen how those adverts get put together from the other side. Quite often the Profs will have been pestered months ago for a project title. Some of them will come up with something new that they are really looking for a student for, others will send out a generic title they've been advertising for years. I suggest that you don't just look at the project titles but look at the web pages of the supervisors and their groups. Contact the ones whose work sounds most interesting to you and ask whether the specific project title is set in stone or whether there are other options available or the title is flexible.

If you want, PM me the subject area as I may be able to give more specific advice.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding but... you said you already had two publications, and you reckon you can get 2-3 more out of your thesis, so doesn't that take you to the magic 4-6?

If you're limited geographically then you need to make sure you are well known to your target unis. If it's a choice between you and another candidate with the same track record but who is known to them, they'll probably choose the other candidate. If your working hours permit, see if there are seminar series at target unis you could go to as an interested outsider. Once there you can get chatting to people who work there and make yourself known. If there's a relevant professional body, see if they have occasional local meetings you could attend if you can juggle your shifts around it. Ask people to bear you in mind if anything comes up in the future. Applying for advertised jobs is only one route - develop a rapport with someone who might be willing to write you in to a future project grant. Or once you have those publications under your belt, apply for fellowships (but make enquiries of eligibility sooner)

And do go to your careers service. I bet you have more marketable skills than you realise, and they will help you see this.

DO go to the interview. DO NOT fail to turn up.

You never know, maybe if you perform well despite having made a couple of pre-interview errors they will give you extra credit for redeeming yourself.

But DO go. And maybe get someone else to try the printer. Or could you stop at an internet cafe en route?

Good luck :)

Hi Natassia.

I was just wondering how you're getting on with OneNote? I have just started playing around with it today as I think I need to streamline my planning/outputs a bit.

If anyone has any hints or advice I'd love to hear them. :)

Fair enough.

A word of advice... if there are several projects of equal interest to you and you get to interact with the supervisors, then choose the supervisor that you think will be the best (positive encouragement, accessible etc). I really do think the supervisor can make or break the project so it's important to choose well.

I would contact the admin person or lead contact and ask for guidance. I've seen schemes like this before and generally it doesn't matter too much about pinpointing a single project before applying. Although obviously if you have a particular stand out project then do prioritise that. But general enquiries are probably also welcome. Do get in contact with the lead person and see what they say. There are probably other people in your position too.