What is it like to do a PhD in Finland?
The experience of a French lawyer
Myele Rouxel
Myele Rouxel is a Project Researcher and Doctoral Candidate in Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research focuses on the compatibility between EU law and post-growth.
Nine months ago, I moved from Brussels to Helsinki to do a PhD at UEF’s Centre for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL). Since then, my life has been quite different from how it was working for law firms in Paris and for the European Commission in Brussels. Here’s 4 reasons why I would recommend coming here for a PhD.
First, the flexibility. Remote work is the norm at UEF, and researchers are spread across the country. This is an advantage for me. Since I prefer big cities, I moved to Helsinki, where I found (easily) a nice apartment facing a forest nature reserve. The UEF law school even has a small office in the centre of Helsinki for those of us based here, and I go there twice a week to benefit from the office environment and exchange with other researchers. Of course, with flexibility comes the need to be very independent and self-organised. For me, it was quite a step from the structured work environment of the Commission, but I appreciate so much self-direction now that I wouldn’t go back!
Second, the quality of life. My quality of life has frankly skyrocketed since I moved here. From my house, I can reach the forest in 2 min and the sea in 5. In general, nature is very accessible in Helsinki, while also having the perks of city activities (concerts, museums, etc.). I also find that the work culture respects work-life balance much more than in France, where it is often valued (and required) to stay at the office late for demonstrating your commitment to the job. None of that here! Finns tend to start early (8-9) and leave work early (16-17), which leaves plenty of time for hobbies. I’ve been finally able to attend sports lessons in the evenings!
Third, the low-hierarchical work environment. In Finland, supervisors consider PhD candidates as members of their team and treat us as equals. If they ask us to be involved in additional activities, we are always free to choose whether we want to and how it is best to allocate our time. In project meetings, senior researchers always encourage PhDs to intervene, and they listen to our ideas. Formalities are reduced to a minimum and professors you haven’t met before can be contacted on a first name basis.
Fourth, the research community committed to addressing the ecological crisis. For someone working on environmental law like me, UEF is ideal since the Centre for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL) provides an excellent environment to exchange with fellow researchers. At the office, I meet other PhDs working on related topics and I have bi-weekly online discussions with the sustainability law research group. From January, I will also join the Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra), which will give me the chance to exchange with other sustainability researchers across disciplines from all over Finland.
All in all, it’s been a great experience so far. Looking forward to the journey ahead!
Myele Rouxel in Teijo National Park