Sofia Hydbom has a major in Biology and was a PhD student from 2013 to 2017. During this time she focused on the impact of tillage practices on soil organic carbon and the microbial community, using SLU research farms in Skåne, Uppsala, and Lanna.  

She enjoyed the teaching aspects of her PhD studies, thus the choice of becoming a teacher was not a difficult one. She felt drawn to pursue it as she really enjoys the theoretical and practical aspects of the work. After completing her PhD, Sofia worked as a research assistant at the Department of Biology for a year before enrolling in a supplementary study program for researchers in Karlstad in order to get a teaching certificate. When she finished the program, a teaching position became available and she got it.  Sofia is currently on maternity leave.   

Some important experiences she carries with her from her time as a PhD student is to try new things, don’t close any doors, and challenge yourself. Also, it has highlighted the value and importance of making and keeping contacts. Having a wide social network provided Sofia with several research-related job opportunities as well as her first job as a teacher.  

One of her best memories she recalls is the Spex her fellow PhD colleagues did at the end of their study time, the colleges and social interactions were something she valued highly. Another fond memory is the first time an article from the thesis was published. 

Something she felt was lacking in the world of PhD studies was support for PhD students that were having a hard time (for various project-related reasons) and became mentally and physically sick. It would have been good for supervisors to bring up and talk about the subject more and create space for fellow PhD students to talk about it.  

Finally, Sofia urges current PhD students to take the teaching opportunities offered, make a plan regarding what you want to work with in the future, and structure your studies. But the most important advice, make sure to take some time off, you need rest to be able to perform, and make sure to ask for help if you need it.