Rebecca Weicht

PhD in the Solo Self-Employed and Welfare State support in the UK, Germany and Denmark

Faculty: Business and Law

Research centre: Decent Work and Productivity

My PhD explores the intersection of social policy and entrepreneurship. My research is around the solo self-employed and the support they receive from the welfare state when their work is unstable or financially insecure. I am carrying out comparative analysis into three different welfare state types, in the UK, Germany and Denmark. I am funded through a University scholarship. I’m an international student and am coming to the end of the second year of my PhD.

What motivated you to undertake a PhD?

Before I came to Manchester Met, I had different careers connected to international trade, supply chains and human rights. While I was living in Brussels, I co-founded a non-profit organisation focussing on entrepreneurship education and life skills. I was working with academics working in this field and this  led to me thinking of doing a PhD.

Why did you choose Manchester Met?

I came across my PhD opportunity when it was advertised by Manchester Met. The topic of the PhD was really interesting because of the social justice aspect and the combination of entrepreneurship policy and social policy.  The supervisor of the project Julia Rouse had a good reputation amongst people I knew. I was looking for funded PhD opportunities. Through my scholarship, my tuition fees are paid and I am funded to do my PhD full-time.

What are the best things about doing your PhD at Manchester Met?

What I specifically like about Manchester Met and my Research Centre is that everyone is focused on being very practical and making a contribution. We are doing analysis and research aimed at influencing government policy and helping people to get out of poverty or preventing poverty. There is a focus on the practical application of research and the impact on people.

The University is very values driven, for example around sustainability and recycling and its focus on supporting first generation students.

How would you describe the supervision and development you receive?

I have a great supervision team and we all get along very well. My supervisors have been very helpful in making opportunities happen for me, for example in supporting me to get funding so I can do my research in Denmark and Germany.

I have felt well taken care of in terms of progressing my PhD, developing my research skills and through opportunities to improve my employability.

What is the research community like?

The Centre for Decent Work and Productivity is quite new and the PGRs and Early Career Researchers are actively building our research community. We come together and share ideas, plan events, get support on funding and so on. I am a PhD representative for the Centre.  

What are your aspirations for your PhD?

I intend to pursue an academic career. I want to continuously learn and have opportunities, challenge myself and move forward. That is my life goal.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing a PhD?

When you are applying, understand that the process can take a while. In my own case, it took about a year before I accepted the place at Manchester Met.

Be strategic about planning ahead and think about improving your employability, for example by writing papers, communicating your research and demonstrating impact. This will help you be in a more secure position as an Early Career Researcher.

Would you recommend Manchester Met as a place to do a PhD?

I would recommend Manchester Met.  The PhD researchers are all very engaged and interesting and the research community is supportive. I really enjoy it here.