[Workshop 2]

Starting a PhD can feel like stepping into a world no one fully prepared you for, as study programmes rarely cover the unwritten rules of academic life such as managing supervisor relationships, navigating publishing, building a network, or maintaining mental well-being under pressure. This workshop introduces Penkala, a Croatian association connecting young researchers, doctoral students, and professionals from academia and industry, and presents its newest initiative, the Doctoral Guide for Early-Career Researchers, an open, citable editorial publication designed to support the PhD path with practical knowledge on soft skills, informal practices, and structural realities, while also explaining how participants can contribute as co-authors or editors. It also provides an overview of Penkala’s broader activities, including the annual Mutimir conference, the science podcast, the blog, and the Map of Croatian Scientists.