Last Summer, the CPC together with ASCoR and the ECPR Standing Group of Political Communication organized a Summer School for PhD candidates in the field. We welcomed 22 participants who were equipped with essential insights, skills, and critical thinking on their journey to completing their PhD and beyond. The programme covered theoretical challenges, methodological opportunities, research design considerations, and societal impact in connection with implementing ground-breaking political communication research. The Summer School offered a practical toolbox of essential skills and competencies that are useful both within and outside academia.