This intensive one-day workshop offers valuable insights into career opportunities after a PhD, both within and beyond academia.

In the morning session, dr. Nadine van Engen & dr. Noor de Boer discuss what it is really like to pursue a career outside academia. The session will start with an honest conversation about why they, eventually, decided to pursue a career within the Dutch government. They will share what you gain from working outside of academia but also what you might lose. The core of this session is built around an interactive discussion where participants gain insights into the relevance of specific competencies acquired during a PhD trajectory and how having a doctorate degree is (not) beneficial to future employers outside of academia. To prepare for this workshop, participants will be asked to prepare a short pitch. In this pitch, they present two current vacancies outside academia that they find relevant and pitch a reflection on how they believe they meet the requirements for the competencies in those vacancies.

The afternoon session focuses on the academic job market, covering topics such as funding, hiring processes, and crafting a strong academic CV. Through real examples—both good and bad—we will discuss how to tailor your CV for competitive funding applications, such as the NWO Veni. The session will also provide an overview of funding opportunities in the Netherlands and internationally, highlighting key criteria for success.

This workshop is particularly recommended for PhD candidates in their third year and beyond who are nearing the completion of their dissertation and preparing for the next step in their career.