Event Recap: PhD Career Advancement: Mastering Research Impact and Career Skills

Workshop: Communicating Research Impact (13:00 - 14:30)

Led by Jin Huang and Siddhart Mehrotra, this interactive session immersed participants in the art of framing and sharing their research impact effectively. The workshop split attendees into two teams, encouraging them to present their research and collaboratively refine their messaging. Jin and Siddhart provided tailored feedback, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance the visibility and societal relevance of their work.

Excitingly, a similar workshop is planned for February, targeting ICAI Lab managers to empower them in guiding their students on effectively communicating research impact.

Panelist Pitches (15:00 - 15:30)

Four inspiring panelists—Onno Zoeter, Maarten Sukel, Oosterhuis Harrie, and Katja Rogers—introduced themselves and shared their career journeys. They candidly discussed their transitions from academia to roles in industry, the public sector, and beyond, offering a diverse set of perspectives for attendees considering their own post-PhD paths.

Panel Discussion: Life After a PhD (15:30 - 16:30)

Moderated by Dimitris Michailidis, this dynamic discussion delved into the challenges and opportunities of life after a PhD. Panelists Katja Rogers, Onno Zoeter, Maarten Sukel, and Oosterhuis Harrie shared personal stories and valuable tips, ranging from embracing uncertainty to identifying career passions.

One particularly engaging moment was Dimitris’s opening question, asking attendees to identify their post-PhD plans—whether in academia, industry, or undecided. Remarkably, no one had a definitive answer, underscoring the importance of events like this in helping students navigate their options.

The panel's diversity brought a wealth of insights, sparking vibrant discussions and resonating with the audience. Dimitris’s thoughtful moderation ensured every panelist’s voice added depth to the conversation.

Borrel and Networking (16:30 - 19:00)

Despite the gloomy weather, the networking session buzzed with energy. Attendees mingled over drinks and snacks, exchanging ideas and expanding their professional connections. Sara Magliacane’s CV feedback station was a standout feature, giving students actionable advice to enhance their profiles for future opportunities.

The day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. From practical workshops to thought-provoking discussions, this event demonstrated the value of building skills, sharing experiences, and fostering connections in the PhD community.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, including February's workshop, which promises to further empower researchers to share the impact of their work with the world!

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