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After months of preparation, the first-ever Radboudumc PhD & Postdoc Career Event came to life on Friday, November 1st. A team of six dedicated PhD candidates put tremendous effort into organizing a day designed to support PhD candidates and postdocs exploring career paths outside academia. In her first blog, Maranda Haenen, a member of the Radboudumc PhD Council, shares with us the highlights of this impactful day.
"It’s Friday morning, and the Experience Center at Radboudumc is alive with anticipation for a milestone event. Attendees gather in the central hall, sipping hot cup of coffee or tea as conversations and excitement build. At half past nine, when the program is almost ready to begin, the crowd gradually makes its way to the Auditorium.
With everyone seated, the event opens with an inspiring welcome that quickly moved into keynote talks. Each speaker shared unique stories of their transitions from research to diverse roles in health tech, communications, and intellectual property.
- Floor van de Watering, now in healthcare project development, demonstrated how academic skills seamlessly translate into innovative roles.
- Robbert van de Voort, a medical writer, highlighted the value of science communication and entrepreneurship.
- Lastly, Britta Helwig provided a fascinating look at intellectual property, showing how her PhD paved the way into the world of patents—an intriguing career path often overlooked.
The workshops were equally engaging, offering hands-on experience with skills outside the typical PhD curriculum.
- In the Entrepreneurship session, Dolf Wittkämper and Stefan Hummelink shared insights on transforming ideas into marketable solutions, covering everything from IP protection to business modeling.
- Matthijs Kox’s Communication workshop provided practical strategies for making research communication impactful, essential for engaging audiences inside and outside academia.
- In the Drug Regulation and Safety workshop by the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG), we explored the critical process of balancing benefits and risks in new drugs, underscoring the complexities of ensuring patient safety.
- Frank Smallegange’s Networking workshop was a crowd favorite; it went beyond theory, giving us practical tips and practice in real-time—skills we could use during the event’s closing networking session.
Throughout the day, the company market buzzed with representatives from various industries offering insights and career advice. It was fantastic to connect with companies like Briskr, Pivot Park, and CBG, providing us with firsthand knowledge of different sectors.
The day wrapped up with an informal networking session over drinks, creating a relaxed setting to reflect on our experiences and solidify new connections. Many attendees left with fresh perspectives on career options they hadn’t previously considered.
Our hope is to make this event an annual highlight—a space where PhDs and postdocs can broaden their career horizons and connect with people who can help bring their ambitions to life. Mark your calendars for next year; this is just the beginning of a promising and growing tradition! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on next year’s event"
