{"id":24,"date":"2018-09-03T13:09:18","date_gmt":"2018-09-03T12:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.embl.org\/careers\/?p=24"},"modified":"2022-07-05T09:36:20","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T09:36:20","slug":"embl-career-day-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/embl-fellows-career-service\/blog\/2018\/09\/embl-career-day-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"EMBL Career Day 2018 \u2013 How to transition to a rewarding non-academic career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In addition to the classical academic career, PhD and postdoc training can lead to a diverse range of career paths. However, while working within academia, it can be hard to gain an oversight of the other career options and how to transition into these roles. EMBL organizes an annual career day, to help fellows explore these questions by listening to and, more importantly, interacting with scientists who have already made this transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJob fairs and career talks are a great platform not just to learn about the jobs, but also to network with people and create contacts. This is how I actually understood the jobs I later went on to apply to\u201d. <\/em> Jelena Tica \u2013 EMBL alumna & career day speaker<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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The auditorium begins to fill up and the first speaker – Katie Ridd – tells participants how her passion for science led to a career at scientific journals.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s career day had the theme change and innovation. Ten speakers from a range of life science career areas – including innovation – shared their experience of career change with over 120 participants from EMBL and other  local institutes. The talks revealed the daily life of R&D scientists, scientific editors, project managers, medical writers, patent agents, institute management, and other related careers. Participants also had the chance to interact and ask questions in an informal and interactive event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe skills and the values and aptitudes you develop over [your academic training] are so valuable to other employers. And there are many options out there.\u201d  Gary Male \u2013 EMBL alumnus & career day speaker<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A key theme from the talks was that industry values the skills and experience of PhDs and postdocs; and that roles outside of academia can be incredibly rewarding. Many speakers spoke of their satisfaction with the wider variety and faster pace of projects in non-academic roles. However, the transition wasn\u2019t always easy and finding the first non-academic role sometimes took a year or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early afternoon session, five recent alumni explained how they made the transition and shared tips with the participants. A key recommendation was to take the time to think about what you want from your career, to attend career events, and to network during the PhD and postdoc. Both targeted networking with people in careers that interest you and wider interactions to help you build a network were thought to be important. On the other hand, some alumni recommended simply applying to positions as a way to understand the career landscape and your market worth. Getting feedback on your CV, learning to communicate your skills, and having additional experience such as helping to organize a conference, were mentioned as ways help you stand-out when you apply. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participants talk with speakers Darren Logan and Johannes Mosbacher during the final meet the speaker session. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake time to think about what you want. [\u2026] This is really an investment\u201d Anna Berteotti \u2013 EMBL alumna & career day speaker<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If you were inspired by the career day to take charge of your career planning, you can find some relevant resources below. Keep tuned to this blog for a range of career-related topics, as well as profiles of life scientists working in different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to all those who supported this year’s event, including EMBL photolab, design team, alumni relations office, catering and building maintenance. As well as to our speakers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n