Career guidance
Ultimately, not every PhD candidate can find a place in science at the end of their doctoral journey. However, the self-evidence with which this is written here is not a common good. Many PhD candidates start a doctoral journey with the idea of having definitively chosen science. Supervisors too are often unaware of the career prospects of the starting PhD candidate. Concretely, this means that more attention must be paid to the period after the doctorate and the possibilities of the PhD candidate both within and outside science during the recruitment of PhD candidates and also during the doctoral phase. For example, if a PhD candidate wants to have a good chance of securing grants after the doctorate, a conscious choice can be made to gain international experience during the doctoral journey.
In addition to increasing the chances of securing a position within academia, a PhD candidate can also prepare for a potential career outside of science during their doctoral phase. For example, contacts could be made with the business sector or the government during the doctoral journey through a dual doctoral program, an internship, or a mentor. Another important aspect for the smooth transition of PhD candidates to the business world is a broad education for PhD candidates. Instead of offering solely research-oriented education, it is important to also equip PhD candidates with so-called transferable skills. These are skills that are valuable outside of science as well, such as management and presentation skills. In this way, young PhD candidates are better prepared for a career outside of science and are more attractive to the business world. For concrete assistance in thinking about and finding a job outside of science, universities can set up job market bureaus, or give the existing bureaus for students the task of also helping PhD candidates with this
- Career guidance for PhDs at a university
- Career guidance for PhDs at a UMC
- Career guidance for PhD candidates at a research institution
Final words
Your career is YOUR career. Although PNN believes that the employer should be active in guiding PhD candidates to a subsequent job, there is also a clear task for the PhD candidates themselves. Inquire in time about the possibilities that your supervisor(s), advisor(s), or colleague(s) see regarding a follow-up career in science. Also talk about what you can do yourself to increase that chance and inquire about the facilities that your employer provides in this regard. The instruments outlined above are available, but there may be more. Also, make career advice a central focus as soon as you are halfway through your doctoral journey. Experience shows that the last year is too busy to get career advice and guidance. Use your third year for this purpose. Also, focus explicitly on the external labor market, as 8 out of 10 PhD candidates eventually end up outside the academic research field.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.