Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs

Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II

career development
live training

Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs

Target Audience:
VIB PhD student
VIB postdoc
VIB staff scientist
Location:

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II

Duration:

Intake interview on 6 or 7 January 2026

 

General context

PhDs and postdocs often rethink their career when they start exploring their opportunities outside academia. Having identified themselves with the topic of their research for a couple of years, they have come to a point where there is a need to translate their research into a broader range of acquired competences, professional networks and specific technical skills. On top, there is a desire to gain insight into the working context (industries, departments, type of jobs) in which they possibly could value their skills, competences and networks. Being on a turn of events in their professional careers, there is a desire to picture this change into a larger context of aspirations (drivers, values) regarding their career.

Learning outcomes
  • Identify career opportunities inside and outside academia that align with personal values, motivation, and career drivers.
  • Articulate transferable skills, competences, and personal strengths in a professional context.
  • Translate research experience into a tailored professional profile suitable for non-academic sectors.
  • Analyze the labor market landscape to distinguish between sectors, job roles, and organizational types.
  • Communicate career goals and competencies effectively in job applications and interviews.
  • Evaluate personal aspirations to define actionable next steps in a career development plan.
Approach

This course consists of three thematic modules, each covering a key aspect of career development. Every module includes both a group session (to learn from peers) and an individual coaching session (to tailor insights to your personal situation).

The program begins with an intake conversation, where participants select the sessions that best match their current needs and goals. You are free to compose your own path by choosing the modules that are most relevant to you.

The course is offered each semester and has limited capacity:

  • 12 participants for individual sessions

  • 15 participants for group sessions

Admission is based on motivation, availability, and urgency in career planning.

Event intended for

This training is explicitly meant for PhDs and postdocs within VIB who will finish their project in the coming two years (2026/2027). 

Extra information
  • Note that you register for the intake interview only. Seats will be assigned to the participants after the intake interview based on motivation, availability, and urgency.
Video
Remote video URL

Interested to know where the VIB alumni end up after their time at VIB? You can find several alumni testimonials on our VIB alumni webpages.

Trainers

Lucia Smit
Lucia Smit
Braingain, BE

Dr. Lucia Smit is founder of Braingain, organizational sociologist and certified professional co-active coach (CPCC). Lucia started her career as a management consultant of companies and governments. She then studied the careers of scientists as a member of an OECD working group. Since 2007 Lucia guides professionals in translating their ambitions to the needs of their work environment and the labor market. Increasing self-knowledge is the starting point.

Contact Lucia Smit :

Program

Individual intake interviews
-

An individual time slot of 30 minutes (room L0)

13 or 20 January 2026

Discover your career options
-

An individual time slot of 60 minutes (13 Jan. -> room L0 / 20 Jan. -> room L3)

3 February 2026

Personal branding
-

Personal branding - group session (room L4)

10 February or 3 March 2026

Detect your qualities and downsides
-

An individual time slot of 60 minutes (room L0)

10 March 2026

Discover your competences
-

Discover your competences - group session (room L4)

17 or 24 March 2026

Review your CV and cover letter
-

An individual time slot of 60 minutes (room L0)

13 May 2026

Convincing a jury
-

Convincing a jury - group session (room L4)

Practical info

Location & Venue

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II

Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium

Public transport

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Public transport

From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.

Bike

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Bike

Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
 

Shared bicycles:

Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic

There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.

Route description

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Parking

Route description

There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket  - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.

Venue contact

06 January 2026 - 13 May 2026

Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II