Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs
Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs
Intake interview on 8 or 9 September 2026 | Ghent - VIB-UGent FSVM II
General context
Exploring career options beyond academia can feel overwhelming. After years of identifying with a specific research topic, many PhDs and postdocs reach a turning point: how can their scientific expertise translate into broader competencies, networks, and technical skills relevant to other sectors?
This training provides guidance to map those transferable skills, understand diverse professional environments, and align future career moves with personal drivers and values. It helps participants navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence, whether they continue in academic research or explore opportunities in other sectors.
After this training, you will:
- Identify career opportunities in and beyond academia that align with your values and motivations.
- Recognize and articulate transferable skills and personal strengths.
- Translate your research experience into a professional profile suited for multiple sectors.
- Analyze the job market to understand sectors, roles, and organizations.
- Communicate your goals and competencies effectively in applications and interviews.
- Define a clear action plan based on your aspirations and career drivers.
This program combines group sessions for peer learning with individual coaching tailored to your needs.
After an interview intake, you choose the modules that fit your goals, creating a personalized career path.
Capacity is limited (12 for individual coaching, 15 for group sessions) and selection is based on motivation, availability, and career planning urgency.
This training is explicitly meant for PhDs and postdocs within VIB who will finish their project in the coming two years (2026/2027).
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
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.
Program
- 8 or 9 September 2026 - Intake interviews
- Module 1: Career exploration
- Module 2: Discover your competences and qualities
- Module 3: Effective job application
Individual intake interviews
An individual time slot of 30 minutes (room L0)
15 or 23 September 2026
Discover your career options
An individual time slot of 60 minutes (room L0)
6 October 2026
Personal branding
Personal branding - group session (room L4)
13 or 20 October 2026
Detect your qualities and downsides
An individual time slot of 60 minutes (room L0)
10 November 2026
Discover your competences
Discover your competences - group session (L4)
17 November or 1 December 2026
Review your CV and cover letter
An individual time slot of 60 minutes (room L0)
8 December 2026
Convincing a jury
Convincing a jury - group session (L2)
Practical info
08 September 2026 - 08 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
08 September 2026 - 08 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
08 September 2026 - 08 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
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.
08 September 2026 - 08 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
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.