Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs
Career guidance for PhDs and postdocs
Intake interview on 9 or 10 September
General context
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify suitable career opportunities inside and outside academia based on personal values, motivations, and career drivers.
- Recognize and articulate their transferable skills, competences, and personal strengths.
- Translate their research experience into a professional profile that aligns with non-academic job contexts (e.g. industry, government, non-profit).
- Build a clearer understanding of the labour market landscape, including sectors, job roles, and organizational types.
- Communicate their career goals and competencies confidently and professionally in job applications and interviews.
- Reflect on their personal aspirations and define next steps in their career development plan.
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.
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
Intake interview:
9 or 10 September 2025 - an individual slot of 30 minutes (L0)
Module 1: Career Exploration
Discover your career options
16 or 23 September 2025 - an individual slot of 60 minutes (L0)
Personal branding
7 October 2025 - group session from 11h00 - 14h00 (L2)
Module 2: Discover your competences and qualities
Detect your qualities and downsides
14 or 21 October 2025 - an individual slot of 60 minutes (L0)
Discover your competences
12 November 2025 - group session from 11h00 - 14h00 (L2)
Module 3: Effective job application
Review your CV and cover letter
18 November or 2 December 2025 - an individual slot of 60 minutes (L0)
Convincing a jury
9 December 2025 - group session from 11h00 - 14h00 (L2)
Practical info
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
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.
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.