Beyond Your PhD: ECaS Panel Inspires PhDs on Future Career Opportunities
What happens after the PhD defence? For many early career researchers, that question marks the beginning of a new kind of uncertainty. At the ESWI 10th Influenza Conference, the ECaS “Life After PhD” career panel turned that uncertainty into excitement, proving that the end of a PhD is not a finish line, but the beginning of endless possibilities.
Moderated by Dr. Carolien van de Sandt, the discussion unfolded like a conversation among friends, as four speakers shared reflections on their own journeys through science and beyond. Dr. Debby van Riel spoke about the realities of building an academic career and the balance between passion and perseverance. Dr. Marco Goeijenbier reflected on combining clinical work and research, showing how science can stay grounded in helping people. From the industry side, Dr. Meral Akçay dispelled the myth that leaving academia means leaving research behind, describing how curiosity and innovation thrive in unexpected places. And representing the NGO world, Dr. Jane Barratt offered a deeply human perspective on turning science into advocacy and social impact.
Throughout the discussion, the panellists offered insights into the challenges and motivations that shape scientific careers. They spoke openly about the hurdles of securing grants, the importance of nurturing professional networks, and the ongoing struggle to find balance between work and personal life. Staying motivated through setbacks, they noted, requires more than ambition, it demands self-awareness and a sense of purpose that extends beyond publication lists or job titles.
A few standout pieces of advice resonated strongly with the audience:
“Your boss is not your friend, you need critical feedback,” said Jane Barratt, urging young researchers to value honest mentorship over comfort.
“Your job is part of your life, not separate from it. You have to do something you love,” emphasised Meral Akçay, reflecting on the need to align passion with profession.
“It’s not about luck. You have to commit. Opportunities come and go, don’t mix your expectations with your goals,” added Carolien van de Sandt, encouraging perseverance and clarity of purpose.
Beyond the anecdotes, the evening carried lessons that lingered long after the session ended. Careers, the speakers agreed, are rarely linear; they twist, turn, and surprise in ways that make them uniquely personal. Networks and relationships matter deeply, not as a formality, but as the foundation of collaboration and discovery. Above all, knowing one’s values provides a compass when the professional path becomes uncertain. The evening served as a powerful reminder that science does not confine you, it prepares you, equipping you with curiosity, resilience, and the courage to shape your own path.
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