Clara Sales, Inés Noguero, Jimena Rodríguez and Cristina Pérez are the BSICoS doctoral students who organised the "Life after PhD" conference. This event, which was attended by experts from different areas, was a space to share experiences and provide guidance on the journey that follows this stage.
The idea arose from an obvious need. After numerous conversations in which the present was clear but the future was a constant question mark, it was decided to invite professionals who had already charted their careers beyond the doctorate to clarify these doubts.
The conference, divided into three sessions, aimed to cover multiple perspectives, from research to academia and entrepreneurship, thus providing a comprehensive view of possible career paths. Its design aimed not only to listen to the experiences of those who have already followed the path of doctoral students, but also to understand which profiles are most valued in their respective careers.
The first session, from PhD to academia, was attended by Violeta Monasterio as teaching profile, and Julia Ramirez and Michele Orini as research profile. Then, in the session from PhD to industry, Rosa Monge, CEO of BEOnChip, and Jesús Bes, Artificial Intelligence engineer at NTT DATA, told their journey in this field. Finally, in order for the group to learn more about the profile that is sought both in companies and in academia, Mariano Vázquez and Blanca Rodríguez, respectively, participated.
A key point that was highlighted during the day was the importance of building a personal connection with the research, making the doctorate one's own. Speakers underlined the importance of making strategic choices to make the doctorate a truly enriching experience. Doctoral students were encouraged to explore new opportunities, whether through courses, stays abroad or the incursion into teaching. Although with a special emphasis on mobility, the relevance of getting to know how other research groups work was highlighted.
The initiative not only had a direct impact on BSICoS, but can also be applicable to other research groups in the I3A. This mentoring event stands as a beacon for their colleagues, offering an empowering activity that allows them to embrace the future with confidence.
If you want to know more about the "Life after PhD" conference from the organisers themselves, check out the following reel from our Instagram account.
