Amsterdam, January 29, 2024 – The DIEM Training and Career Workshop, held at CRH Amsterdam, brought together DIEM PhD candidates and industry professionals for a day of insightful discussions and career exploration. The workshop, an integral part of the DIEM training program, aimed to equip PhD candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to transition from academia to industry roles.
Event Highlights
The workshop featured a lineup of speakers who had successfully made the leap from academic research to industry careers. These professionals, now working in R&D departments across various fields, shared their personal journeys and the challenges they faced during their transitions. Their stories provided valuable insights into the dynamic and fast-paced nature of industry work.
Key Takeaways
Participants learned that moving from academia to industry involves a significant shift in focus. While academic research often emphasizes theoretical exploration, industry roles demand practical solutions to real-world problems. PhD graduates will find themselves applying their skills and knowledge in new ways, with a strong emphasis on achieving tangible results that impact the business directly. The industry environment is characterized by a faster pace, requiring quick adaptation, collaboration, and decision-making under tight deadlines. Despite these challenges, the transition is highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to see the immediate effects of one’s work and the satisfaction of contributing to real-world advancements.
Relevance to DIEM Research
The workshop was not only a mandatory component of the DIEM training program, awarding 2 ECTS to participants, but also a crucial opportunity for PhD candidates to explore career paths beyond academia. While the event was not directly linked to specific research projects, it played a vital role in enhancing communication skills and preparing candidates for future supervisory roles. Understanding the industry’s value of PhD-level expertise and the need for continuous learning and flexibility was a key message conveyed throughout the day.
Additional Insights
The DIEM Training and Career Workshop underscored the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in the industry. It highlighted how PhD candidates can leverage their academic skills to address practical challenges and make meaningful contributions to their fields. The event was a testament to the growing recognition of the value that PhD graduates bring to the industry and the exciting career opportunities that await them beyond the academic realm.
