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To do a PhD or not to do a PhD? Speed date about it with alumni!
The end of your studies is getting near: what will be your next step in your career? Becoming a PhD student sounds good, but working outside the academic environment also appeals to you. Do you recognise this dilemma? Then come to Mentor network live on 10 March! A great opportunity to ask questions to alumni about their career choice and how their career has developed ever since.
- Teacher
- Ilse Huijskens (Beleidsmedewerker Career Services / studiekeuze- en loopbaanadviseur)
- Method
-
Workshop
Speeddates met alumni
Mentor network live
Alumni are here to support you
On 10 March, a dozen alumni of the Mentor network will be present at the Faculty to advise you with your current career orientation. During a ten minute conversation you’ll learn from an alumnus with or without a PhD how their choice has affected their career. The alumnus is, of course, also interested in your perspective on doing a PhD and share tips. If you have a good feeling after the conversation, you can decide to get in touch again later to ask additional questions.
View with the mentors you can speeddate with
Workshop Effective Network Conversations: tips, tricks and preparation
To do a PhD or not, there are many aspects to consider. What is important to you? What questions can you ask an alumnus? And how do you actually conduct a network conversation? To give you a helping hand, career counselor Ilse Huijskens will give a workshop prior to the speed dates. Here, you will prepare some questions that will be of perfect use to you during the speed dates and in any other networking situation. You also get practical tips for networking and getting the most out of a conversation.
Programme
16:00 Workshop: Effective Network Conversations
17:30 Speed dates
18:30 Networking drinks
Practical
You will have at least two speed dates and more depending on the number of registrations. During your online registration you can indicate your favorite alumni. We cannot give any guarantees, but we do our utmost to take everyone into account. During the networking drinks, you also get the chance to talk to the alumni with whom you have not been able to speed date.
Register
Do you want to participate? Register now for this (free) event. There is a limited amount of spots, so be quick.
Register now
Who are the invited alumni?
The alumni that take part in this edition of Mentor network live have a study background in chemistry, pharma and life sciences. They are all mentors of the online Mentor network. You can speak to them live at the event, but it is also possible to contact them via the Mentor network.
Madelaine van Mackelenbergh
Life Science & Technology, 2010
Profession: PhD Candidate
Age: 27
Obtained PhD? Ongoing
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
After finishing my Master degree in Life Science & Technology, I've continued my education by pursuing a PhD degree in cancer research. With a bit of a detour, I'm now working in the Prinses Maxima Center where I'm using CRISPR technology to find new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pediatric brain stem tumours.
Maarten Laurs
Chemistry, 1998
Profession: Java / Front-end Developer
Age: 46
Obtained PhD? No
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
Starting your first job or just finding out what you want to do after university, may prove a little difficult. Don't worry, we have all been there. Perhaps you're thinking what your options are after you finish your science degree and you don't want to do a PhD? I've been there too, and it will surprise you how much possibilities there are.
Tim van Beelen
Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010
Profession: Trainee Patent Attorney
Age: 30
Obtained PhD? No
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
After graduating I became interested in Intellectual Property (IP), and offering added value to my network in this area. My previous job as a subsidy consultant for small- and medium-sized enterprises taught me about the needs of such companies, especially in Life Sciences. It also gave me insights in the challenges and limitations such companies face. Here IP always was deemed one of the most challenging aspects. This in turn motivated me to do my utter best in solving such challenges! That is why I am now a patent attorney in training.
Corine Broekhuizen
Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1997
Profession: Director Quality & Regulatory Affairs
Age: 42
Obtained PhD? Yes
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
I knew I wanted to get my PhD during my second year at BFW as everyone had told me “if you want to get higher up, you need your PhD”. Luckily, I enjoyed the research, writing and publishing articles. Currently I am working for ICU Medical, a company that puts medical devices on the market. Would I recommend a PhD? Yes, however it’s not easy and does depend on your drive, goals and attitude.
Freek Schepers
Chemistry, 1980
Profession: Innovation and Product Development expert in Professional Cleaning, Food Safety and Infection control
Age: 58
Obtained PhD? No
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
During my career in developing chemical products I have had the pleasure of being coached and mentored at various times. That led me to an interest in coaching and mentoring, following some courses and help set up a mentoring network at my last employer.
Chantal Out-Appeldoorn
Chemistry, 1993
Profession: Director Analytical Development at Pharming Group N.V.
Age: 45
Obtained PhD? Yes
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
After finishing my master in Organic Chemistry, I did my PhD at the Division of Biopharmaceutics, combining synthesis and biological testing of compounds against cardiovascular diseases. After postdocs at Leiden University and Utrecht University I moved to industry were I started in a small biotech company working in pharmaceutical and analytical development. I’m currently working at Pharming technologies were I’m responsible for the analytical projects assigned to the RND department.After finishing my master in Organic Chemistry, I did my PhD at the Division of Biopharmaceutics, combining synthesis and biological testing of compounds against cardiovascular diseases. After postdocs at Leiden University and Utrecht University I moved to industry were I started in a small biotech company working in pharmaceutical and analytical development. I’m currently working at Pharming technologies were I’m responsible for the analytical projects assigned to the RND department.
Nico de Jager
Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010
Profession: PhD student Academisch Medisch Centrum
Age: 27
Obtained PhD? Ongoing
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
As a student I struggled quite a lot during the bachelor period, as I didn't know how and what to study. I quickly figured it out and could therefore really enjoy the master Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences. However, finishing a master's and starting a career is not to be underestimated. Think of meeting deadlines regarding your graduation, setting up your resume, applying for jobs and settling at your new job. I can help mentees get through their Bachelor's or Master's program and give advice regarding starting a scientific career.
Guido Nelissen
Physics, 1994
Profession: Advisor ICT System Development at RET N.V., Rotterdam
Age: 43
Obtained PhD? No
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
After my graduation as a MSc in Physics in 2000 I pursued a career in Education, switching into the field of Technical Consultancy a few years later. As part of this job I advised the Dutch Government on Public Transport matters. When my employer got acquired by the American multinational UL, I decided to change my career in a slightly different direction again: I started to work for Public Transport Company RET, my current employer.
Lieke Geerts
Bio Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2004
Profession: Group Leader at Charles River
Age: 33
Obtained PhD? Yes
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn
After completing my bachelor's degree Biopharmaceutical Sciences in Leiden and a master's degree Medical and Pharmaceutical Drug Innovation in Groningen, I've done a PhD in neuroscience at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Department of functional genomics. Next, looking for a job in industry I landed at Charles River in Leiden where I first worked as a scientist in the lab, but gradually moved more towards project management as a senior scientist. Recently I also took up line management responsibilities in a group leader position. At Charles River in Leiden we focus mainly on assay development for in vitro target identification and validation in a range of disease areas.
Dick Verhaart
Chemistry, 1969
Profession: Independent Optics Scientist
Age: 69
Obtained PhD? Yes
Language: Dutch/ English
LinkedIn