Earlier this year, I attended an interactive panel session during a conference, focusing on career options after a PhD or postdoc. Though it didn’t entirely surprise me, something struck me. At the beginning of the session, the moderator asked the audience whether they already knew with certainty what their next post-PhD step or post-postdoc step would be. More than 95% seemed to not be certain about their decision of what they would do.

When I was a PhD student, I was in a similar situation. I had no clear vision of what my career path would look like after my PhD. I lived day by day, focused on my research, without much concern for where I would be in 10 or 20 years. Like many, I enjoyed doing research and wanted to continue on this path, but I lacked a concrete understanding of what a career in academia or industry truly entailed. I also had no idea about the vast array of options that were actually available to me.

This needs to change. Universities and research institutes must invest more energy and resources in guiding PhD students in preparation of their next career steps. Universities typically dedicate a budget for the self-development of their academic staff (it’s even part of the collective labour agreement, also for employees with a permanent contract) – why not do the same for PhD students? Ideally, this would include accessible, affordable career development options that fit within standard PhD budgets – without the need to consume the entire PhD budget for one course.

Until institutions recognize this gap and take action, I encourage PhD students to take charge of their own career preparation. Here’s how:

• Start early: it’s never too early to start preparing your next move. Even if your PhD demands most of your energy, do take time to think about your future and act on it. It doesn’t need to take a huge amount of time – it could be just an hour a week keeping your CV up-to-date, reading online on career prospects, or having a coffee with someone from your network. The final year of your PhD will be intense, so get ahead before the pressure peaks.
• Knowledge is power: you’re already an expert at finding and analysing information for your research. Apply that same skill to your career preparation. Read about different career paths, explore job descriptions, and learn what skills are valued in various sectors.
• Use available resources: many universities offer career development and orientation workshops/courses – take advantage of them. Ask your supervisors whether some of the available budget can be used for your career development. If you’re part of a consortium, ask the project manager about organizing career-related training. Follow professionals on social media who share insights on career transitions; you might discover opportunities you hadn’t considered.
• Look beneath the tip of the iceberg: with some exceptions (e.g., collaboration with industry, PhD in a private institute), most PhD students have only experienced academic life, making it hard to grasp the full range of career possibilities. Industry, academia, start-ups, science communication, policy-making – these are just a few of the many paths available. Talk to professionals in different fields to understand what their jobs really entail. If you’re considering academia, speak with professors to get a realistic view of their daily work.
• Ask for feedback: when it’s time to apply for jobs or grants, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your supervisors or mentors. They can offer valuable insights into your CV, cover letters, and application strategies. Providing this kind of guidance is part of their role – use their expertise to your advantage and don’t shy away from asking.

Taking control of your career trajectory is just as important as your research. It’s easy to become absorbed in your PhD and focus solely on the present, but thinking ahead and preparing for your next step is a skill worth developing. While support exists, you need to be proactive in seeking it out – opportunities won’t simply land in your lap. Start now, take small but consistent steps, believe in yourself and your skills, and set yourself up for a future that aligns with your ambitions.