In the rapidly changing medical world, it is essential that young scientists have a good orientation on their future. At the same time, companies in the healthcare and biotech sectors are looking for highly qualified, motivated professionals. Radboudumc's annual Career Event offers a unique opportunity for both worlds to meet. Aysel Gurbanova, PhD candidate and Marieke de Visser, research policy advisor, both at Radboudumc, talk about this event.
A bridge between science and practice
The Career Event has been specifically organised for PhD candidates and postdocs who wish to explore alternative career opportunities within, and particularly outside, the university.
“Many PhD students do not remain in academia after completing their research,” explains Aysel Gurbanova, co-organiser of the event. “But they are often unaware of the opportunities outside academia, simply because their network is mainly within the university.”
Gurbanova herself conducts research into lifestyle interventions for reproductive disorders at the Department of Laboratory Medicine. She emphasises how important it is for young researchers to broaden their horizons.
She herself once envisaged a professorship on the horizon, but whilst doing her PhD she realised that this did not, after all, fit in with the life she wanted for herself.
“You have to be prepared to move around a lot, because you won’t have the opportunity to become a professor in your field everywhere. Furthermore, a research career requires a great deal of patience; even after years of research, you may well end up with very limited results.
If you know what alternatives are available – consultancy, policy, R&D in industry – you can work towards an alternative next step in a targeted way.”
Valuable skills, also outside science
Marieke de Visser, a policy adviser at Radboudumc and involved in the Career Event, also emphasises that the value of a PhD extends far beyond the university.
“A PhD programme doesn’t just teach you how to conduct research. You develop problem-solving abilities, management and communication skills – all of which are valuable for many different careers both within and outside academia, such as in the business world. I did my own PhD research and now I’m a policy adviser!”
According to De Visser, only 30 to 40 per cent of PhD candidates go on to university jobs, including clinical roles. “That’s why we encourage PhD students to start thinking about their next steps whilst they’re still on their programme. We also discuss this with their supervisors, so that they can develop skills in a more targeted way that will also be useful outside academia. Supervisors must also guide PhD students in this regard and not just focus on research skills.”
Enthusiastic reception
The first edition of the Career Day, held last year, attracted around 140 PhD students and postdocs and some 20 companies; both groups were very positive about the day.
The format is clear and focused: a morning programme featuring keynote speeches and workshops, followed by an afternoon comprising a company fair, networking sessions and talks by alumni.
Gurbanova: “Participants found it valuable to hear about careers they had never considered before – such as a PhD graduate who is now a patent adviser.”
The event is also attractive to companies. They can meet researchers with a solid academic background and promote their organisation as a potential employer.
“Last year, it was mainly start-ups and smaller companies that took part,” says Gurbanova. “This year, we hope to attract more large companies as well, such as Johnson & Johnson, who will be running a workshop.”
Sponsorship and participation: low-threshold and valuable
For companies wishing to take part, there are various options, ranging from a stand at the business fair to delivering a workshop or keynote speech. “We have developed a sponsorship package in which companies can choose how they wish to contribute,” says De Visser. “Some companies were there all day with a stand, whilst others only attended the networking session. It’s flexible.”
The cost of participation is relatively low – Radboudumc covers most of the organisational costs itself, including catering.
De Visser: “For companies, it’s an opportunity to raise their profile amongst a unique audience of highly educated, motivated professionals.”
Next edition: 31 October 2025
The second edition of the Career Day will take place on 31 October 2025 at the Radboudumc Experience Centre – a beautiful venue right in the scientific heart of Nijmegen, on Campus Heyendaal.
The programme will once again feature inspiring keynote speeches, practical workshops and an interactive careers fair. “We’re also ensuring diversity in the programme,” says Gurbanova. “Last year there were many biotech companies; this year, for example, we also want to involve NGOs, consultancy firms and government organisations.”
Participate? Companies are welcome
For companies in the medical, biotech or related sectors, the Radboudumc Career Event offers an opportunity to connect with top talent.
The event also provides an opportunity to network with other companies and institutions.
More information
Are you interested in taking part as a company?
If so, please contact the organisation for details of the sponsorship package and an up-to-date programme overview. Examples of previous speakers and workshops can also be found on the Career Event website.
