Info sessions
Take part in live workshops, debates, and info sessions on 27 March. No need to register beforehand, unless otherwise indicated.
hall 1 - room 2 - PhDs & postdocs
11:30
The Ghent University Postdoc Community is hosting a live panel debate for postdocs and PhD candidates who want to make the jump from academia to industry or other non-academic fields.
PhD holders have shown during their careers that they are suitable to take on many different roles: from creative thinkers to problem-solvers, the versatility is immense. Potentially due to these qualities, the employment rate of PhD holders after finishing their PhD is high. However, jobs within academia are limited. Therefore, 9 out of 10 PhD holders will embark at some point on the endeavor of a non-academic career. Although many of us will make the jump at some point, this transition can be intimidating. In the live panel debate, we will address some of the most burning questions: What soft skills should I bring with me? When should I start looking for a job? What kind of job is fitting best for me?
Our goal with this panel debate is to diminish some of the apprehension to make the transition into a non-academic career and to empower PhD holders to make the jump.
Making the jump: How to successfully transition from academia to industry
1h 15min. - Universiteit Gent - the Ghent University Postdoc Community
13:00
In this interactive workshop, we will list do’s and don’ts for drafting a cv with an academic background. Your cv is the business card that makes (or breaks) the first impression a recruiter gets of your profile. It should show your professional personality, be adapted to the targeted position and communicate your killer points. In this short workshop, we will deduce guidelines regarding style, structure and content based on discussion of frequently raised questions and authentic input.
Your PhD in a CV
30 min. - Universiteit Gent - UCT - Sarah De Paepe
13:45
In this session, we start by defining 'personal professional branding' and exploring its benefits for your career and job search. We explain how to create your personal brand and effectively convey it (What expertise do you have? What drives you in your career? What are your talents, and what defines you as a person?). To help with this, we provide several frameworks.
You will receive tips on how to apply this in an elevator pitch, as well as on social media platforms like LinkedIn, and how to build and map out your personal network. What makes you unique, and how can you best showcase yourself?
In short, we guide you through the key do's and don'ts and provide a list of practical tips that you can start applying right away.
Crafting Your Career Identity: The Power of Personal Professional Branding
45 min. - Motmans & Partners - Lisa Stiers
14:45
Applying for a job – especially in larger companies – seems to be a complex process. That’s why a lot of applicants start using generative AI like ChatGPT to generate a best-fit CV for the vacancy. In this session I will explain how companies like KBC are recruiting, where AI is implemented and how we use the technology. Following on this part the use of AI from the view of the applicant will be discussed. Pitfalls, challenges and opportunities are presented, and based on one case practical tips will provided to the audience.
Should you use ChatGPT? Join us to explore the answer from a corporate point of view.
How to apply with AI, not using ChatGPT
45 min. - KBC Bank & Verzekering NV - Frank Stumpe
15:45
We will explore the hidden job market and how to navigate it.
Attendees will gain insights into the recruitment process, from applications to interviews, learn actionable tips to prepare effectively and build confidence in seizing opportunities.
Boost your career and get the job you deserve!
Unleashing Your Career Potential: Demystifying Recruitment for PhDs and Postdocs
45 min. - House of HR - David Engelen
16:45
This session offers insights into the following:
The institutions and their roles
The profiles they seek
The skills and competencies required from candidates
The types of contracts available
The selection process for staff
Career Opportunities in the EU institutions
45 min. - EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) - Alina Anton
17:45
In today’s rapidly changing job landscape, researchers and professionals alike face uncertainty, complex challenges, and unforeseen obstacles. Drawing on concepts from Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter and personal experiences, this session provides practical strategies for overcoming mental blocks, pivoting effectively, and sustaining momentum when the path forward isn’t clear. Attendees will learn how to harness small wins, embrace adaptability, and leverage supportive networks to thrive—even when outcomes are not guaranteed. By the end of the talk, participants will leave with actionable insights to navigate the inherent unpredictability of the labour market with confidence and resilience.