The Annual Career Symposium held on June 2, 2023, at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, brought together a diverse group of PhD students and post-docs to explore career opportunities both within and outside academia. The event, jointly organized by the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB, the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL), the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), International Max Planck Research School for Cell, the Developmental and Systems Biology (IMPRS-CellDevoSys), and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), aimed to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of potential career paths for individuals with academic backgrounds.
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to attend informative talks, engage in discussions, and interact with industry professionals at the company fair. The symposium proved to be a valuable platform for networking and gaining insights into various career trajectories.
The event featured renowned speakers who shared their personal experiences and career journeys, inspiring the audience with their success stories. Among the notable speakers was Prof. Otger Campàs, the managing director of PoL, who provided valuable insights into career options within academia.
PhD students and post-docs attending the symposium were presented with a unique opportunity to connect with industry representatives during the company fair. This interaction allowed them to explore potential career paths outside the traditional academic setting and gain insights into the skills and qualifications sought by employers.
The symposium emphasized the importance of expanding horizons beyond academia, equipping attendees with the necessary knowledge and resources to make informed career decisions. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the event aimed to empower young researchers to make successful transitions into diverse professional fields.
The organizers, especially from Physics of Life, Dr. Angela Jacobi and Ilona Kreher, expressed their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and industry representatives for their active involvement and contribution to the symposium's success. The event undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the attendees, inspiring them to pursue their career aspirations with confidence and enthusiasm.
Overall, the annual Career Symposium served as a valuable platform for Ph.D. students and post-docs to explore career opportunities, gain insights from experienced professionals, and broaden their horizons beyond academia. The event's success highlighted the growing importance of supporting and guiding the academic community in their career development, ultimately strengthening the connection between research and industry.