Career prospects
On this page you will find information about possible career prospects for both academic and non-academic careers. Innovation Sciences students typically pursue a career in high-level consultancy, strategic research and development (R&D) management, policymaking, entrepreneurship, or academic research.
Academic careers
Innovation Sciences is also strong basis for those who wish to pursue an academic career as PhD student, which will ultimately lead to professions in scientific research and/or teaching. About half of the PhD students in the Innovation Studies group in Utrecht come from the Innovation Sciences Master's. Moreover, many student publish the results of their Master鈥檚 thesis in international peer reviewed scientific journals
Non-academic careers
Experience shows that employers are in great need of people who are able to analyse complex innovation processes and systems and develop strategies, consult, and action plans to further improve these systems and processes. Given the increasing importance of innovation for societal wellbeing and welfare caused by major societal problems in, for instance, sustainability, transport, health, and the growing economic competition from BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), this need will even grow further in the future. What employers value most in Innovation Sciences graduates is their ability to understand and analyse new problems very rapidly and in an academic and multidisciplinary way.
Innovation Sciences alumni can end up in a wide variety of positions; it is common to become a consultant or analyst. Many alumni are also directly involved in the management of innovation processes within large and small firms in for instance the energy or health sector or become policy-maker or innovation manager at governmental organisations such as ministries. Graduates also work at public research institutes.
Jobs after graduation
The great majority of graduates find a relevant job within three months after graduating. Some example positions:
- strategic innovation consultant
- R&D manager
- high level policymaker
- investment analyst
- sector specialist
- PhD student
Career development
Academic and professional knowledge and skills
The Master鈥檚 programme Innovation Sciences is set up to guide you in the best possible way with your career search. By offering theoretical knowledge and methodological skills, mixed with real life examples often given by field professionals and university experts, you combine analytical skills with hands on experience. This forms the basis for strategic innovation management and policy making. Moreover, during the program there are plenty of extracurricular activities to build and strengthen your CV.
As an Innovation Sciences student, you will learn:
- how to understand the complex path of innovations, dealing with diverse interests, parties, and organisations;
- what guidance is needed to ensure the successful application of promising technological inventions;
- how to assess an invention鈥檚 chances of social and economic success;
- to understand both technology and applications and people and organisations;
- to devise sound strategies and policies for new innovative products;
- to communicate your insights to different audiences.
UU Career Services
UU Career Services offers training related to career orientation and job application skills; examples include writing an application letter and CV and conducting a job interview. You can find more information about career support on or .
UU Careers Day
Once a year Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 organises a . The Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair. It鈥檚 also possible to join a job application training or have your resume checked.
