An often overlooked opportunity for PhD students
With passion, sweat and some occasional tears, PhD students dive deep into their research projects. For four long (and yet way too short) years, they chase the big fish of academic achievements: as many publications as possible, preferably in high impact journals.
It is only after four years that many realize that there have been plenty other fish in the sea, on which they totally missed out. Luckily, I caught mine, and I would like to encourage you to start looking for yours, too.
The too busy PhD student
You blink with your eyes, and suddenly the first year of your PhD has passed. Most likely, you feel like you haven’t scored any tangible success, even though you are ambitious and hard-working. If not now, it will catch you at some later point: the infamous panic phase. Will there be enough time to publish your work and finish your PhD? Certainly, there is no time for any activities other than lab work!
Well, you are one of them: the too busy PhD student. You are too busy chasing that big fish that you do not notice all others swimming right in front of you. And they are definitely worth chasing – for your present self as well as for your future self.
Catch that career-advancing experience
Of course, your PhD equips you with a lot of transferable skills that will be useful in a wide variety of careers. Nevertheless, finding a job after graduation can be challenging – either because you are just one of many applicants with similar CVs, or because you have no idea what you want to do.
My advice: don’t overlook the opportunity that this phase of your career offers you right now; explore non-research activities that appeal to you! What seems to be extra and perhaps unnecessary work will soon turn into an enriching and career-advancing experience. For example, you could involve yourself in teaching, council work, (internal) committees or networks, research support, or (as in my case) science communication. You could do volunteer work or go for a secondment. Not only will you advance your career, you will become an even more valuable asset to your colleagues! Of course, research is and remains your primary task. But most supervisors will also support other ambitions, as long as they promote your personal growth. Just talk to them!
An example: science communication
For me, it was my supervisor herself, Prof. Roos Masereeuw, who approached me with a unique opportunity: Regenerative Medicine Utrecht (RMU) was looking for a PhD student that would work part-time as communications officer. Knowing that I am passionate about science communication, Roos brought me into contact with Ria Matthijssen, the programme manager at RMU; and since more than a year, I am spending one day per week at the RMU support office. I am mainly responsible for the biweekly newsletter and the content of the RMU website. I am also given total freedom for the RMU science blog. The best part is that I do not lose time for my research: my PhD contract simply got extended for three months.
During my time at RMU, I have learnt a lot. Of course, I fully enjoyed the possibility to use and strengthen my communication skills. I learnt quickly how to balance my lab and communication responsibilities, and the changes in tasks made my weeks more colorful. Last but not least, I broadened my network with fantastic people (special shout-out to the support team)!
Opportunities at RMU
Engaging in non-research work can change how you see the scientific world and what place you can take in it. RMU offers quite some opportunities for PhD students! Maybe you see yourself as course tutor, or you would like to participate in outreach events? Become part of our educational pool, which we regularly contact when new teaching and outreach opportunities arise.
Or would you like to follow-up my work as science communicator? In September 2020, my contract will finish. If you are interested in taking over, reach out to your supervisor and the RMU support office (rmu@umcutrecht.nl)!
Also, if you can think of any other way to add value to the community, we are open to your proposal.
Besides the learning and the fun, such experiences strengthen your CV. Even if you want to stay in academia, it will add a different dimension to your PhD. Go for it!
This blog is written by Katja Jansen (RMU communications officer (2019-2020) and PhD candidate in Drug Innovation (2016-2020)).