I got convinced by the description of the workshop – as giving not only knowledge of the job market and practical tips for job applications but also giving keys for self-discovery, and I decided to invest in it. The fact that Natalia was herself from a STEM PhD and based in EU (as I am) was also a big plus. Taking part in the workshop delivered on every aspect I was expecting, and more. The added value was not only great first-hand knowledge and tips from Natalia but also the interaction with the other participants. The 4 weeks of the weekly lectures, the weekly session, and the homework helped me structure my time and making actual progress on practical aspects of the job search I had been postponing otherwise. For instance, I changed the template of my CV for a more modern-looking one or looked up the procedure for becoming self-employed. I found Natalia’s knowledge of the job market and her descriptions and practical advice on the different working environments in industry really insightful. And so were the “personality tests” and a session on how to manage personal finances. The 1-to-1 session after the workshop was also a great opportunity to get some further personalized advice for the job search. Natalia’s enthusiasm and forward-thinking personality gave me some great energy to pour into my transition from academia. About a month and a half after the end of the workshop, I received my first job offer for a senior data scientist position in the public sector, a job I applied to follow the discussion and online search during the 1-to-1 session with Natalia. I have as well started to develop a freelance activity. The practical tips and knowledge I received about how to approach a job search and make sure to consider my own personal values in the process are in my opinion pretty agnostic of whether you want to try and stay in academia or not and I would definitely recommend Natalia’s workshop and a companion book on post-PhD careers as part of the training of ever early career researcher.

These turned out to be the essential qualities that have convinced employers and future colleagues at job interviews. This workshop had many practical sessions and helped me tremendously when I worked with a recruiter, performed at a job interview, and negotiated my salary. I have landed my dream role as a Medical Writer and I am thriving in the corporate environment because I love working in teams. I would not be so confident about my career choice without this awareness! This workshop would be highly valuable for PhD students in their final year, and postdocs who are looking into transitioning into a non-academic role. As Natalia is not funded by University or Private Companies, she always gives neutral and honest opinions. When I worked with Natalia, I was assured that she has my best interest in mind.

There is also a strong focus on networking, and there are many suggestions on how to maximise the efficiency of your networking. I found this very useful especially now that everybody is working from home. The main advantage of this course, for me, is that it gives a very thorough explanation of the options available after I complete my PhD. It is nice to see that my narrow expertise in my field is actually useful in jobs outside of science. This course offered many aptitude tests to help constrain for which type of job I am best-suited. There are also useful exercises that feature roleplaying to help prepare for various workplace scenarios. There is even a 1-to-1 discussion with the instructor after the course to wrap up everything we learned and ensure we know how to apply it. Overall, I feel much more prepared and aware of my options concerning my career post-PhD.

When you are stuck with your work it’s really hard to grasp a broader perspective on your career. This workshop helped me to realize my motivations and what I could gain by pivoting to another kind of job (“to which tribe I want to belong” in Natalia’s words). The practical part about job-seeking was also really engaging (which is not always the cause, I have a comparison with another course organized by my university). The additional value of this course is a special block about personal finances and how to build your own business (as a scientist). These things are not something you could get often from such workshops. Last but not least, I liked the possibility to share experiences with other ECRs (and learning from them their solutions). Natalia covers some of those topics in her book — which is a recommended read — but the workshop dynamics offers so much more!

As a PhD, you have more potentials to lead a successful career outside of academia. In this workshop, you will know better about your true self. By doing the aptitude test developed by Natalia based on the most updated scientific research, you will find the career path suits you best. Want to start your own company? Natalia will walk you through her own experience about how she started the Ontology of Value as a PhD in data science. More than just the knowledge, you will also learn the skills about preparing the most attractive resume and to answer the tricky interview questions. I had also a lot of fun in the practice part. Paired with a partner, do your own math, and try to set up a profitable company. Natalia opened me a new world out of ivy tower. If you are also curious about ”What is out there for me?” join the workshop, and your career will speed up.

However, it also made me realize that most of the things that I enjoy at work and I am better at are present in my daily activities in academia! As it does not only matter what you do but also in which environment you want to do it, learning about the different working attitudes, tribes and environments was really important for me. And it made me realize that I am quite happy with my freedom and current tribe in academia and maybe I don’t have to rush looking for something else! Lack of knowledge on your core competencies and future working environment can reduce your career possibilities, but a lack of knowledge on yourself and your relationship with your job might reduce your happiness for life! Take the time to discover yourself and evaluate where your natural talents and passions could fit, and let Ontology of Value help you do that.

The Landscape of Post-PhD Career Tracks.” I don’t think there’s been a more insightful or comprehensive interpretation on the topic of career-design produced since the classic bestseller; “The Pathfinder” by Nicolas Lore, published over two decades ago. Natalia’s work offers career-design support that’s well and truly rooted in the changing landscape of work in the 21st century. I would recommend this career orientation course to seasoned professionals looking to change careers and graduates just starting out. Anyone who’s seeking a career that’s more engaging and better aligned to their own needs would be sure to learn something new and benefit.

Through engaging discussions, quizzes, and myth-busting content, participants gained valuable insights into the diverse sectors that actively seek PhD-level talent, along with the motivations and strategies involved in each. It combined evidence-based insight into the job market with personalized strategies for self-discovery. Our students found the session energizing and appreciated the honest, constructive approach to career transitions.