Professional Career Preparation Course | What Comes After Your PhD? Exploring Careers Beyond Academia
You have spent years developing exceptional expertise, rigorous thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems. But when it comes to navigating the next steps in your career, many doctoral researchers tell us they feel underprepared - not because of a lack of ability, but because strategic career planning is rarely part of doctoral training.
About
The purpose of this course is to train PhD students and doctoral researchers how to strategically plan and execute a career transition outside of academia. This online, self-paced course delivered by Alma.Me covers the full arc of a career transition - from self-reflection and career exploration, through professional networking and job applications, to interview preparation and starting a new role.
Course Content
MODULE 1. DISCOVER.ME
Helps the doctoral researcher identify their skills, values, and motivators, and use this self-knowledge to find career directions that are a genuine fit outside academia.
Participants will build a personal Career Compass by exploring what energises them professionally and testing career hypotheses against real job market data. They will also learn how to use informational interviews to explore careers through direct conversations with industry professionals.
MODULE 2. CONNECT.ME
Helps the doctoral researcher build a professional digital presence and develop authentic networking strategies to open doors to the hidden job market.
Participants will create a complete, recruiter-visible LinkedIn profile and learn how to network both in person and online in a way that feels natural rather than transactional. The module also covers how to use LinkedIn actively to grow a professional network and find open positions.
MODULE 3. APPLY.ME
Helps the doctoral researcher write an industry-standard resume/CV that effectively markets their doctoral expertise to non-academic employers.
Participants will learn how an industry resume differs from an academic CV and be guided through each component: professional summary, skills list, and experience translation. They will also practise tailoring their resume for specific roles by analysing job descriptions and identifying key requirements.
MODULE 4. INTERVIEW.ME
Helps the doctoral researcher prepare for and perform confidently across all stages of the industry interview process.
Participants will explore the relational dimension of interviewing and receive dedicated preparation guidance for each interview type: initial screening, hiring manager, peer, and leadership interviews. The module covers what to expect, how to prepare, and how to conduct themselves at each stage.
MODULE 5. LAUNCH.ME
Helps the doctoral researcher evaluate and negotiate a job offer and start their new role with confidence and clarity.
Participants will explore the full components of a job offer beyond base salary and learn how to negotiate professionally. The module also covers what to expect during onboarding and how to make a strong impression within the first 90 days in industry.
Compulsory components
All five modules and their associated workbook and template tools are compulsory. Checkpoint quizzes within the course must be completed before advancing to the next module.
At course start, participants must submit a current CV/Resume. At course end, a revised industry-format resume must be submitted.
An online introduction meeting at the start of the course, a midpoint check-in meeting and a close-off meeting at the end are mandatory to attend. The dates are:
Intro meeting: 19 October, from 13:00-14:00 CET
Mid check-in meeting: 6 November, from 10:00-11:00 CET
Close-off meeting: 26 November, from 16:00-17:00 CET.
Course Details
Dates: 19 October – 26 November 2026
Language of instruction: The course is delivered in English.
Format: Online and self-paced - work through the material in your own time
Credits: 1.5 ECTS
Capacity: Places are limited - register early
Who can apply: PhD candidates and postdocs from NeurotechEU partner universities. PhD candidates from the NeurotechEU Doctoral Network are welcome to apply.
How To Apply
To register, please submit the following documents:
Your CV
A motivation letter
A letter of support from the NeurotechEU Office at your home university.
Please send your application to submissions@theneurotech.eu by 12 October.
Should you have any questions, please contact us at submissions@theneurotech.eu.