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Planning and Applying for a Career Outside Academia

Semester

Semester 2, 2025-2026

Type of course

Professional Development and Impact

Date

May 29, 2026

Location

Utrecht University

Duration

1 day

Maximum number of participants

12

ECTS

1 EC will be appointed for participation in the complete course

Staff

Annabelle Hofer (University of Cologne)

Content

This workshop is specifically designed for doctoral students in psychology preparing to transition into careers outside academia. The workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the application process—from analyzing job advertisements to navigating potential contract negotiations. In addition, participants will identify and discuss career-relevant resources, competencies, and pathways within the job market outside academia. Through practical exercises and the creation of targeted application materials, the workshop equips participants with tools and strategies for their upcoming application process.

Learning goals

  1. The doctoral students develop application materials. (preparatory task)
  2. The doctoral students identify and evaluate professional roles and career paths outside academia that align with their individual life preferences and personal interests.
  3. The doctoral students gain clarity about their personal career-related resources and competencies.
  4. The doctoral students learn to clearly present their identified resources and competencies for effective self-marketing.

Preparation: 4 weeks before the workshop, workload: 1 day

Task 1: Complete an online survey in advance. 

Task 2: Preparation of application materials for an application outside academia (language: English) 

a) Identification of interesting job offers 

b) Preparation of application documents, incl. motivation letter, CV 

c) Submission of materials 4 weeks before workshop

 

If there are more PhDs interested in participating than available places, distribution will be based on seniority for this course. This means that we look at how long someone is a KLI member.