Last year proved successful and appreciated by both attendees, speakers and exhibiting companies. This year, plenary sessions and two parallel workshops were organized, along with ample time for company exhibitions and mingling.
Careers Centre used the opportunity to talk with some of the participants and speakers in the crowd, to learn about their experiences of Career Day.
Anna Orduña, PhD student at Clinical memory research unit, was one of the PhD students from the Medical Doctoral Student Council, who helped out during Career Day, and also had a stand in the exhibition area during the afternoon.
What have you gained from this day so far?
"I found it interesting with different connections, and also the symposium."
What was the most valuable thing?
"I think for me, rather than all the plenary talks, I found that the different interactions with the people that are presenting in the stalls (the exhibition) are the most valuable, because then it’s more experience-based."
Elaine Cowan, Assistant Researcher at Diabetes – Islet Cell Exocytosis, what do you feel is the most important thing you have gained from participating in Career Day?
"Well, I got a better picture of the job market, which is good, and also, from the talks in the morning, more of an idea of what the future will look like in life sciences. I also found out more about companies that are out there."
Hi João Paulo Monteiro Carvalho Mori da Cunha, earlier Postdoc at Faculty of Medicine, what do you think would be valuable to add to the programme in future career days?
"I was in the workshop for innovation, it think it was good. I myself have a patent from Belgium, where I did my PhD. I didn’t know that here in Sweden, the patent is yours. It’s good to know that it’s yours, you have the power, so that people feel more excited to do different things. I didn’t know this, so this was good information. It’s not shared widely"
Klinsmann Carolo, Project Manager at IQVIA, and earlier Postdoc at the Faculty of Medicine, shared his career journey during the morning plenary session.
What’s the most important advice you would give your younger self, knowing what you know now?
"I think there is a moment for things to happen, so just be prepared. You have to be looking out for opportunities constantly, because nothing is going to come knocking on your door. So you have to be ready! Just stay alert and focus on what you want. Really understand what you want to be doing, and what’s required for that kind of position or job. Think ahead! What do I have, what is missing? What does this company or position require in terms of skills and education? Take additional courses and make decisions of which paths you want to follow."
Liza Tchapanova, CEO and co-founder of Trackpaw Scientific, gave an inspiring presentation about developing a business idea and launching a startup.
What advice would you like to give to the participants of Career Day?
"The advice I have given is not to wait too long with anything. I have especially talked to many PhD students who work with something completely new, and who have thought that the PhD student position might not lead to anything specific, but that they have to validate their idea before they can commercialize it. The advice I have given them is that it’s enough with the idea. Take it further to all the support functions that are available – VINNOVA, LU Holding, LU Innovation, Venture Lab, SmiLe Incubator, Ideon – there are many in Lund, who can help with funds and time, to help you commercialize your idea. So the advice is – don’t get too stuck in the academic swamp if you don’t see a way out."