Hosted by the Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society (POPS) (formerly known as Paderborn Optica Student Chapter).
For many Master’s and PhD students, the path through academia is clear, but the destination beyond the degree is often a blur. The question "What’s next?" can be as daunting as the thesis itself.
Should you stay in academia? Is a PhD the right choice for your career goals? What does industry actually look like? What other options exist?
On November 12th, the Paderborn Optics and Photonics Society (POPS) hosted a panel discussion, "Beyond The Lab: Navigating Your Career After PhD" with four experts of the field.
This event aimed to be a roadmap designed specifically for early-career researchers in (quantum) optics and photonics. We brought together a diverse group of experts who have stood exactly where the students now and successfully navigated their way to fulfilling careers. We started with introduction talks by the speakers and ended with a moderated panel discussion. The main topics were:
- To PhD or not to PhD? Is it the right strategic move for you?
- The Fork in the Road: What opportunities await in Industry vs. Academia?
- Preparation: How can you start preparing now for your next career step?
We have created a panel that represents many career possibilities available to you, from high-impact publishing to industrial marketing and research.
- The Editorial Perspective: Dr. Nina Meinzer, Chief Editor at Nature Reviews Physics, offered insights into the world of scientific publishing and communication.
- The Academic Path: Prof. Dr. Sina Saravi (Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Paderborn University) discussed the realities and rewards of pursuing a professorship and leading academic research.
- The Industry Leader: Dr. Gabrielle Thomas, Marketing Group Leader at Menlo Systems GmbH, shared her journey into the high-tech industry and the business side of photonics.
- The Research Institute Expert: Dr. Mariia Sidorova, Staff Scientist at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), shed light on working at the intersection of government research and national metrology.
Thanks to all speakers for their valuable insights and special thanks to Patricia Anna Maria Kallert who moderated the event!
The conversation doesn't end when the panel finishes. We followed the Q&A with a possibility for networking with refreshments. Here the students had the chance to interact directly with the experts, ask the specific questions you were too shy to ask on stage, and connect with peers who are facing the same decisions.
