Developed by EURAXESS Sweden, this practical guide offers institutions a complete roadmap to support international early career researchers exploring professional pathways beyond the academic sector.
Every year, thousands of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers face uncertainty about their future careers, especially in countries where academic opportunities are limited. The new guide responds to this need by providing a structured, evidence-based model to help institutions design impactful career‑development programmes.
A Guide Built on a Successful National Pilot
The publication is based on the Career Outside Academia Programme, a national Swedish pilot targeting international researchers. The programme consisted of six two‑hour sessions covering essential topics for career transition, including:
- Inspirational talks from former researchers who successfully moved to industry.
- The mindset shift required to explore non-academic career paths.
- Personal branding, CV writing for industry, and interview preparation.
- Building and leveraging professional networks, including effective use of LinkedIn.
- Understanding the national labour market and employer expectations.
- Identifying additional resources for future professional development.
From Planning to Implementation: A Comprehensive Resource
The guide goes beyond describing the pilot by offering concrete recommendations to help institutions implement their own programmes. It includes:
- Guidance on defining the programme structure, duration, and target audience.
- Tips for identifying, selecting, and booking external experts and speakers.
- Communication strategies and examples of promotional materials.
- Registration and selection procedures for participants.
- Practical advice for running digital sessions.
- Tools for evaluating programme impact and planning follow-up activities.
The message is clear: with modest resources, institutions can deliver highly valuable support to researchers navigating career transitions.