Discussions at YouRforum 2019, RMIT
Jobs in many of the fastest-growing industries require science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skilled professionals.
The Young Researchers Forum, aka YouRforum was created by FLEET COO Dr Tich-Lam Nguyen (then at the Monash Centre for Atomically Thin Materials) to provide opportunities for young STEM researchers to network, discuss research ideas and practice their professional skills.
The program‘s ‘Got PhD, What Next?’ forum focuses on post-PhD careers, inspiring PhD students to plan their careers as future leaders in both academia and industry: A panel of diverse STEM PhD graduates share their unique career journeys and lessons learnt, followed by a Q&A session from the audience.
Discussions have included how to obtain a postdoctoral position, winning research grants, and overcoming challenges of the PhD journey, as well as discussions on difficult career choices and breaking barriers.
Statistics show that the majority of STEM PhD graduates will end up in careers outside of academia.
Students therefore need to develop a diverse skills base to enhance their future job opportunities, ensuring readiness for whichever career path they pursue.
FLEET took up YouRforum in 2017, offering the training workshop to Centre members and other interested STEM PhD students.
Over five ‘Got PhD, What Next?’ workshops, students have met more than 40 academics, entrepreneurs and research managers, including professionals in business development, finance and legal fields – all of whom are PhD STEM graduates. The 200+ graduate students and ECR attendees have gained practical tips and advice from those who have been there, done that.
One of the most common pieces of advice from panellists has been: don’t underestimate transferable skills gained from the PhD, which can be applied in various professions regardless of fields. These include collaboration, innovative approach to solving problems, creative thinking, time management and effective communication to a wide audience.