Meet our young researchers

For me it was important early in my PhD to start thinking about w​hat I wanted to do. I reflected on what actually motivate​d me ​and made me happy in my work life. So instead of focusing on jobs closely related to my field, I was very open​-minded in my job search and that led me to my current job.

Emil Frederik Lundbjerg Møller PhD in Philosophy, Chief Consultant at the Danish Broadcasting Cooperation (DR)
Emil's advice to young researchers heading for the first job:
  • Start thinking about your career earlyon
  • Consider what you enjoy in your professional life – and what you miss – and look for professions that match your preferences 
  • Check out job listing for inspiration – and be open-minded.

If you want a career outside academia, you should explore which of your scientific experiences will have value outside of academia. Invest in obtaining relevant transferable skills, such as presentation skills, project management and organizational skills. Also, do not wait for the right job to pop up. Be proactive, contact people in your network and discuss the opportunities.

Susanne den Boer Beckers Ph.D. in Science, Senior Adviser Research Data Management at Information Security Unit, Research and Innovation, University of Copenhagen

Susanne's advice to young researchers heading for the first job:

  • Get transferable skills
  • Talk to people and expand your network
  • Get CV training.

If you want to pursue a scientific career, you need to nurture your network and work hard on publishing your work in the best scientific papers early in your career. And you need to focus on the impact your work has on society. Besides don’t be afraid of making mistakes but enjoy the adventure that a career as a scientist will bring you.

Anders Anker Bjørk PhD in geography, Tenure track at Natural History Museum Denmark

Anders’ advice to young researchers heading for the first job:

  • Nurture your network
  • Publish in high-end papers
  • Get individual postdoc funding to gain experience of administering grants
  • Stay tuned with the environment and the field that you want to work in – even when you are abroad.

Support and guidance for early-career researchers

As a PhD or postdoc at UCPH you are offered dedicated support for your career planning and development.

You can book individual sessions with career consultants, join career development workshops, get support in building your professional network and access our catalogue of career tools.