As part of the Human Forum 2024, Matej Bel University (MBU) in Banská Bystrica hosted a series of BRRIDGE side events, offering interactive workshops aimed at equipping early-career researchers with essential skills for academic and non-academic career paths. The workshops, held under the Horizon Europe project BRRIDGE, served as a platform for skill development and career planning.
Career Outside Academia, Tuesday, 19th November 2024
This workshop, led by Dr. Mária Žuffová, Research Fellow at European University Institute, Florence, focused on empowering doctoral students to explore professional opportunities beyond traditional academia. Participants identified transferable skills they had acquired during their PhD studies, including methods-related, subject-related, technical, and soft skills.
Through practical activities such as mock interviews, resume writing, and cover letter preparation, participants gained confidence in showcasing their abilities for diverse career paths. The session provided valuable insights into positioning their academic expertise in non-academic contexts, ensuring they left with actionable tools for advancing their careers.
Writing for Publication, Wednesday, 20th November 2024
On Wednesday, Dr. Mária Žuffová conducted another interactive workshop aimed at PhD and postdoctoral researchers, focusing on the intricacies of academic publishing. Participants brought drafts or abstracts of their planned submissions to scholarly journals, using the session to refine their work under expert guidance.
The workshop included practical exercises tailored to improve the quality of manuscripts, enhance clarity, and align with the expectations of peer-reviewed journals. For researchers without completed drafts, the session also provided strategies for developing ideas into publishable articles.
Key Outcomes
The workshops successfully provided participants with:
- Practical tools to transition into non-academic careers confidently.
- Enhanced understanding of the academic publishing process.
- Tailored feedback to strengthen their professional profiles and scholarly outputs.
These side events at Matej Bel University highlight the importance of supporting early-career researchers in navigating both academic and non-academic challenges, fostering professional growth, and enhancing their contribution to the research community.
