Exploring your career options after your postdoc
See how your expertise can create new opportunities
After your PhD, you chose to continue your academic path — but what comes next when your contract ends? Can you stay in academia, or is this the time to explore opportunities beyond it? ProActief helps postdoctoral researchers at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) gain insight into their competencies and career perspectives. Your experience and transferable skills open more doors than you might expect. Don’t wait until your contract period is over — start shaping your next step now. This way, you stay in control and move forward in a direction that fits who you are and what you want.
Check whether you’re eligible for reimbursement for our workshops or coaching, and explore our offer specifically for postdocs.
View our range of workshops for postdocs
Gain clarity and direction in three steps
According to the 2023 National PhD Survey conducted by UNL and the Rathenau Institute, over 60% of PhD candidates want to stay in academia, yet nearly 70%... Read more in the blog.
-
“My coach was able to help me in a very targeted way with what I needed in terms of transferable skills. Very nice!”
Need a coaching programme?
Thinking ahead in your career
Do you want to take a moment to reflect on your next career step? The Career Check-in offers a compact but powerful way to pause, gain perspective and clarify where you are — and where you’d like to go.
You’ll start with a validated online assessment that highlights your energy, motivation, skills and career aspirations. Afterwards, you’ll have three one-to-one sessions with a career coach to explore your development needs and define concrete actions for taking ownership of your career.
Sign up for the Career check-in.
Check whether you’re eligible for reimbursement of the Career Check-in.
Meet our coaches and trainers
Our career coaches and trainers are experienced professionals. The core team is permanently affiliated with ProActief, and we also work with external coaches who bring their own specialisations and perspectives.
Do you have a question for one of our coaches or trainers? Email us at
-
DirectorRuerdje van Mierlo"Innovation and quality are my drivers. Regarding career development, I say: self-direction is indispensable"
-
Career coach and trainerSieta Keizer‘I focus on ownership, self-knowledge, and proactivity—supported by creativity, humor, an open mind, and the ability to see through patterns and deeper layers.‘
-
Career coach and trainerLeon Bos‘The best thing about career coaching is the moment when candidates discover what they already have to offer—and gain a clear view of their next step.‘
-
Career coach and trainer (flex)Jacqueline Smit‘My approach is pragmatic, positive, stimulating, and results-oriented. I help you enjoy the process of finding a suitable new job or achieving a healthy work-life balance.‘
-
Career coach and trainerChannah van Dootingh‘I combine genuine commitment with quick analysis and creative solutions. My approach is practical and action-oriented.’
-
Career coach and trainerMarjolein Niehe‘I always see talent and potential in you. With practical tools and a touch of humour to keep things light, I help you take the next steps with confidence, even when it comes to management and leadership.‘
-
Career coach and trainerSimone Schulp‘What's holding you back? I'll free you up and get you moving toward new work, toward yourself, and toward what you want to do in life and from your heart.’
-
Career coach and trainerJosta Vencken'Let's explore what you want, and what your talents and skills are. I will suggest practical tools to discover new career paths and truly move forward.'
-
Business operations and financeBianca KlupperOur rock when it comes to planning, organization, and finances. Knows almost everything and comes up with practical and effective solutions.
-
Office managerIlse VlassakExperienced office manager who likes to roll up her sleeves. Friendly, to-the-point, and results-oriented, she assists our candidates and clients.
-
Trainer and career coach (flex)Rob Smits‘Not just talking, but above all practicing and pushing boundaries. For a mix of Amsterdam guts and Zaandam pragmatism, I'm the person to turn to.’
-
Career coach and trainer (flex)Mervyn Nankoe‘I create a safe space where you learn to trust yourself and let your authentic colors shine.’
