After completing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellowship, researchers embark on a pivotal phase to leverage their enhanced skills, expanded networks, and cutting-edge research experience for their next career move. This transition period involves fulfilling post-fellowship obligations, strategizing for future career paths, and maintaining professional connections.
Post-Fellowship Administrative Steps
The immediate actions following the fellowship focus on reporting and evaluation. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellows are requested to complete two short surveys. These surveys gather valuable information concerning various issues, including their integration within the host institution and the profound impact of the fellowship on their skills development, career trajectory, and overall employability. This feedback helps in assessing the program's effectiveness and shaping future initiatives.
Charting Your Career Path
The MSCA fellowship significantly boosts a researcher's profile, opening doors to diverse career opportunities across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Careful planning and strategic networking are crucial for a successful transition.
1. Pursuing Academic Excellence
Many MSCA fellows continue their careers within academia, aiming for research or teaching positions.
- Postdoctoral Positions: Secure advanced postdoctoral roles in leading research institutions worldwide. Focus on projects that align with your MSCA research or expand your expertise.
- Lectureships/Professorships: Aspire to faculty positions, combining teaching with independent research. Demonstrate a strong publication record, grant-writing experience, and leadership potential.
- Research Management: Explore roles in research administration, project management within universities, or leading research groups.
2. Transitioning to Industry
The skills acquired during an MSCA fellowship, such as project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem-solving, are highly valued in the private sector.
- R&D Roles: Join research and development departments in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, engineering, and energy.
- Consultancy: Apply your expertise to scientific or technical consulting firms, advising on complex problems.
- Data Science & Analytics: Leverage analytical and computational skills in fields requiring data interpretation and modeling.
- Product Development: Contribute to the innovation and development of new products or services.
3. Entrepreneurial Ventures
The MSCA program fosters innovation, and some fellows choose to transform their research into new businesses or social enterprises.
- Startup Creation: Develop a business plan around your research findings or a novel solution. Seek incubation support, seed funding, and mentorship.
- Spin-offs: Collaborate with your former host institution to commercialize intellectual property developed during your fellowship.
- Innovation Roles: Work within existing companies to drive innovation or manage new product lines.
Leveraging Your MSCA Experience
The MSCA fellowship provides a unique set of skills and a prestigious credential that should be highlighted.
- Highlight Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills gained, such as:
- Interdisciplinary Research
- Project Management
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- International Collaboration
- Communication and Dissemination
- Mentorship and Supervision
- Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your research (e.g., publications, patents, societal contribution, policy influence).
- Global Mindset: Your international mobility and exposure to diverse research environments are significant assets.
Networking and Alumni Engagement
Maintaining and expanding your professional network is paramount for future success.
- MSCA Alumni Association: Join and actively participate in the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA). This network offers invaluable connections, career development resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Conferences and Workshops: Continue attending and presenting at international conferences to stay updated on new research and expand your network.
- Professional Associations: Join relevant scientific or industry-specific professional organizations.
- Mentorship: Seek out mentors in your desired field and offer mentorship to junior researchers.
Future Funding and Grant Applications
For those staying in research, securing further funding is a continuous process.
- Horizon Europe Opportunities: Explore other funding instruments within Horizon Europe or national research grants.
- ERC Grants: Consider applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants, particularly if you are aiming for independent research leadership.
- Industry Collaborations: Look for collaborative grants with industrial partners.
By strategically planning your next steps, leveraging the prestige and skills gained from your MSCA fellowship, and actively engaging with the global research community, you are well-positioned for a highly successful and impactful career.
