Elsa van Garderen, Ph.D.
My journey began with a summer at CERN as a master's student, living with 150 students from all over Europe, for three transformative months. The vibrant environment fueled my passion, prompting the decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Groningen, the Netherlands.
The doctoral journey involved intense hours, late-night beamtime, and modest income. Despite the challenges, the thrill of continual learning, life abroad, and forging diverse connections made it deeply fulfilling.
After completing my Ph.D., and despite been offered a job in the industry, I chose a postdoctoral role in Switzerland, immersing myself in a new cultural and academic setting. This 2-year position was too short to my taste, but I had to move on to a staff scientist position. I flew to the other side of the planet, for a term contract in Melbourne, Australia, that eventually became a permanent position. Once again, I felt the excitment of embracing diverse cultures - and bushwalking with kangaroos - but also the challenge of having to build my new network for scratch once again.
Eventually, the call to return to Europe led me to the industry. I joined Varian, the world leader in radiation therapy - a field closely related to nuclear physics - marking a new chapter in my professional journey.
However, after years of scientific freedom, joining a multinational was a challenged.
So,I joined a startup in the radiation therapy field. Much more challenge, diverse responsabilities, not only technical.
After 18 months leading a startup I decided to consolidate my new knowledge with an Excecutive MBA. I graduated in December 2023. Yes, after completing a demanding a Ph.D., one can decide to start new studies!
Today, I want to help you, if you are a Ph.D. student - or if you want to follow this path - navigate through your professional career. You have not made an easy choice, but you've made one that will open your mind and push you to grow.
Congratulations!
It will be easier with some support. So, contact me!