Thriving Beyond the PhD

SuccessDoc is an initiative by ASCENDIA, dedicated to highlighting the diverse career paths of PhD holders.

Our ambition is to inspire PhD candidates and graduates exploring their options. And to raise awareness of PhD skills, choices, and successes.

A PhD is a demanding intellectual and human journey. It develops high-level skills that are often underestimated outside academia. Yet today, PhD holders play a crucial role in innovation, research, education, consulting, entrepreneurship, public policy, and many other sectors.

SuccessDoc is fully aligned with ASCENDIA’s mission: supporting professional transitions, valuing skills, and restoring meaning to career paths.

Why SuccessDoc?

  • Because a PhD leads to multiple career paths.

  • Because non-linear paths are a strength.

  • Because PhD holders have powerful stories to tell.

Through portraits, interviews, and testimonials, we give voice to PhD graduates with a wide range of trajectories:


Academic Careers


Transitions to the Private Sector


Entrepreneurship


Hybrid Careers


International Mobility


Chosen or Imposed Career Transitions

Our PhD Holders

  • Abarna Lingeswaran

    Senior Scientist at a climate-tech start-up

  • Élodie Chabrol

    Science communication expert

  • Martina Rossi

    Freelance scientific & medical writer

  • Marie-Émilie Terret

    Curiosity as a guide!

Are you a PhD holder?

Share your journey, your choices, your doubts, and your achievements.