I am writing this during a holiday in the Swiss Alps. The perspective from a mountaintop is fantastic as I reflect on the past year since I was a Naturejobs Graduate Journal writer. It also helps me see the bigger picture on my career.

If you asked me if I would do a PhD again, I would say “yes”, even though I'm thinking about leaving academia after I finish this one. Applied biotechnology doesn't seem so hip any more, given the lacklustre funding situation and shrinking number of positions. And I worry about the unclear academic career path.

But I have created an extensive network and gained many valuable skills outside the lab through additional activities. I co-founded and built up the international Young European Biotech Network, where I learned how to build and lead teams and to create relationships with other organizations. I also gained selling and negotiation skills. Moreover, I got to know many people around Europe whom I would never have met at academic conferences.

Now, after talking to many people who have started their own companies, I am thinking about doing the same, and would encourage readers to do so too. Creating your own company has many advantages and an entrepreneur needs many of the same attributes as a scientist: creativity, persistence and an ability to work independently. Together with a couple of friends I am developing a business idea. In a couple of years, you may read about it in this journal...