Isabelle Kohler
Isabelle Kohler is Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and founder of NextMinds. She writes in C2W International in her column “Exploring Academia with Isabelle”, where she gives tips and tricks to young scientists to navigate the academic jungle.
Isabelle is passionate about teaching. She didn’t expect that teaching and mentoring the younger generation of scientists would be so rewarding (and fun). After 15 years in academia, she realized it was time to explore this talent further, and founded NextMinds, next to her job in academia.
With NextMinds, Isabelle provides knowledge and tools to early-career scientists (students, PhD students, postdocs), to make them well-equipped to conquer the academic world.
She loves telling stories – on academia, science, career development: as long as she can write (with a good cup of coffee), she’s happy.
Contactinformatie
- Email:
- i.kohler@vu.nl
- Website:
- https://www.nextminds.net/
- English
Trust the process and embrace the unexpected
In this column, Isabelle invites young scientists to be open to the unexpected in their careers and to trust the process.
- English
Is inbox overload the workplace epidemic of the 21st century?
Isabelle Kohler shares some experiences and tips on how to stay productive despite the constant stream of emails we get nowadays.
- English
Is a PhD solely driven by a passion for research?
Isabelle discusses the realities that PhD students may face, which are often overshadowed by the emphasis on research.
- English
To be or not to be (a professor)
Isabelle gives her perspective on the conventional academic path, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with this career choice.
- English
Professors in their natural habitat: what a professorship entails
In this instalment of Exploring Academia, Isabelle discusses the steps on the academic ladder and the tasks and responsibilities of a professor.
- English
What to do after a PhD? Exploring options
In this column, Isabelle Kohler explores alt-ac and non-academic positions to inspire PhD students as they prepare for their next career step.
- English
Settling into a new academic and cultural environment: lessons from a fruitful decade of Dutch adventure
On the occasion of her 10th anniversary in the Netherlands, Isabelle Kohler delves into her memories and recalls her first steps in the country. She also offers advice to international (PhD) students to help them settle into their new academic and cultural environment.
- English
Money talks: the finances behind your PhD
Isabelle Kohler reflects on her journey to understanding the academic financial landscape and provides information on different types of PhD funding.
- English
How to make your PhD defense memorable and triumphant
Isabelle Kohler shares her anticipation for a joyful milestone in her academic career and offers insights and tips to PhD candidates.
- English
Sinterklaas and AI
Isabelle reflects on how AI can affect our lives – from helping us write Sinterklaas poems to impacting the quality of our education system.
- English
Getting integrated in the Dutch academic world as a Swiss free electron
Isabelle Kohler reflects on the aftermath of the Dutch elections and shares her worries about the Balanced Internationalization bill.
- English
Creating doors in the digital world
Isabelle Kohler recounts her journey towards getting to write for C2W International and how you can create such opportunities yourself.
- English
A 10-year PhD anniversary
Our new contributor Isabelle Kohler, assistant professor at VU Amsterdam, reflects on what it’s like to be a PhD student, both now and a decade ago.