
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
Prioritise your next step
Career planning is often overshadowed by the demands of research, leaving many PhD students unprepared for their next step. That’s why they should start planning their next career move early, says Isabelle Kohler.
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What does success mean to you?
Isabelle Kohler explores the personal nature of success and guides early-career researchers through the process of defining what success means to them.
- English
An ode to patience
Isabelle Kohler offers valuable tips to help early-career researchers stay patient while pursuing their professional dreams.
- English
How to embrace feedback as an academic writer
Isabelle Kohler shares practical strategies to help early-career researchers and students not only survive feedback but also embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
- English
It’s not just about money
The government’s massive budget cuts are sparking deep concern across academia. In this column, Isabelle Kohler outlines the primary effects of these cuts on research, higher education, and innovation, with a specific focus on PhD students.
- English
When persistence bears fruit: from invisible effort to visible success
As she celebrates her first year writing for C2W International, Isabelle Kohler reflects on how persistent effort can shape our professional journey. She draws parallels between her writing activity and PhD journey, both relying on invisible work behind visible achievements.
- English
Thriving in academia with a chronic condition
Isabelle Kohler shares her experience of navigating academia while managing health struggles, offering practical strategies for others to thrive too.
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An introvert’s guide to professional events
Isabelle Kohler offers practical tips to help introverts not onlly survive but even thrive at conferences and professional events.
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Below the tip of the iceberg: the hidden value of conferences
Isabelle Kohler explores the benefits of conferences that can significantly influence your research and career development in unexpected ways.
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Back to work: balancing productivity with well-being
Isabelle Kohler shares her journey towards balanced productivity, exploring strategies to optimize her work without compromising her well-being.
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Compete with yourself, not your peers
Each PhD or postdoc journey is unique and incomparable and it’s important to measure yourself against your past selve, rather than your peers.
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Professional development courses during a PhD: smart investment or waste of time?
Some see professional development courses as part of their doctoral program as a waste of time. ‘Au contraire!’, says Isabelle Kohler.
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Choosing the right PhD supervisors: a make-or-break decision
Isabelle Kohler gives you tips for choosing a PhD supervisor, emphasizing the importance of a good fit for a successful PhD and career.
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Creating a healthier academic environment for all
Isabelle calls for a shift in the academic mindset and emphasizes the need for structural changes to ensure the well-being of academic professionals.
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A well-rested mind as fertile ground
In this column, Isabelle Kohler encourages young scientists to set clear boundaries and prioritize their health.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.