How PhDs Can Build Their Identity as an Industry Professional

The leap from academia to industry can feel daunting; you're trading your scholar's cap for a corporate suit. But this move can be one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions you'll ever make.

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

First off, let's address the elephant in the room. Stepping out of academia can feel like you're leaving a part of yourself behind. There's a nagging sense that you're doing it just for the money, or worse, that you couldn't hack it in the academic world. But the reality is that there are very limited academic positions that can adequately support most people's cost of living and many PhDs go on to successful careers in industry. Try to remember that moving away from academia doesn't mean you're selling out. It's about evolving in a different direction.

WHY INDUSTRY? WHY NOW?

For PhDs where academia may not be the right fit, the industry path can offer a variety of perks that, for them, academia may have kept just out of reach. Healthier work-life balance, more stability (hello, regular paychecks!), and a variety of opportunities and roles that can play to your interests. And the best part is that you can pick what best suits you. You're not limited by the subject matter of your degree.

SHEDDING THE ACADEMIC SKIN

The trickiest part for many PhDs is letting go of the academic mindset. In the ivory towers, it's about your degrees and publications. But in industry, it's about the tools in your toolbox that helped you attain those accomplishments - it's about what you can do and how you can impact. And that can be very liberating for PhDs thinking about shifting their career path.

REDIRECTING YOUR COURSE

So, how do you make the switch?

1. Network, Network, Network: Connect with folks who have walked the path you want to be on. They can teach you how to walk the talk.
2. Talk to Industry PhDs: They were once in your shoes and now they're where you want to be. They can help you understand how to position your PhD in new contexts.
3. Redefine Yourself: Remember, your PhD is part of who you are, not ALL you are. Embrace the new dimensions a career shift can layer onto your identity.

JUMPING SHIP

Jumping from the academic ship into the industry ocean might seem overwhelming, but it's a chance to grow in ways you've never imagined. You're not losing your academic self; you're expanding it into new territories.

 YOUR NEXT STEPS

• Join our free online community for ongoing support and networking
• Register for our next webinar, “How to Position Your Academic Experience in an Industry Job Search”
• Enroll in our online course, Post-Academic.Me, a 5-step course to teach you how to make the transition