Navigating Industry Transition After a PhD: Lessons from Personal Experience

My journey from academia to the industry sector is one filled with challenges and triumphs. After graduating in 2017 with a PhD in a highly specialized field, I felt that I had much to refine and hone my skills. I embarked on two postdoctoral fellowships (postdocs) to explore how the knowledge and experiences from my PhD could be applied in the life sciences sector, particularly in developing ultra-sensitive hypoxia sensors.

Postdoc Experience in South Africa

After my first postdoc, I decided to move to South Africa and establish my own lab. Over the following three years, I worked on a variety of materials, published several high-quality papers, even supervised a PhD student, and ventured into the complex world of electrochemistry. This period was incredibly gratifying, allowing both my student and I to learn and grow significantly together.

Advancing with a Marie Curie Fellowship

My ambition to transition into the industry did not wane, and following a successful proposal, I received a Marie Curie fellowship, which led me to Ireland to work on optically active nanodiamonds for biomedical imaging. While the decision to move to industry was clear in my mind, no one had prepared me for the challenges I would face.

The Challenges of Transitioning to Industry

Initially, I encountered significant difficulties finding a role in the industry, despite my academic credentials. Each rejection felt like a personal setback, making it feel as though the doors to opportunity were closing around me. Over the first two years in Ireland, I faced numerous rejections and struggled to adapt to the industry's expectations. These rejections often felt like a stinging slap on my achievements, as if my contributions were being undervalued.

At the lowest point, I joined a government agency for a brief period, hoping that the new experience would aid me in breaking into the industry. I believed that this experience would be ideal for securing a consulting role with well-known firms like Deloitte and KPMG. However, my hopes were shattered, and my life took a turn for the worse. I faced significant challenges and was close to being terminated from my position. The uncertainty and pressure were overwhelming, making each day a struggle.

The Turning Point and Resilience

During one particularly difficult morning, I was celebrating the publication of a project that I had been working on for over five months. The end result was spectacular, but my contributions were completely overlooked. I was not even acknowledged for the months of writing and meeting deadlines. This lack of recognition was a final straw that broke my resilience. I spent a couple of days in a state of depression and frustration before I decided to seek new opportunities.

From this experience, I learned that the transition from academia to industry is not just about transferable skills but also about understanding the nuances of the industry's culture and expectations. My advice to other academics is to embrace any opportunity that can provide a fresh perspective, as even unexpected experiences can lead to new career paths. Additionally, it's crucial to seek mentorship and support networks to navigate these transitions effectively.

Conclusion

My journey has been a mix of challenges and growth. While it took time and resilience to break into the industry, I believe that my experiences have equipped me with valuable insights that can help others in similar situations. Transitioning from academia to industry requires a new set of skills and a different mindset, but with the right support and perseverance, it can be one of the best decisions in one's career.