#UnderTheScope: Transitioning out of Academia

Welcome to the second issue of Under the Scope, Gilbert Meher Science's monthly newsletter designed to bring communities together in Science.

In this issue, we delve into the challenging journey of transitioning from #academia to industry, a path many PhD students find daunting yet exciting.

Emily Legood sat down with Ricky Patel, who studied for his PhD in Clinical Neuroscience at 英国伦敦大学 - 伦敦国王学院 , and has since founded Point Science Analytics . Ricky has been there, done that, lived to tell the tale, and offered us his insights and experiences on tackling the challenges faced during and after PhD studies.

?? Bridging the Gap Between Academia and the 'Real World'

"Transitioning from academia can be tough due to its institutional nature. It's crucial to secure a new income source before leaving, which involves exploring external opportunities and applying to targeted roles." - Ricky Patel

Research shows that 83% of PhD students, after spending a considerable amount of time in academia, feel disconnected from the "working world".

Ricky offers some strategic advice for navigating job interviews:

"View each interview as a learning curve, assess your performance, align your skills with the company's needs, and diversify your job search to avoid relying on a single opportunity."?- Ricky Patel

?? Navigating the Transition: Opportunities Beyond Academia

Dr Sally Hancock, Lecturer in Education at the University of York, reveals that 70% of PhD graduates leave academia within three years, embarking on a transition journey that often lacks clear guidance.

Ricky identifies a critical obstacle on this path - the scarcity of non-academic knowledge exposure.

While PhD students amass a wealth of specialized knowledge, their tutors and professors, often entrenched in the academic bubble, may not provide adequate understanding or guidance regarding non-academic opportunities.

To bridge this gap, Ricky advocates for more workshops and the inclusion of external speakers who have successfully transitioned from academia, which, he believes, could illuminate the world beyond academia for PhD students, offering insights from those who have navigated a similar journey.

?? The Mindset Shift: Viewing PhD Beyond the Academic Lens

?"In academia, we often identify ourselves as our PhDs. However, this perspective doesn't fully capture the skills and experiences we've gained in the process." - Ricky Patel

The PhD journey equips individuals with a wealth of transferable skills - critical thinking, problem-solving, self-motivation, data analysis, to name a few - which are not confined to the academic sphere.

The key lies in reframing our understanding of what a PhD represents. It's not just a title - it's a testament to our ability to tackle complex problems, drive research, and analyse intricate data. Recognising this can open up a world of opportunities in the wider professional world.

?? The Check List: A Practical Guide for Exiting Academia

The journey through a PhD can be strenuous, both mentally and emotionally. As reported by The Guardian , approximately one-third of PhD students are at risk of developing psychiatric disorders like depression, with many not completing their studies.

Ricky, having navigated this challenging transition, shares some practical advice for those considering leaving academia:

• Self-Reflection: Assess your position and determine if academia aligns with your personal and professional goals.
• Seek Advice: Connect with individuals who have successfully transitioned from academia. Platforms like LinkedIn can be a valuable resource. (Check out The PhD Pack as a place to resource like-minded people).
• Leverage Your Skills: Your research skills are a powerful tool. Use them to explore companies, roles, industries, and even freelance opportunities.
• Mindset Shift: Understand the broader applicability of your PhD. It equips you with skills that are highly valued outside academia. Don't hesitate to take risks and step out of your comfort zone.
• Networking: Engage in conversations and build connections with like-minded individuals.
• Plan Your Transition: Develop and implement a strategic plan to transition into your desired opportunity.

?? The Entrepreneurial Leap: From Academia to Start-Up Success

Ricky's transition from academia to entrepreneurship is a compelling narrative of innovation, problem-solving, and the strategic application of transferable skills. Spotting a problem that needed a solution, Ricky channeled his academic expertise to ignite the creation of his start-up, Point Science Analytics - a Biotech consultation firm that aids investors, VCs, and consultants by providing succinct bullet-point reports for early-stage technical due diligence, thus streamlining their initial due diligence procedures. Additionally, it offers high-level neuroscience/neurotech consultations with Ricky, including comprehensive pitch deck reviews for potential red flags, analysis, and more.

Ricky's entrepreneurial venture is not a detour from his academic training but rather a natural extension of it. His successful transition from academia underscores the fact that a PhD is more than a degree; it's a versatile toolkit brimming with skills that can be applied across various domains.

?? Transitioning from academia to industry is not just a change in direction; it's a gateway to a world of new opportunities. It's about leveraging your skills and knowledge in diverse and fulfilling ways, unlocking potential beyond the academic sphere.

As we wrap up, we'd love to hear from you. Have you made a similar transition? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Or perhaps you're considering such a move? ??

?? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. Let's continue the conversation and support each other in navigating these rocks with confidence and curiosity!

?? Additional Resources:

Check out Ricky's LinkedIn profile for a variety of resources, including weekly LinkedIn audios and access to mentoring/coaching sessions.

Elena Hoffer, PhD offers a Weekly Zoom Discussion for academics transitioning.

Catherine Sorbara outlines 5 Factors PhDs should consider when transitioning into industry, in her blog on the Cheeky Scientist.

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