The journey of a PhD is akin to an expedition through the dense forests of knowledge. The path is challenging, the research relentless, and the analysis painstaking. But, as you emerge from this forest, having earned that coveted title, you may find yourself at the edge of a different jungle – the real-world job market.
Here’s the thing, academic training is brilliant at teaching research and analytical skills, but it can be a poor mentor when it comes to preparing PhDs for real-world jobs. Fear not, for I am on a mission to be the bridge that fills this gap.
Step one in this journey is to unlearn a few habits from your academic training that may no longer serve you in the world outside academia. Here are three biggies to consider:
The Lone Wolf Syndrome
In academia, your research is your baby, and you are the primary caretaker. In the corporate world, it’s more like a communal baby-raising project. You’re not alone, and you’re not supposed to be. In industry, projects often involve teams with members from different disciplines, so you’re going to be interdependent. It’s all about leveraging each other’s expertise.
Detail Overload
In academia, we often pride ourselves on knowing every single detail about our research. And answering a question with an avalanche of technical details is applauded. Not so much in industry. People are usually more interested in the big picture – what’s the point of your findings, and why should they care? So, skip the details and get straight to the point. If they want the nitty-gritty, trust me, they’ll ask.
Analysis Paralysis
The quest for more information is an inherent part of research, but it can be detrimental in a real-world job scenario. There comes a point when you need to make a decision based on the best assessment of the data you have, even if it’s not complete. The world outside academia is often about timely decisions rather than perfect ones.
The good news is that as scientists, we have a knack for learning and unlearning. It’s part of our DNA. We adapt and evolve, just like the world around us. So, while these are just a few of the mindsets you’ll need to shift, remember that you’re already well-equipped to make these changes. And as you step into the real world with your PhD, don’t be afraid to shed a few academic habits along the way.
