PhD Career Stories
PhD Career Stories is a podcast where PhDs share their stories and experiences in life after a PhD, inspiring you to take the next step in your career development! Visit us at https://phdcareerstories.com/
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#130: Interview with Ashley Ruba on Using LinkedIn To Advance and Pivot Careers
01/12/2024
#130: Interview with Ashley Ruba on Using LinkedIn To Advance and Pivot Careers
Are you one of the people who feels shy about using ? Do you know about its potential but still hold back, in fear of having nothing worth sharing? You are definitely not the only one, and today’s guest has some wisdom to share! Join our host, , for an inspiring talk with , a psychology researcher turned UX researcher and career coach. Ashley is a psychologist by training, holding a PhD in Developmental Psychology from , a field where she also did a post doc, before jumping into the world of user experience (UX) research. Today, she works as a human factors engineer at the medical technology company , in Florida, USA, while also juggling a career coaching program for academics, . Today, Ashley tells us all about how she used LinkedIn and other social media to pivot from academia into a completely different industry, her path to get to her current job, and how the way people resonated with her words inspired her to make a second career out of helping PhDs advancing their careers. She also tells Elisabeth about the skills that were transferable to her new job and the things that she had to, instead, unlearn. Among other things, Ashley advises you to pick a career niche to focus on, emphasizes how important a branding tool LinkedIn is, and gently nudges you to lose your inhibitions in order to connect with people who will help propel you towards your dream job! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#129: Interview with Marie-Hélène Pelletier on How to Build Resilience and Break through Barriers
12/08/2023
#129: Interview with Marie-Hélène Pelletier on How to Build Resilience and Break through Barriers
Do you feel stuck? Do you tend to procrastinate taking the next steps in your career? If you want to find out why this happens and how to move forward, you should listen to today’s conversation with and our host, . Marie-Hélène is a trained psychologist who holds a PhD and an MBA from the , Vancouver. Throughout her career, she has had a prominent role within several organizations and publications in discussing important topics such as workplace mental health and leadership resilience, having authored an upcoming book on the topic, titled . In this episode, in an almost coaching-session-like fashion, Marie-Hélène and Tina discuss common situations and cases they have found while helping people with their careers. They converse about how to move from thinking into action, practicing self-compassion, and gradually training exposure to stress in order to build resilience. Marie-Hélène also emphasizes the importance of looking inward and grounding ourselves in our own values, despite external expectations. By the end of the episode, you will have heard advice about managing expectations and nurturing and investing in your brain - a sample toolkit that can help you “take the one first action” towards your next goal! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#128: Interview with Flávia Sousa on Academic Mentorship and Transferable Skills
11/10/2023
#128: Interview with Flávia Sousa on Academic Mentorship and Transferable Skills
Has your academic path lacked solid mentorship and support? Do you feel that, in order to move up, you need management skills that weren’t passed on to you during the PhD? Well, has “been-there, done-that” and in today’s episode she tells our host, , how she is working on making it easier for you! Flávia Sousa holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from , in Portugal, and is currently a Senior Scientist at , in Switzerland. Her current goal is to become a full professor, and she is also the founder of her own company and passion project, , which is focused on providing mentorship and courses for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. During the episode, Flávia talks about her drive to help other academics succeed in the less science-focused parts of their jobs, and how LYRIS came to be. While exploring her personal experiences in international environments, she and Tina talk about the most important skills for the future, such as language learning, teaching skills, and the ability to manage people. Flávia also shares how crucial it is to choose a country where you will be happy even outside of work and a supportive supervisor, but she also highlights that, most of all, you should “enjoy life!” through it all! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#127: Interview with Gry Wester on Shifting Mindsets in order to Succeed
10/13/2023
#127: Interview with Gry Wester on Shifting Mindsets in order to Succeed
Are you feeling frustrated and unproductive in academia? Do you feel compelled to quit and completely change your career? Join us for an inspiring episode hosted by , featuring , a fellow PhD Career Stories listener who transitioned from academia to consulting. Gry holds a PhD focused on health inequality and population health ethics, and she was a lecturer in bioethics in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at for nearly five years, after which she pivoted careers. Today, she works at the consultancy company , in London. In the episode, Tina and Gry reminisce about early coaching sessions and important topics they brushed on back then, such as persistence in the face of the grueling job-search, and then dive deeper into Gry’s self-discovery journey, as she shares the mindset shift that propelled her into the consultancy world. They reflect on the initial challenges of Gry’s first job as well as the key working style differences that made her realize she was a better fit for the corporate world, rather than academia. Gry also offers you valuable tips on career shift, highlighting the importance of networking, maintaining your personal well-being during the job search, and learning to let go of perfectionism. At the end of the day, you have to “trust the process!”. For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#126: Katharina Schwaiger on Starting a Career in SciComm While Finishing a PhD
09/08/2023
#126: Katharina Schwaiger on Starting a Career in SciComm While Finishing a PhD
Are you a recent or soon-to-be PhD graduate trying to figure out the next steps? Have the events of the past few years gotten you interested in Science Communication? In this episode, you will hear from , who has been in a very similar spot! Katharina holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the and currently works as a science communicator at the (ACIB), a position she took on while still finishing her PhD thesis! In this episode, Katharina tells our host, , how she became interested in pursuing a career in science communication after working on a SciComm project at ACIB and also after witnessing the disconnect between the scientific community and society, during the pandemic. They talk about Katarina’s experience juggling her new position with the final stretch of her PhD, and about which PhD skills can help you be a great science communicator…and which skills you might need to learn on your own! Katharina’s warm advice touches on themes like finding your inner drive and learning to ask (for guidance, for a job…). Don’t forget, “sometimes, you have to feel the fear” and do it anyway! For the transcript, please click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/kschwaiger PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#125: Carving Your Own Path: From a PhD to the Director of Business Development with Martin Trinker
08/11/2023
#125: Carving Your Own Path: From a PhD to the Director of Business Development with Martin Trinker
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized the need for a fresh job title that better aligns with your responsibilities and skills? In this episode of PhD Career Stories, join our host as she sits down with , the Director of Business Development and Fundraising at the (ACIB) to explore the intriguing journey of creating a new job position from scratch. Martin's journey exemplifies the potential that lies in identifying gaps, embracing diverse skill sets, and creating one's own path in the professional world. Discover how Martin identified a crucial need and forged his unique position, combining his PhD in biotechnology with a background in economics. As the conversation unfolds, Martin shares valuable advice on networking, continuous learning, and adapting to new challenges. Don't miss this episode full of inspiration and invaluable insights. Tune in to to hear Martin Trinker's incredible journey from a biotechnology PhD to a leader in business development and fundraising. For the transcript, please click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/mtrinker PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on ,, , , and our .
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#124: Simon Rittmann on Innovating on Two Fronts: Founding a Company while Thriving in Academia
07/14/2023
#124: Simon Rittmann on Innovating on Two Fronts: Founding a Company while Thriving in Academia
You might have always wanted to be an academic, but what if your academic research brought up a groundbreaking technology that you knew could dramatically revolutionize industrial processes? Would you choose to stay in academia or pivot to industry and bring your idea to market? Well, it is possible to do both! This episode’s guest, , shares with our host, , all about his experience with founding a company while still holding a position in academia. Simon Rittmann is the CSO and co-founder of , a biotechnology company focused on alternative food production technologies. Additionally, he serves as the Principal Investigator at the at the , where he also shares his passion through teaching. Simon and Tina discuss the crucial steps and the strategic planning that go into building a start-up as an academic, highlighting the importance of finding the right people to help bring one’s entrepreneurial vision to life. Further in the episode, they delve into the personal qualities needed to take the leap. They also talk about the concept of a dual career, how to keep “one foot in academia, one foot in the industry”, the motivations behind that choice, and how to manage both. With Simon’s advice, you will learn that you can have the best of both worlds, if only you are flexible, open to personal growth and pick the right business-minded people to complement your scientific skills and build a great team! Stay tuned! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#123: Round table discussion with EATRIS on the power of soft skills in your professional journey
06/09/2023
#123: Round table discussion with EATRIS on the power of soft skills in your professional journey
Are you curious why soft skills are crucial for your career growth? Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast is your gateway to practical tips, real-life examples, and expert insights that will help you harness the full potential of soft skills. In today’s episode, our host will have a roundtable discussion with our guests , , and from EATRIS. is a non-profit, European research infrastructure for translation medicine that focuses on improving and optimising preclinical and early clinical development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, and overcoming barriers to health innovation. Join them as they talk about soft skills and reveal why they hold the key to unparalleled success in any professional setting. From effective communication to taking risks and being able to adapt, these hidden gems go beyond technical expertise, empowering you to thrive in the job market. Remember, in the competitive job market, it's not just about what you know but how you apply it. Soft skills make the difference, so let's dive in and elevate your career to new heights. Stay tuned! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#122: Joel Baker on exploring the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks
05/12/2023
#122: Joel Baker on exploring the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks
Are you feeling left behind, questioning if your traditional methods are outdated in this era of AI tools? Do you grapple with ethical concerns when utilizing ChatGPT for specific tasks, feeling a sense of cheating? Or do you proudly embrace ChatGPT as your go-to solution for all your needs? and explore the importance of striking a balance between these approaches and bring together their insightful perspectives on these thought-provoking topics. Joel Baker is an English coach from . His personal journey of learning Spanish ignited a passion within him to assist others in achieving their goal of fluent English communication. Joel specializes in coaching leaders and executives and through his coaching, he has successfully guided and supported over 500 individuals in achieving their goal of fluent English communication. In this episode, Tina and Joel discuss how you can make use of ChatGPT for your needs but with certain limitations. They also dive into the do's and don'ts of incorporating ChatGPT into your application journey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human touch throughout the process. Last but not least, they emphasize the significance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends, while also cautioning against excessive reliance on AI tools that may hinder your personal growth. Get ready to ignite your curiosity and delve into an exciting episode that explores the burning questions surrounding the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into our lives. Stay tuned! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#121: Interview with Bryan Quoc Le on stepping beyond one’s comfort zone
04/14/2023
#121: Interview with Bryan Quoc Le on stepping beyond one’s comfort zone
Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and excelled in something that you thought was not your cup of tea? This is one of the topics out of many that and share with us in this episode. Bryan Quoc Le is a food scientist, food industry consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. He earned his PhD in 2020, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, and ended up starting and growing a food consulting business shortly thereafter. Bryan has been working with well-established companies in the food industry such as Blue Diamond Growers, The Good Food Institute, TurtleTree, Black Sheep Foods, and many others. In this episode, Tina and Bryan talk about how adversities in life change our paths, and how Bryan with his can-do attitude “made lemonade” when life provided him with lemons. They talk about curiosity, resilience and much more. Listen to this episode and get inspired by Bryan’s journey. For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#120: Interview with Thalyana Stathis on pursuing a postdoc career in the USA
03/10/2023
#120: Interview with Thalyana Stathis on pursuing a postdoc career in the USA
Are you looking forward to pursuing a postdoc career in the USA? Are you living in Europe, but dreaming of a long-term career in the USA? Are you looking forward to pursuing a postdoc career in the USA? Then this is an excellent episode for you as and extensively discuss the application strategies for a postdoc position in the USA. Thalyana Stathis is the Associate Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development for postdocs and PhD students at in NYC. As a career advisor, she supports hundreds of students and postdocs in each stage of their career planning. She also directs workshops for career exploration and navigating the job market for all academic and non-academic career paths. Tina and Thalyana talk about the common mistakes that many PhDs do when applying for a postdoc application. One of the great tips from Thalyana is about how to use your current network to reach out to your future research lab/company. Thalyana also provides many tips regarding the different visa options. If you have any questions about how to apply to postdoc positions at MSK, how to contact faculty members you are interested in working with, or how to learn more information about different labs at MSK, please feel free to email Thalyana Stathis at stathist [at] mskcc.org or connect with her on LinkedIn (). Listen to this episode to know more about this in detail. For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#119: Interview with Sajni Haria on transitioning from a PhD in Chemistry to a Business Development Manager
02/10/2023
#119: Interview with Sajni Haria on transitioning from a PhD in Chemistry to a Business Development Manager
During your PhD, have you ever thought if the world actually needs your research? Would people want to use your product? In this episode, and discuss the entrepreneurial mindset that PhDs can train themselves with if they start thinking of the bigger picture of commercialising their research. Sajni also reminds us of how PhDs do not just have an academic skill set but also a vast set of transferable skills that can help them translate their research. Sajni holds a PhD in Chemistry from the and currently is a Business Development Manager at the . She supports the Life Science industry to navigate the UK’s clinical research ecosystem whilst providing her business acumen. Sajni also talks about how she transitioned from a doctoral researcher to a Business Development Manager where she helps to push research technologies forward, and finds opportunities for implementing these technologies in the real-world setting by fostering collaborations, thereby improving the quality of life of patients. Listen to this episode to know more about Sajni’s insights. For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#118: Interview with Sara Andersson about the conflict between her PhD interests and her personality
01/13/2023
#118: Interview with Sara Andersson about the conflict between her PhD interests and her personality
’I really never knew how I felt in the lab, what does it really mean [for me]?... I’m a creative person, I love to meet people [and] I realised that being in the lab can be quite lonely’, Sara asked herself during her time as a PhD candidate. In this episode, , the founder of , interviews , who tells us about her PhD journey and how she became a talent advisor at . Sara finished her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at where she gained experience as a manager, problem-solver and critical thinker. During her PhD years, she learned in detail about the pharmaceutical industry and she also chaired the doctoral committee which tremendously helped her to understand the skills and the challenges faced by a PhD candidate. In this podcast, Sara also shares how she got her job as a recruiter and how this fits her previous experiences. Since Sara herself has travelled the path of a PhD, she understands the applicant’s journey, which allows her to help, advise and recruit graduates in the science and technology fields. Do you want to know more? Listen to this interesting and insightful episode. Enjoy! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#117: Interview with Aditya Parekh on can you trust your gut to guide yourself in your career?
12/08/2022
#117: Interview with Aditya Parekh on can you trust your gut to guide yourself in your career?
”[On average,] one farmer commited suicide every 30 minutes in India”, remarks as he talks to our host, . This fact is what changed his mind and sparked his interest in changing that reality. He knew he wanted to help them. In this episode, Aditya shares his journey and challenges in the academic transition from Oncology and Molecular Biology to Sustainable Farming in the School of Design at . Aditya followed his gut when it came to making major career decision after his Postdoc. During his later half of PhD and while pursuing his postdoctoral research, he developed a consuming passion for changing the high number of suicides committed by Indian farmers. Aditya trusted his gut and made a unique transition to Sustainable Farming as an Assistant Professor. His goal is to connect the student community with farmers and sustainable farming practices, to help the farmers with diverse solutions, and to create awareness of their situation. Alongside, he also finds motivation to help young researchers in their career journey, through talks and meetings. If you want to know more about his challenges and this unconventional transition, make sure to listen to this episode! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#116: Interview with Priya Rangan on transitioning from academia while moving out of her comfort zone
11/11/2022
#116: Interview with Priya Rangan on transitioning from academia while moving out of her comfort zone
In an age of misinformation, it has become essential for science to reach the public audience in a transparent manner. As a graduate in science, have you ever thought of communicating your science with the world? In this episode, talks to , who tells us everything about her journey to becoming a scientific communications specialist. Priya holds a PhD in Biology of Ageing and has 11 years of experience working in academic research and pharmaceutical settings. She transitioned to science communication because she is passionate about it. Priya wants to translate what scientists are doing in a way which makes sense to people who are completely outside of it. ”...I do believe that scientific communication is a field that is going to change a lot of things within academia, within industry …and the general public, [who] I think are the most important of all.”, says Priya. At the end of the interview, Priya advised our listeners on the job hunt: Set up your LinkedIn profile as well as you do it for your resume. After meeting people either in person or online, send them a message explaining why you want to connect with them, rather than merely sending them a connection request. Make a connection with them. Prioritise your mental health and know that your life is not just the lab or your job, it’s also everything else outside of it. If you want to know more about how Priya aligned her life and career goals, while pursuing her passion, listen to this episode! Enjoy it! For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is on all major Social Media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#115: How did Marisa Pereira develop resilience and self-confidence during her PhD?
10/28/2022
#115: How did Marisa Pereira develop resilience and self-confidence during her PhD?
Am I fit for a PhD? My experiments are going nowhere. Will I see the end of this PhD? I only have academic experience, how will I find a job in the industry? Have you ever been in these situations? Our guest had asked herself these same questions, but today Marisa has successfully completed her PhD and transitioned to the biotech industry as a Project Manager. She also is the co-founder and owner of , a unique company that designs textiles inspired by microscopic images. In today’s episode, Marisa shares with us the highs and lows of her career path. She addresses how she overcame the snags during her PhD, how she started her brand pic.cell, and how - after 2 years of Postdoc experience - she landed in the biotech industry. Throughout the episode, Marisa shares many tips not just to survive but also to thrive while doing a PhD.Last but not least, Marisa shares a vital piece of advice “....enjoy the journey. PhD is only a part of your life. In the end, what is interesting, is the knowledge that you [gained] as a professional but even most important as a person.” If you want to learn more about Marisa’s story, listen to this episode now. For the transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#114: Interview with Andrew McKee: On quitting a PhD and a journey of self-discovery
10/15/2022
#114: Interview with Andrew McKee: On quitting a PhD and a journey of self-discovery
Sometimes life hits you hard, and then you have to make new decisions you hadn’t imagined making. Previous goals and ambitions can evaporate, especially after enduring something emotionally, psychologically, and/or spiritually harrowing. Our guest was tested by tragedy, on top of career confusion, when he entered an MD/PhD program but realized midway he wasn’t on the right track. He decided to quit his PhD and embarked on a journey of experimentation and self-discovery. Today, Andrew has 20+ years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and healthcare sectors. He is the CEO and founder of , a consultancy firm with offices in the US and Asia and specialising in growth strategy for therapeutics and diagnostics companies. Andrew has previously worked for , , and holds biomedical engineering and MD degrees from . He also is a published writer and holds patents licensed to industry. He is a husband, a father of 3 children, and a professional saxophonist. In today’s episode, our host welcomes Andrew McKee. They talk about how Andrew, even after quitting his PhD, made such an impressive career. They discuss music, art, entrepreneurship, and the importance of networking with people from different walks of life. He also gives insights into his life and about his life mentors who advised him to take a leap of faith. On the cusp of a critical life decision, one of Andrew’s mentors “...encouraged me that if I take time to reflect and get still, I probably know more than I realise [about what I should do].” If you want to learn more about Andrew’s successful journey, including different ideas for facing major life challenges, make sure to listen to this episode. For the show transcript, please click here: PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#113: Interview with Isabeau on strategies for making better career decisions
09/09/2022
#113: Interview with Isabeau on strategies for making better career decisions
Have you spent so much time thinking through career choices that you could make but ended up making no decision at all? Sounds familiar? This is called analysis paralysis, which is very common among perfectionists. In this episode, one of our PhDCS team members, , had the pleasure to interview who helps ambitious perfectionists in higher education. She guides them to overcome analysis paralysis and move forward with their goals. is a certified career and life coach with more than 20 years of experience supporting academics and faculty members in their professional growth. In addition to her career services, she also has her where she regularly shares tips and tricks with her audience. During the interview, Isabeau provides us with approaches to network efficiently, job searching strategies and ways to better know your . She also shares the importance of knowing your strengths. Check out the episode resource section to find the links to the strengths assessments mentioned. In the end, Isabeau left three main takeaway messages: Take the initiative! Network! Get to know your values and strengths! …” these seem quick tips but they require time investment from your side”... said Isabeau. If you want to learn more about ways of overcoming your indecisiveness and taking the next step in your career, this episode is for you! Enjoy it! PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our . Episode Resources: Free - VIA Character Strengths Survey: Free at present - Standout by Marcus Buckingham: Free - High5: Paid - CliftonStrengths Assessment:
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#112: Mark Herschberg on how to train to become an entrepreneur: Tips and Tricks
08/12/2022
#112: Mark Herschberg on how to train to become an entrepreneur: Tips and Tricks
In this episode, talks to about how to learn to become an entrepreneur. Mark’s recently published book “” gives deeper insights into this topic. Mark has a diverse background ranging from Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Cryptography, to extensive business expertise. His wide experience has enabled him to launch and develop new ventures at start-ups and Fortune 500s. In addition to this, Mark also annually teaches in the , famously known as MIT's “career success accelerator”. During the conversation, Tina asked Mark about who is an entrepreneur, how to train to become an entrepreneur, and what are the challenges in it. Mark addresses these questions and many more such as describing types of entrepreneurs, the required mindset, and how to find business opportunities. Finally, Tina inquired about his three top tips for starting a company: Create a supportive business network in different fields. Look for a co-founder, make sure you are compatible, and make written agreements. Don’t worry about being right. Just try not to be wrong. It means that when you build a product, you should keep other possible options around as long as you can, and at the lowest costs possible. Is being an entrepreneur the next chapter in your life? If so, you cannot miss this episode! Enjoy listening! For show transcript please click here: PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and our .
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#111: Interview with Niba about the turning point in her career
07/08/2022
#111: Interview with Niba about the turning point in her career
In this episode, interviews , a science communicator. Niba is dedicated to hosting and producing science videos related to plants, skincare and cosmetics. If you are curious, you can find Niba’s work on her YouTube channel . During the interview, she shares her career path and talks about her decision to not pursue her PhD further. She also tells us about the factors that drove her to follow a career in Science Communication. In addition, she openly talks about her confidence levels in pre- and post-academia times, her journey in searching for a job outside academia and finally she shares her networking strategies. At the end of the conversation, she gives some important tips for all graduates: Do not isolate yourself! Be communicative with your support network (family, friends, etc) and ask for help when you need it. They are there to help you! Every time you have an informational interview with someone related to your career interests, ask them to recommend three other people from their network so that you can build your own network further. A steady workload does not mean you are not doing enough in your career. Are you making a transition from academia? If so, you should definitely listen to this episode and take these tips with you. Enjoy this episode! For show transcript click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/qzm8y2t9 PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and on our .
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#110: Interview with Headhunters from GE Hunter
06/10/2022
#110: Interview with Headhunters from GE Hunter
In this episode, interviews and , who are co-founders of a global company called . They are experts in headhunting, recruitment and client advisory. They have 20 years of international experience in finding talents for the pharma, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), medical, industrial and more sectors. Ola Samuelsson specializes in roles within Finance, Supply Chain, IT and Manufacturing, while Grażyna Żywot-Ciecierska’s expertise are roles within General Management, Sales, and Human Resources. In the interview, the guests talk about the headhunting process such as identifying the most suitable candidates to the right companies and positions. This involves a well-structured process where candidates are coached to identify their interests and motivations. Finally, they match what candidates are looking for with the client’s expectations and vice-versa. At the end of the episode, they share important tips for PhD candidates who are looking for jobs: 1. Be passionate about your interests. 2. Be motivated. 3. Be yourself. 4. Be social and communicate frequently. Are you in the job searching phase of your career? If so, you should definitely listen to this episode and take these tips with you. Enjoy the interview! For show transcript, please click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/zgms85xt PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and on our .
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#109: Kathleen Champlin Story
05/13/2022
#109: Kathleen Champlin Story
graduated with a doctorate in Contemporary American Literature from in Indiana (USA) in 2015. Currently, she is an online writing tutor with and a copyeditor for several companies. In this episode, Kathleen will provide an example of a disabled PhD's career transition in the humanities. From her story, you can learn how her disability impacted her academic and professional paths and how she was able to overcome the many barriers that came up along the way. Kathleen will also share how her love for the written word has been a driving force throughout her journey and how she hopes to contribute to a world without ability barriers. Enjoy listening! For show transcript click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/odduft04 PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and on our .
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#108: Adriana Bankston Story
04/08/2022
#108: Adriana Bankston Story
In this new episode, tells us about her career story. is a Principal Legislative Analyst at the in Washington, DC, where she serves as an advocate for the university with Congress, the administration and federal agencies. Adriana grew up in a family of scientists, which made her interested in pursuing a research career. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry from and later on she managed to transition into science policy through a number of volunteering opportunities. While exploring the several options, she became interested in academic training and the connection between science and society and got involved in organizations that work on training the next generation of scientists. Along the way, she held some leadership positions where she built her brand in science policy coupled to training activities and got involved with non-profits that advocate for early career trainees. This has opened a new avenue to her to connect federal policy to university research and training the next generation of scientists. And made her realize that it is a path for her! Finally, Adriana shares key skills and qualifications that one needs in science policy: Be used to fast-paced environments. Prioritize projects and be able to shift from one to another. Look at how you might be able to impact policy in real time by responding to agency requests for information or contributing to legislation. Interested in policy and science? Listen to this episode to get insights into policy roles and skills for a career path in science policy. Maybe it will also be a path for you? Enjoy listening! The interviewed author expressed their personal views and not the views of their employer. For show transcript click here: https://phdcareerstories.com/pub/z2hfd5ou PhD Career Stories is now on major social media channels. To receive more content regularly, follow us on , , , , and on our .
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#107: Rachel Kindt Interview
03/11/2022
#107: Rachel Kindt Interview
In this episode, interviews . After a PhD in Biology and a postdoctoral fellowship, Rachel dove headfirst into the biotech world, working her way from the lab bench to the corporate boardroom over her 20+ year career. Leveraging her scientific training and acquired - some might say improvised! - business savvy, she led drug development teams and built high-performing organizations. Rachel is known as a master facilitator, dedicated coach and mentor, and keen thought partner in scientific leadership. She is now coaching, consulting and co-authoring a book of career advice for scientists. Rachel tells us about her exciting journey and career path that took her from a bench scientist, to leading a research collaboration, to being a leader and project manager in drug development. Project management is a focus topic in this interview. What is a project manager? What are the skills required for a project manager role? How to grow as a project manager and how long does it take to be good in this role? What managerial titles do we have today? And what is the difference between a project manager, a program manager and a team manager? All these questions - and much more - are answered by Rachel. Finally, Rachel closes the episode sharing three tips for people applying for project manager roles: Learn the language of project management. Look at what you have done that is already project management. Focus on the people’s aspect of the work you have done versus the technical aspect. Listen to this episode to get inspired by Rachel’s journey and her valuable tips for a successful project management career path.
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#106: João Graça Story
02/11/2022
#106: João Graça Story
João Graça holds a PhD in Biosciences from Cardiff University and currently works as an R&D Project Manager for LIPOR, the entity responsible for waste management in Greater Porto (Portugal). His current projects mostly concern the valorisation of bio-waste to high-value products. João has been involved in the creation and coordination of Smart Waste Portugal Young Professionals (SWYP). This group, currently with 80 members, aims to create work and knowledge sharing networks between professionals working or interested in the circular economy. Prior to his current role at LIPOR, João has attained different positions in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries including Biological Scientist at LIG Biowise (UK), Early Stage Researcher at AstraZeneca (UK) and Research Intern at Anacor Pharmaceuticals (USA). In addition to the PhD, João also holds a BSc in Biosciences from the Catholic University of Portugal and a MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Porto. In this episode, João tells us about his career story and professional journey, holding several roles in different Life Science fields and different countries. He talks about the reasons that led him to do a PhD, as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered along his path. He closes the episode sharing valuable tips: If you are not 100% set on an academic career, find an industry experience as soon as possible. If you are considering a PhD position, make sure you have an affinity with your supervisor and future colleagues. It is also important to be fine with working conditions, infrastructure, resources and city. Participate in work groups of your topics of interest. Do not be afraid to contact researchers or interesting entities to get to know more about their work and to work in collaborations. If you are finishing or have just finished your PhD and are set on breaking from academia, first explore what career options are available, get information and talk with professionals from different areas. Define the area to pursue and develop the requirements to break into that area. To know more about João’s story and the opportunities in the Life Science fields, please listen to this episode.
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#105: Interview with Lauran Fuller
01/14/2022
#105: Interview with Lauran Fuller
In this episode, Tina interviews Lauran Fuller. Lauran is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and a doctoral student. For the past 7 years, she has owned and operated a dessert bakery in southern Oklahoma. She wants to take the lessons learned along her journey and educate others. She is particularly keen on self-development and work-life balance, as prioritizing her family has posed its own challenges along the way. Focus and determination drive her every step of the way, as her educational pursuit has not slowed her entrepreneurial spirit. Lauran talks about her experience being an entrepreneur and a mother at the same time. Having her own business has given her the flexibility to successfully manage her family. She closes the interview with valuable tips to women having entrepreneurship and leadership career goals: Nail down your passion and your desires Design a life that fits that Pursue it- Don’t let anything stop you and stand in your way Make sure you decide what to do and how to do Find the community that supports your decisions and directions. Listen to this episode to hear more about a good example of a woman entrepreneur who successfully maintains her work-life balance, managing doctoral studies, a bakery and 3 kids!
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#104: Interview with Bärbel Tress
12/10/2021
#104: Interview with Bärbel Tress
In this podcast, Tina Persson interviews Bärbel Tress. Bärbel is a Research Career Expert & Advisor. Her main expertise is to advise young researchers how to successfully conduct and complete their PhD studies, how to apply for academic jobs, and how to improve research performance and efficiency. Bärbel has a PhD in Landscape Ecology from Roskilde University, Denmark. She worked in academia for more than a decade, as postdoc, researcher and lecturer at universities in several European countries. She co-founded TRESS ACADEMIC in 2007 together with her partner. The company helps researchers acquire the complementary skills they need to succeed in academia. Bärbel also co-founded the SMART ACADEMICS Blog which helps young researchers with PhD completion, getting published, and career tips. Different time points in the PhD journey are discussed in this interview together with the required actions. What to do and what to think about from the first day of signing the contract, at half-way through, the last year of the PhD, when 6 months are left, when one month is left and lastly the D-day: the defense day. Bärbel finally closes the interview sharing five valuable tips that help PhDs to successfully complete their PhD studies. 1- Enjoy the ride 2- Keep the end in mind 3- Define your objectives early on 4- Start writing early on 5- Work on the relationship with supervisors Listen to this episode for valuable advices from two career coaches with a lot of expertise in accompanying PhDs along their PhD journey.
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#103: Interview with Adam Sierakowiak
11/05/2021
#103: Interview with Adam Sierakowiak
In this podcast, Tina Persson interviews Adam Sierakowiak with a focus topic: the career transition into the pharmaceutical industry. Adam is a medical advisor at MSD since 2018. He has a master's degree in biomedical sciences from the Karolinska Institute, where he later pursued his PhD in neuroscience. Adam discusses the importance of learning the local language, of communicating the transferable skills as well as of knowing the industry language. He also talks about the importance and the need of networking. A good example on how to be memorable while approaching someone is also given in this episode. Different roles or job titles are found in the medical sector, but what do they really mean and which one suits us most? These are questions addressed in this podcast. He finally closes the interview sharing three valuable tips for a successful career transition: 1- Network and learn industry language. 2- Highlight your personal skills instead of technical skills 3- Don’t give up Don’t miss this episode. You will definitely enjoy it!
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#102: Interview with Ofer Yizhar Barnea and Elena Itskovich
10/15/2021
#102: Interview with Ofer Yizhar Barnea and Elena Itskovich
In this episode, Tina Persson interviews Elena Itskovich and Ofer Yizhar Barnea. Elena has a PhD in stem cell biology from the University of Cambridge. She volunteers for ScienceAbroad and has hosted the macadamia podcast. Ofer has a Ph.D in Human molecular genetics. He has served 6 years as an officer and ran a RnD team of physicists and mathematicians. In parallel he is a co-founder of a company that has been growing and evolving for 3 years now. The main topics discussed in this podcast are the importance of networking and digital presence. Listen to this episode to learn about how to grow your network both online and offline. Important tips for PhDs are to start the networking process early and to leave the comfort zone to be able to expand their network.
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#101: PhD Career Stories returns
09/16/2021
#101: PhD Career Stories returns
Dear listeners, it is with great joy that we welcome you to our new home and to episode 101 of PhD Career Stories. After a year-long pause, we return to podcast publication with a fresh and functional website, in which you can find our entire podcast catalogue conveniently organized in relevant categories. We believe that storytelling is a powerful way to connect with others and to find one’s own path in career and life. We believe that our new website helps us fulfill our ambition of becoming a storytelling channel, where everyone can participate and share their journey and experience, so we can learn and grow with each other. In today's episode, PhD Career Stories co-founder Tina Persson will share with you insights from our journey that resulted in this new beginning, and update you on our plans for the future. Enjoy Listening!
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