Articles Written By Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Join Isaiah as he examines how professional network connections fall into three categories, and why PhDs need all three In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah introduces the concept of classification as it pertains to a PhD’s professional network Next, he looks at each type and explains the utility that each type can offer PhDs in different seasons of their career Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that a network is only a strategic networking tool if you treat it like one Creating A Professional Network That Works Requires Strategic Thinking If you know anything about networking, you know it’s important.  Maybe you’ve…

I was determined to stay in academia… until I wasn’t.  It took almost six years for me to reach the conclusion that academia just wasn’t for me.  My PhD defense was just a few months away, and I can’t lie: I was literally willing myself to stick it out. But what about after that? Professorship had been the goal for me before I ever even enrolled in college. It had been my dream. I had absolutely no idea what to do if it wasn’t going to teach. I knew what I didn’t want: I didn’t want to be tethered to…

Join Isaiah as breaks down ways that PhDs can use volunteer experience to build relationships and practice vital industry skills In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah acknowledges there’s very little time outside of PhD studies to gain work experience or network Next, he explains that PhDs who volunteer have the opportunity to do both Finally, Isaiah breaks down a few ways PhDs can turn their volunteer experience into a job offer Volunteer Experience Requires Little Time Commitment But Offers Tangible Work Experience For PhDs, working while you complete your degree is almost never an option.  Your research and publication take…

Every week, we at Cheeky Scientist scour the Internet for the best articles on topics that help in the search for the Best of Transition: PhD Job Search in the industry. Our two consultants independently search for the most informative articles in the categories of networking, CVs/resumes, interviews, transferable skills, academic blues, industry positions, and business acumen. Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week – if it’s a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest.…

Join Isaiah as he reviews the fastest, most efficient way to target your resume for PhD-level industry positions In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah starts by explaining that you must update your resume before applying to any job in industry Next, he explains that if you want to target your resume, it boils down to doing keyword research Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that creating a targeted resume might take some extra time, but the results speak for themselves If You Want To Be Seen By Employers, You Must Target Your Resume To Each Position You Apply To Would you rather…

Join Isaiah for a look at some of the most important job search stats PhDs need to know in this contracting job market In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah discusses figures that outline the importance of creating a targeted resume Next, he shares statistics that PhDs need to know about what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for Finally, Isaiah explains some of the ways that PhDs can sabotage their job search if they aren’t careful There Are 10 Facts PhDs Need To Know To Keep Their Industry Job Search On Track Sometimes less is more – that’s why statistics…

For most PhDs, pursuing their degree is more than just a career choice. It’s the fulfillment of a lifelong goal.  Pursuing a goal like that, for so long and with such great focus, can sometimes come at a cost.  The emotional momentum it takes to earn a PhD can keep bright, talented researchers from seeing a problem brewing. They miss the signs of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. They’re so singularly focused on making it to the finish line that they don’t realize they might not arrive there in one piece. That’s what happened to me.  I think I set a…

Join Isaiah as he considers the harsh effects of academia on PhD psyches and explains more constructive habits they can replace them with In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah identifies some of the most destructive traits that academia can ingrain in PhDs Next, he explores five of the most detrimental ones that effect PhDs transitioning from academia to industry Finally, Isaiah shares some more constructive, positive habits that PhDs can explore to replace those bad habits Academia Influences A PhDs Coping Strategies, Attitude, And Emotional Health Academic life is often celebrated as noble and fulfilling, but there’s a darker side…

Join Isaiah as he delivers a crash course in quantifying the skills, experience, and academic achievements in your PhD resume In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah breaks down exactly why using quantified results in your industry resume is crucial to job search success Next, he explains how to incorporate quantified results into your resume’s existing bullet points Finally, Isaiah wraps up by explaining different ways you can turn accomplishments into measurable results Quantified Results Give Context To The Skills And Experience On Your Resume Quantifiable achievements on your resume make the decision to hire you an easy one.  They make…

Every week, we at Cheeky Scientist scour the Internet for the best articles on topics that help in the search for the Best of Transition: PhD Job Search in the industry. Our two consultants independently search for the most informative articles in the categories of networking, CVs/resumes, interviews, transferable skills, academic blues, industry positions, and business acumen. Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week – if it’s a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest.…

Join Isaiah as he reviews why your resume’s Summary section is key to getting a hiring manager’s attention In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah sheds light on the importance of a strong, compelling Summary section in your industry resume Next, he breaks down the structure of the bullets in your Summary and explains why each part is important Finally, Isaiah puts it all together using quantifiable results that will compel hiring managers to call Industry Hiring Managers Spend 80% Of Their Time Reviewing Your Resume Summary If your resume makes it past the applicant tracking system, there’s really only one…

What’s your professional brand?  As a researcher, my conclusions are based on proven facts and quantifiable results. The concept of something as subjective as brand or image had never felt particularly relevant to me.  I’d heard the question, of course. When you’ve been looking for a job for over a year, you’re bound to come across the idea.  But now, face to face with a recruiter who had turned me down for a job, I was really trying to come up with an intelligent answer.  “What’s my brand?” I asked. I guess feigning ignorance was one way to go.  “Yes,…