Industry Transition Spotlight: Adwait Ranade, PhD
What is your name, your full job title, and the full name of the company you work for?
Adwait Ranade, research scientist, CiVentiChem LLC
What is your biggest or most satisfying career goal you’ve reached since transitioning into industry?
When I was pursuing my PhD, I had already decided I would never do a postdoc. I never wanted to stay in academics. I was very lucky to find and get an industry position even before finishing my PhD. I wanted to see myself as a scientist working in the pharma industry and I have fulfilled my dream!
How is your current industry position different from your academic postdoc or experience as a graduate student?
Luckily, my current position is my second job in industry. Transitioning into my current role from my previous industrial role has given me a slightly different kind of exposure to the industry. I now work for a contract research company and the work culture has been different. In both of my industrial positions, I think the day-to-day job duties are very similar to those during my PhD. However, since industry is driven by economics and profit-making, the dynamics are very different than academics. Industry is fast-paced and more rewarding!
If you could go back in time, to before you received your job offer, and give yourself one piece of advice or encouragement, what would it be?
Study the company culture well before accepting a job. It is not just about getting a job but also about how much you enjoy it!
What was the most memorable moment for you (so far) as a Cheeky Scientist Associate?
I think I have learned a lot from the Cheeky Scientist Association: writing an effective resume, networking, preparing for interview questions, following up with the interviewers, and negotiating the salary. I have yet to come to know of any such organization that prepares a candidate thoroughly for the job market. I owe everything to the CSA! That’s why I feel I am privileged to be a member of the CSA and I have highly recommended it to my friends. I am very happy to mention almost 90% of them have joined the CSA and are enjoying the benefits!
Personally, for me, the most memorable moment was the way I handled the salary negotiation when my current job position was offered to me. Thanks to the tremendous teachings of the CSA I was instantly able to get an 8% increase in salary, along with a handsome signing bonus!
What do you see as the next step in your career?
I am looking to get away from the bench scientist position and transition into an MSL or similar position. I am very sure with the teachings of the CSA I will be able to achieve my goal very soon!
Now that you’ve spent some time working in industry, what is the biggest takeaway(s) you’d like to share with those who are still executing their job search?
I would highly recommend anyone to read the CSA materials and follow the teachings. All you need is just 1 opportunity! Keep your calm and never lose hope. The right job for you is out there, it is just a matter of time until you get it. Until then, network, don’t hesitate to ask for help, do your homework, and thoroughly prepare yourselves!
To learn more about how you can transition into an industry career like Adwait, including instant access to our exclusive training videos, case studies, industry insider documents, transition plan, and private online network, get on the wait list for the Cheeky Scientist Association.
