PhD Transition Report Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Career Leadership, Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel reflect on the life and teachings of John Rulon, author of Giftology, who revolutionized the concept of gifting with his focus on authenticity and thoughtfulness. They discuss the art of giving quality gifts, building meaningful connections, and why authentic effort is more important than quantity in networking. Learn how to enhance your professional relationships by focusing on personalized gestures, LinkedIn recommendations, and even the impact of sending a handwritten note. Donna and Isaiah also share tips on creating your “Dream 100” list to strategically advance your career.

In this episode of Cheeky Scientist News, we explore the hidden job market that PhDs should be tapping into during their job search. We'll also discuss the power of referrals in a PhD-level job search and how you can leverage them with new or existing network connections.

77% of recruiters say they give preference to job candidates that submit a cover letter and over three quarters of decision-makers say they read the cover letter even when it’s optional. In other words, “optional” isn’t an option.

These inactive job listings will only become more and more of a problem and you should be prepared to reach out to companies in person to ensure the jobs you’re interested in actually exist.

Academia and the skills you gained in academia are not enough to get you hired anymore. You will need to develop business-oriented skills and develop your business acumen.

While it’s okay to take a brief respite to recharge, it's crucial to maintain momentum and not let a temporary pause become a permanent halt.

While it’s important to decline salary disclosure, maintaining professionalism and politeness is key.

In the latest episode of Career Leadership, hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel explore what it takes to successfully navigate your career towards leadership roles, particularly in the C-Suite. They examine the importance of having a proactive career strategy, understanding the trends in your industry, and not just relying on opportunities to fall into your lap. The conversation covers the differences between professionals who find themselves in reactionary career positions and those who strategically plan their way to the top.

In this episode of Cheeky Scientist News, we explore industry's biggest priority when it comes to hiring today: company culture. Learn how to prove you're a match for the role as well as the brand and their values using your resumes, cover letters and interview techniques.

PhDs like us often face a perplexing dilemma when trying to get hired in industry: being labeled simultaneously as overqualified and underqualified. This phenomenon can create significant hurdles.

By mastering LinkedIn's advanced search, you can take a proactive approach to job hunting and networking.

Being agreeable doesn't mean you lack original ideas; rather, it indicates your ability to collaborate smoothly with others, a vital trait for any team environment.

Embracing your unique attributes and intellectual fervor is not just an option; it's a necessity for personal and professional fulfillment.

Even if you reach the top of academia, you'll be paid laughable salaries for your education level and expertise.

In this episode of Cheeky Scientist News, we dig into your digital avatar and take a look at the characteristics of your digital footprint that could be leading your job search astray.

You have a bright future and your PhD is valuable, there is balance, meaning and great compensation waiting for you, just not in academia.

The key to overcoming ageism is not only showing that you can still add considerable value but also that you are teachable and open to new ideas.

If you want to get hired, you can't apply the same old tired tactics. You need to reset your expectations and reset your methods.

Employers want to hire the safest candidates first, those that will stay for 2 years or more. This is why being a collaborator who can communicate, whether by presenting or managing people or through technical writing is so important.

All PhDs should work to build a strong professional network, engage in informational interviews, and develop a compelling personal brand through online platforms like LinkedIn to enhance their visibility and attract job opportunities.