PhD Transition Report Podcast

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 precedence over…well, just about everything.  But when you graduate, that Experience section on your resume suddenly feels very empty.  There’s a workaround to this – a kind of on-the-job experience that you can get at big-name companies you’d like to work for. The schedules are flexible, and the work provides a great opportunity to network with professionals already working in industry.  I’m talking about volunteering. PhDs With Volunteer Experience Demonstrate To Industry Employers That They Share One Another’s Values This can be a great way to demonstrate your value to employers on your time and gain valuable industry experience.  You…

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 apply to 50 jobs and get 2 interviews or apply to 10 jobs and get 3?  Tailoring your resume is the trick to getting better results in your job search.  You should be updating your resume and cover letter every single time you apply for a job.  It’s the only way you can be sure a hiring manager is actually going to lay eyes on your application at all.  Now if you’re like me when I first started my job search, you probably think that sounds unrealistic, right?  Writing a resume is way too time-consuming for that.  But it really…

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 stick.  Facts and figures can package complex ideas neatly.  Which is why today I’m going to focus on key numbers that capture what’s at stake when it comes to your resume.  These statistics come from Top Resume, Zety and LinkedIn.  Applicant Tracking Systems Help Hiring Managers Score And Rank Their Candidates One.  One is the most common answer to the question “How many people are you hiring for this role?”  The average corporate job posting gets approximately 525 applications and resumes per job posting (but also up to 2,000 for large companies), but there is only one person who ultimately…

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 to academia.  Depression, isolation, stress, and uncertainty plague PhDs.  Authority, time management, work/life balance, and motivation are common setbacks.  Sadly, many PhDs suffer long-term from the toxic effects of years spent in academia.  But to succeed in industry, you must stop seeing yourself and your future through an academic lens.  There Are 5 Keys To Trading Toxic Academic Habits For More Constructive Ones First, stop feeling like there’s never enough.  Not enough funding, not enough time, not enough skills.  The stress of always dealing with resources in short supply breeds what’s called a scarcity mindset.  Scarcity mindset can push you…

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 you stand out as a candidate and highlight your accomplishments in a memorable way.  Don’t believe me?  Eye tracking studies have actually proven that employers’ eyes pause at length on numerals. When you use these numerical values, you help make your name and what you’ve accomplished more impactful.  Quantifiable results provide specific, measurable, time-bound accomplishments to hiring managers that demonstrate you understand the importance of prioritization and performance.  PhDs Can Easily Adapt And Elevate Their Current Resume With Quantified Results If you already have bullet points in your resume, you’re halfway there.  Now you just need to look for a…

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 section the employer is going to read themselves.  While this section only takes up one-third of the page, it’s where recruiters spend 80% of their time.  What is it?  Your professional summary.  If you don’t have a rock-solid summary, your credentials won’t count for anything.  Why?  Studies show that employers won’t even read your contact information on the page until they’ve read your professional summary first to see if it’s worth knowing who you are.  Think about that for a minute. Your Summary Should Be Structured As An Easy-To-Skim Bulleted List So, how do you capture your skills and experience…

Join Isaiah as he explores tactics smart PhDs use in their job search to be a competitive candidate in a tight job market In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah advises PhDs to be aware that the economic recession translates to a constricting job market Next, he explains how taking a tactical approach to your job search you help you stand out to selective employers Finally, Isaiah shares three strategies PhDs can use to help them stand out in industry applications Contractions In The Economy Can Be Problematic For Your PhD-Level Job Search The economy is contracting, and it’s taking the job market along with it. This means you’ll face even tighter competition in the months ahead.  But with a more tactical approach to your job search, you can still stand out to employers who are being extra-selective.  The first strategy may seem obvious but it’s also overlooked: you need to commit.  You need to commit to researching companies, commit to tailoring your resume, commit to networking – and commit to your job search as a whole.  If you aren’t, employers will sense this. They look at up to 100 resumes a day, reach out to up to 1,000 potential candidates…

Join Isaiah as he explains how to deal with the dreaded resume gap in your industry applications and interviews In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah reminds PhDs that major shifts in workforce trends have led to shifting attitudes about resume gaps too Next, he explains that PhDs should be upfront and honest about any gaps in their work history Finally, Isaiah shares some tips for constructively addressing a gap in your resume as well as on LinkedIn The Challenges Of The Pandemic Have Permanently Reshaped The Workplace And Redefined What’s Normal Many PhDs think that having a gap in their work history is an instant red flag for employers.  This might have been true 10 years ago, but taking a break is not as verboten as it once was.  A recent LinkedIn poll revealed that a whopping 62% of employees have taken a break in the past five years, and 35% have plans to.  The last few years have created major shifts in the way people work, and tested what the workforce can and can’t work through.  It ultimately revealed to employers that there are many reasons you might have a gap in your work experience.  Some left work or…

Join Isaiah as he takes a look at several company structures and breaks down departments that PhDs need to be familiar with In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains how a company’s structure determines the flow of information and responsibility at a given business Next, he touches on a few popular structures that PhDs should be familiar with and what makes them different Finally, Isaiah takes a look at a few different departments most industry companies have and explains a little about what each one does Understanding A Company’s Organizational Structure Is An Important Part Of Your Job Search If you’re new to industry, you might not know exactly what I mean by company structure.  Company structure describes the way that information flows through the company to each individual department, then to each employee, and eventually to each consumer of the company’s products.  There are many types of company structure –  Functional, Divisional, or Flatarychy, to name a few.  A Company’s Structure Determines How Information Flows From The Leadership Level To Associates Functional is the most common structure.  It breaks up a company into departments, and each department’s workforce deals with a specific aspect of the business.  Management decisions in…

Join Isaiah as he explores five healthcare careers where PhDs are in high demand – regardless of their clinical background. In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah debunks the myth that you need clinical experience as a PhD to work in healthcare Next, he touches on the explosive growth that the healthcare industry is poised to see in the coming years, and why PhDs can make a big impact Finally, Isaiah explores five careers that PhDs are well-suited for and don’t require any prior medical experience Healthcare Needs PhDs For More Than Practicing Medicine You might think that you need clinical experience or even a medical degree to qualify for a position in healthcare, but this simply isn’t true.  There are many career options in the healthcare industry for PhDs and today I want to talk about five of them.  Research And Policy Analysis Are Two Areas Where PhDs Can Contribute To Better Outcomes In Healthcare The first is a Health Policy Analyst. This person helps healthcare organizations develop budget-conscious plans and ensure policy compliance.  The role combines data analysis with a deep understanding of the healthcare system. The Bureau of Labor & Statistics confirms explosive growth in this field –…

Join Isaiah as he addresses the #1 question PhDs face during their industry job search: Was your PhD a mistake? In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah addresses PhD job search fears head-on Next, Isaiah covers why industry needs PhDs now more than ever Finally, he puts the ball back in your court: What are you going to do with all this experience? I Hate Hearing “Was My PhD A Mistake?” From PhDs Just Starting Their Job Search Your PhD is so valuable. The problem is that the academic system beats you down so much that you start to think you made a mistake. Still, you should be getting your degree for the right reasons, and trust me, employers are going to ask you for your rationale. “Why did you get your PhD?” is a very common question. So why did you? Let’s start with some of the wrong reasons to get a PhD. These are reasons you should not give to employers, even if they are true. One reason that doesn’t have legs is the I-just-wanted-to-be-a-doctor reason for getting a PhD. Sure, the D-R looks nice in front of your name, and P-H-D can add some gravitas to your title.…

Join Isaiah as he helps you break down benefit packages in industry terms In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah walks us through how benefits enter into negotiations and why that matters Next, Isaiah talks about the value of benefits, both fiscal and general Finally, he covers the things you need to look for when accepting benefit packages From This Week’s Show… PhDs Are So Focused On Their Salary That They Forget An Important Part Of Their Compensation: Benefits Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – these and other benefits can make a significant difference in the strength of a job offer. Benefits like these make up 31% of the average American’s total compensation, according to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics. A strong package is linked to an employee’s overall satisfaction and loyalty to their employer. For employers, offering benefits can help attract and retain top talent, improve employee satisfaction and productivity, and lower turnover rates. So exactly how beneficial are you benefits? One Key Factor That Affects The Cost Of Employee Benefits Is The Size Of The Company Larger companies tend to have more bargaining power with insurance providers and other benefit marketplaces. This is what gives Global…

Join Isaiah as he examines the four most common types of company culture and explores their major differences In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah discusses the impact company culture has on how employees and customers perceive the business Next, he explains that understanding the differences from one company to another is a great way to determine if you’re the type of employee who will thrive – or fail – in that company’s infrastructure. Finally, Isaiah explores the four different types of company culture, as identified by professors Robert E. Quinn and Kim Cameron From This Week’s Show… Company Culture Is An Extension Of Its Brand And Reflects Its Values Company culture is a term that you hear a lot, but the definition can feel a little hard to pin down.  A report by Hubspot defined the concept as the promise a business makes to its employees and candidates about what it’s really like to work with them.  Company culture can have a huge impact on how others perceive an entire company, not just what they do.  It’s also been linked to employee satisfaction and productivity.  A company’s culture is not static – it changes over time and adapts to the…

Join Isaiah as he reviews the top four careers for PhDs in 2023 and dives into detail about what makes these roles so great In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah takes a look at what enterprise architects do and how much they earn Next, he explores data science and discusses why this role is a great fit for PhDS Finally, Isaiah shifts his focus to project management roles, explaining what the role entails and why PhDs are in such high demand From This Week’s Show… Careers Where PhDs Are In High Demand Top 2023’s Most-Popular List This Year Every year, we look at the sectors of industry that rank highest in earning potential, job satisfaction and number of openings.  And this past year – just like every year that’s come before – industries where PhDs are in high demand top the list.  Today, I’d like to introduce you to a few of those roles that made it to the top 10.  A Career In Enterprise Architecture Is One Of The Highest Paid Positions For PhDs In 2023 Enterprise architects have a strong interest in new and emerging tech.  It’s their job to leverage solutions in a company’s network, maintaining and…

Join Isaiah as he takes a deep dive into work cultures and how being in the wrong culture can put your career on the wrong path First, Isaiah breaks down the meanings behind company cultures Second, he covers the types of company cultures Finally, he weighs the pros and cons of each type of company culture From This Week’s Show… Company Culture Can Have A Huge Impact On How Others Perceive An Entire Company, Not Just Their Product Company culture is not static – it changes over time and adapts to the evolving needs of a business. But in order to change, the business should be able to articulate what its company culture is and isn’t. Understanding the differences from one company culture to another is a great way to determine if you’re the type of employee who will thrive – or fail – in that company’s infrastructure. The first type is adhocracy culture. This environment places creativity and innovation on a pedestal. Employees who thrive in this culture are willing to take risks and be industry disrupters. These companies are boundary-pushers, always coming up with new and exciting ideas. Here, employees are encouraged to speak up and try new…

Join Isaiah for a frank talk about the ups and downs of academia PhDs are facing right now First, Isaiah covers the statistics most PhDs need to face up to Next, he shines a light on the demand for PhDs in industry Finally, he wraps up with job-searching tips From This Week’s Show… 53% of PhD Students Begin Their Degree Aiming For a Professorship But Only 3% Actually Achieve That Goal Your odds of getting tenure now are less than half of a percent, at best. Tenure is dead. Everyone knows now that academia is broken. And there’s no way to unbreak it. Are you tired of hearing this? Well wake up because hiding from the truth isn’t going to make your life any better and it’s not going to increase your compensation any time soon. Now, by contrast, according to a recent MassBio report, there has been a 143% growth in industry jobs that require a PhD in the past 10 years. Quality Academic Positions Are So Scarce Now That Staying In Academia Leads To Long Periods Of Job Insecurity Of course, the idea of academia is still alluring. One of the main pros of a career in academia…

Join Isaiah as he walks us through getting your LinkedIn back on track and functional In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah covers why you need to be keeping up with LinkedIn Next, he covers the main mistakes most LinkedIn users are making Lastly, Isaiah covers engagement how-tos, how to know your LinkedIn is working, and what to do to keep up with it From This Week’s Show… Understand That LinkedIn Is A Professional Social Network…Emphasis On Social By posting, commenting, and sharing regularly, you can build rapport with your target sectors of industry and with specific companies themselves. 98% of companies are on LinkedIn and the majority of any company’s executive teams are going to have profiles on the platform. This means that if you want to connect with decision-makers and influencers in your industry, LinkedIn is the place to be. By building a strong profile and engaging with other users, you can increase your visibility to these key players and open up new opportunities. Being Active On LinkedIn Is Crucial To Your Job Search Success- Google Loves This Site A second reason that being active on LinkedIn is crucial to your job search success is that Google loves this…

Join Isaiah as takes a look at proactive strategies PhDs can use to protect themselves against ageism in the workplace In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah concedes that ageism is a problem some adults age 45 and over face in industry Next, he reminds PhDs that they are in control of their own internal bias, and encourages them not to overwhelm themselves with their own negative stereotypes Finally, Isaiah shares some tips PhDs can use to keep ageism at bay during their industry job search and beyond From This Week’s Show… Ageism Is An Unfortunate Reality For Many PhDs Age 45 And Older If you followed the path that many PhDs took, you graduated in your late 20s or early 30s. In academia, you see a lot of age diversity among faculty and students.  In industry, however, ageism is more prevalent.  Ageism is any kind of stereotype, prejudice or discrimination towards yourself or others based on age.  The unfortunate reality, according to AARP, is that 80% of employees over the age of 45 do report feeling discriminated against or having witnessed age discrimination in the workplace.  Now, if you want to make yourself attractive to employers in this job market,…

Join Isaiah as he examines the future-facing skills that PhDs should highlight for employers if they want to get hired in industry In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah shines a light on the disparity between fast-evolving tech and the relatively slow pace that humans adapt to it Next, he explores four transferable skills that PhDs should emphasize to industry employers Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that companies want to invest in people who are willing to invest in themselves, so they should be proactive by learning new things From This Week’s Show… The Skills That PhDs Need To Be Successful In Industry Are Changing According to Institute for the Future, approximately 85% of education jobs in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet.  That is a staggering number.  How is this possible?  Tech is moving fast. Faster than you or I can process. AI and machine learning is the tip of the iceberg now.  More and more industries are seeing changes in how they work. Most of these changes are due to humans slowly adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.  Keeping your skills current is the only way to stay relevant in your job search. This means focusing on skills that tech can’t…

Join Isaiah as he examines how PhDs can use their innovation skills and research abilities to advance discovery in industry In this week’s episode: First, Isaiah explores some of the reasons that PhDs innovation skills make them well-suited to industry research positions Next, he takes a look at three ways PhDs can harness their innovation skills and know-how to break into business and market research Finally, Isaiah encourages PhDs to be proactive about their career growth and embrace their solutions-oriented thinking to find their niche in industry From This Week’s Show… Your Innovation Skills Are An Asset To Industry Employers PhDs are problem-solvers, innovators, and incubators for ideas.  Where the rest of the world aims to be a master of this field or that craft, PhDs are contributing to an industry’s actual growth by adding to a field.  As researchers, PhDs have many of the skills it takes to build and grow a company of any kind, such as identifying knowledge gaps; determining what needs to be researched; pitching ideas; delivering those ideas to an advisor, committee, or other key stakeholders.  These are all skills you’ve used to earn your PhD, and they are exactly the traits that help build…