![\"stairs-1014065_1920\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.nature.com\/naturejobs\/files\/2016\/08\/stairs-1014065_1920.jpg\" "\\"stairs-1014065_1920\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nLuckily, according to Dr. Joanne Kamens, if you\u2019re looking to transition to a position in industry, you\u2019re already well on your way. At her workshop at the Naturejobs<\/em> career expo, Boston, she offered tips on how to make the most of your training for a successful career transition.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to move on. While the path of an academic scientist includes postdoctoral training, that is not always required for research careers in industry. In contrast, if you\u2019re interested in industrial research, Kamens recommends leaving academia as soon as you can. The longer you stay, the more it can look like you\u2019re attempting a move to industry because you failed in academia.<\/p>\n And if impostor syndrome<\/a> sets in as you\u2019re looking over job descriptions? Remember that you don\u2019t have to know everything about your new position when you take the job. Companies are willing to train the right person, as they understand that there are differences between the way research functions in industry and academia<\/a>.<\/p>\n With stricter regulations and a bottom line to look out for, academics transitioning to industrial research can experience culture shock if they\u2019re not aware of these differences in advance. In particular, expect to be asked to pay attention to experimental design, with an eye towards the potential statistical significance of your results \u2013 every experiment can make the difference between a product\u2019s success or failure. Because of these expectations, successful job applications should highlight an applicant\u2019s skills in careful experimental design and statistical analysis. These applications will stand out from those that simply emphasize a publication record<\/a>, which holds more weight in academia than in<\/a> industry.<\/p>\n While academic training on its surface is preparation for a future in academia, a PhD also gives you the skills to do much more<\/a>. For example, during your graduate career you may have led a research project, given a seminar, or mentored a junior member of your lab. These activities, while centered around research, also train you in other areas<\/a> such as communication, leadership, planning, and analysis.<\/p>\n Every career development event emphasizes the importance of networking<\/a> to getting your dream job. But networking is much more than exchanging business cards over hors d\u2019oeuvres. Instead, networking may mean being active in professional organizations, grabbing lunch with colleagues, or meeting one-on-one with a new acquaintance. \u201cYou\u2019re developing real, serious relationships with people when you do things with them,\u201d says Kamens. These connections are memorable and durable, and help you develop a network that you can reach out to for information and advice. With an awareness of how to frame your accomplishments for an industry application, and a strong network to support you, you can successfully start your career in industry. So, if you are considering a move from academia to industry, remember: you\u2019re already prepared for this.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aliyah Weinstein is a graduate student in immunology at the University of Pittsburgh, where her research focuses on the pathways controlling anti-tumor immunity. Outside of the lab she enjoys learning languages, trying to achieve her goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states, and eating at all of Pittsburgh\u2019s delicious restaurants. You can find Aliyah on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and her\u00a0blog<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Suggested posts<\/strong><\/p>\n Research in industry: A great career choice<\/a><\/p>\n Q&A with Sheila Tobias and Daryl Chubin: Moving into industry<\/a><\/p>\n So you want to be a data scientist (again)?<\/a><\/p>\n How did you approach the transition from academia to industry?<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Guest contributor Aliyah Weinstein … Read more<\/a> Continue reading Once you have your PhD, you\u2019re fully cooked!<\/h2>\n
Be aware of the differences between academic and industrial research.<\/h2>\n
Skills from your PhD are transferrable outside of academia.<\/h2>\n
Network<\/span> Develop relationships.<\/h2>\n
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