Beyond the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Transitioning from Academia to Industry

Christine N. May, PhD¹ & the Industry Connections Committee

Introduction

Considering a move from a career in academia to industry can feel both exciting and daunting. It's a decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. I will discuss what it's like to make this transition and provide some tips for navigating a significant professional shift.

Considering a Transition

Leaving academia without having exposure to industry work can feel like taking a leap of faith and hoping for a net to catch you. Academic training programs rarely have opportunities for trainees to get exposure to what working in industry can look like, making it difficult for trainees to decide if industry could be a path better suited to their needs and skills. Gaining as much exposure to industry work before making the decision whether to stay in academia is important.

Making the Transition

If you decide to make the transition into industry, it's essential to approach this transition with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new learning opportunities. There is typically a steep learning curve, particularly in the first six months. It's crucial to begin learning a new language, applying your skills in new ways, and different ways of working. While traditional academic research is still valuable, industry demands a broader perspective where you need to learn how to demonstrate the business impact of your work.

Networking

To successfully transition to industry, be ready to network. Engaging with professionals in industry is important for gaining insights into various career paths and obtaining valuable advice to help you find direction. Attending industry events, connecting with individuals on LinkedIn, and setting up informational interviews are effective ways to build a network. It's worth noting that cold reach outs to people you admire or aspire to emulate is not unusual, but a warm introduction from a mutual connection can help accelerate building your network. Some individuals may not accept your request or respond to your message, but don’t get discouraged or take it personally. These professionals typically get multiple connection and meeting requests per day from people like you. Try to make your connection request more personal by mentioning some of their recent work or how connecting with you could add value for them (e.g., maybe you have expertise in an area that could benefit the product they’re working on).

Communication

Identifying and effectively communicating your skills and strengths, while recognizing you have a lot to learn, is vital to a successful transition from academia to industry. Over the years, you have acquired a diverse range of skills, but it's essential to steer away from academic jargon. When networking with industry professionals, it's beneficial to inquire about the industry-specific language they use and familiarize yourself with those terms. Translating your skills and strengths into industry language demonstrates your understanding and readiness to make the transition, even if you haven't had prior industry experience.

Conclusion

Moving from academia to industry is a significant career change that requires careful consideration and preparation. It's important to approach this transition with an open mind, embracing new learning opportunities, and building a network of industry professionals for guidance. Effectively communicating your skills and strengths in industry language is crucial for demonstrating your readiness to make the leap.

This shift may be challenging at times, but it also offers exciting possibilities and a chance to apply your expertise in a new context. With perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can thrive in the world outside academia. So, for those considering a jump to industry, I hope these insights shed some light on life "on the other side" and help you embark on a successful and fulfilling career transition.

Affiliations

¹Head of Behavioral Science, Noom