Shows
PostPhDirectionsWhat Really Matters When Breaking Into Amazon After a PhD – with Dr. Irena Palamani XhuxhiIn this episode of PostPhDirections, we talk with IrenaPalamani Xhuxhi, an AI Tech Lead at Amazon, about her inspiring journey from academia to the tech industry. Irena shares how she managed a PhD in economics while raising two children, applied to nearly 70 jobs, and overcame imposter syndrome to land her role at Amazon — the only tech job she applied for.We explore the mindset shifts needed to move from research to industry, how to frame academic experience for tech roles, and why communication and adaptability matter just as much as technical skills. If you’re thinking about a ca...2025-05-1543 minPostPhDirectionsHow Authenticity lands You a Job in Industry with Dr. Jorge QuintanaIn this episode of PostPhDirections, I talk with Jorge Quintana, a macroeconomist who made what he calls a “transition squared” — moving from academia to industry and from Europe to the U.S. We dig into how he navigated both shifts, what made the transition challenging, and how he learned to show up not just as a qualified candidate, but as a whole person.Jorge shares how practicing interviews, shifting from technical explanations to outcome-driven stories, and embracing his personality helped him land a role in model risk management. If you're a PhD wondering how to bridge the gap be...2025-05-0632 min
PostPhDirectionsWhat If You Didn’t Have to Pick Just One Career Path with Dr. Ana Osório OliveiraIn this episode, I sat down with Ana Osorio Oliveira - a neuroscientist, career advisor, and startup contributor - whose career shows that you don’t have to choose between staying in research and exploring other passions. Ana shares how she built a fulfilling and flexible "portfolio career," combining neuroscience with science communication, career support, and even a past life as a Zumba instructor.If you're like many PhDs - still loving research but feeling the itch to try something more - this episode is for you. Ana talks honestly about what helped he...2025-04-2233 min
PostPhDirectionsHow a coffee chat led to a career shift: Conversations that can change your career with Dr. Ellen DobsonIn this episode of PostPhDirections, I chatted with Dr. Ellen Dobson, postdoc and grad program manager at the Morgridge Institute for Research, about how casual coffee chats can lead to career clarity-and even a job. From walking away from the lab bench to helping researchers design fulfilling futures, Ellen shares how informational interviews shaped her own path and why they’re a must for any early career researcher considering a move beyond academia. Packed with practical tips and honest reflections, this conversation is your permission to reach out, get curious, and start building the career yo...2025-04-0932 minPostPhDirectionsI hit 100K on LinkedIn-and here’s exactly how I did ItIn this raw and unscripted solo episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of how I built a 100K+ LinkedIn community-starting from a place of fear, doubt, and zero strategy. I talk about what truly worked for me, how I overcame the anxiety of posting that first piece of content, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. I’ll walk you through the power of authentic engagement, the importance of finding your voice, and why showing up (even imperfectly) can lead to unexpected opportunities. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or just unsure where to sta...2025-03-2719 min
PostPhDirectionsReality of of the job hunt beyond academia with Dr. Claudia BelliveauTransitioning from academia to industry isn’t easy-just ask Claudia Belliveau, PhD. In this episode of PostPhDirections, we dive deep into the challenges, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to break into the pharmaceutical industry. Claudia, did a PhD in neuroscience PhD and is currently a job seeker. Claudia shares her real-time experience, insider tips on networking, and how informational interviews transformed her job search. Whether you're planning your exit from academia or stuck in the transition phase, this episode is packed with practical advice and candid insights to help you move forward. 🚀🎙️...2025-03-1144 min
PostPhDirectionsShould I be on LinkedIn as an academic with Prof. Robert HarrisIn this episode, I chat with Professor Robert (Bob) Harris - also known as MADBob (Making a difference) - about his quite impressive journey on LinkedIn. Bob talks his social media literacy, what made him getting started on LinkedIn, and how he's used LinkedIn to share valuable insights on doctoral education and supervisor training. We discuss the powerful impact his posts have had on a global audience, the art of storytelling, and how he’s built a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. It’s a conversation about the unique role LinkedIn plays in sparking meaningful disc...2025-03-0136 min
PostPhDirectionsThe most common resume/CV mistakes PhDs make with Angela PriestIn this episode, I sit down with Angela Priest to talk about some of the most common mistakes we see in resumes and CVs. We dive into why tailoring your application to the job is so important and how a resume isn’t just a list of accomplishments - it’s a tool to get you an interview.We also chat about how to communicate your skills clearly, especially when transitioning from academia to industry. Many PhDs struggle to explain their experience in a way that makes sense to hiring managers, and Angela shares some great tips on how to ...2025-02-2436 min
PostPhDirectionsHow to land a job in Pharma R&D with Dr. Andrea GrandiJoin me as I sit down with Dr. Andrea Grandi to talk about the challenges and strategies of moving from academia to the pharmaceutical R&D industry.We explore what it really takes to break into the field- how you can streamline your approach and focus on the right goals. Andrea shares his insider knowledge on landing R&D roles, the power of networking, and the key skills PhDs can leverage to thrive in industry. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, crafting strong job applications, and, most importantly, finding the right company...2025-02-1432 min
PostPhDirectionsHow to break into Medical Writing after PhD with Dr. Vicky SherwoodIn this conversation, I, sit down with Vicky Sherwood to explore the world of medical writing and how PhDs can successfully transition from academia into a medical writer role (yes there is more than one ;) learn more here). Vicky shares her own journey into medical writing and the different roles within the field.
Vicky explained the differences between various specialisations within medical writing. Having worked as a hiring manager at a major Swiss pharma company, Vicky also shares what makes an application stand out and what she looked for in candidates.
She explains why PhDs are highl...2025-02-0638 minPostPhDirectionsJob Descriptions: Myths and Realities with Angela PriestIn this conversation, Angela and I delve into the topic of self-limiting beliefs, particularly among PhDs transitioning into industry roles, alongside Angela Priest. We discuss common misconceptions about job descriptions, the overqualification dilemma, and the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in the workplace.
Angela highlights that job descriptions are more like guidelines than strict rules and explains how candidates often misinterpret the qualifications required. Together, we emphasize the need for PhDs to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that it’s okay not to meet every criterion and that learning on the job is part of the pr...2025-01-2234 min
PostPhDirectionsFind a job that truly aligns with your goals with Dr. Kirsten ThornhillIn this conversation, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten Thornhill, PhD, about her inspiring journey transitioning from academia to industry. Kirsten shared her personal experiences, the challenges she faced, and the strategies that helped her navigate this major career change successfully.
We talked about the importance of having a growth mindset, building a strong network, and being willing to start fresh in a new field. Kirsten’s story serves as a motivational guide for anyone considering a similar path, demonstrating the potential for fulfillment and success outside of academia.
During our conversation, Kirsten opened up...2025-01-1542 min
PostPhDirectionsHow to build your own career path after a PhD with Dr. Alda SabalicIn this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alda Sabalic about her journey from completing a PhD in biophysics to becoming a successful science communication consultant. We talk about how she identified where her passion lies and how she turned it into a business.We explored how she discovered her passion for teaching and simplifying complex scientific concepts, why her work is needed and how she identified that need, and the transferable skills gained through a PhD that apply to the business world. Alda shared her insights on the importance of...2025-01-0836 min
PostPhDirectionsPhDs in Entrepreneurship: Exploring the Cornell Tech Runway Startup Postdoc Program with Fernando Gomez-BaqueroSummary:In this episode of PostPhDirections, I sit down with Fernando Gomez-Baquero, the Director of the Runway Startup Postdoc Program at Cornell Tech, to explore how PhDs can transition from academia to entrepreneurship.
Fernando shares his journey from earning a PhD to becoming a CEO and how the CornellTech Runway Startup program supports researchers in building their own startups.
We talk about the financial backing, mentorship, and structured curriculum participants receive, and why embracing failure, storytelling, and speed are critical in the entrepreneurial process.
If you’ve ever thought about commercializing your res...2024-12-1839 min
PostPhDirectionsThe Power of Personality in Job Applications and in the Job with Angela PriestIn this conversation, Angela Priest and I discuss how to effectively showcase one's personality in job applications, the importance of finding a work environment that aligns with one's authentic self, and strategies for navigating different corporate cultures. How to answer the question 'Tell me about yourself'.
We discuss the significance of authenticity and personality in the workplace, particularly for PhDs transitioning into industry roles. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of being authentic in professional settings and the value of self-awareness in fostering genuine connections with colleagues.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave...2024-12-0434 min
PostPhDirectionsA day in a life of a Patent Consultant with Dr. Asraa ZiadiIn this episode of 'A Day in a Life of a Patent Consultant' , I chat with Asraa Ziadi, a patent consultant, about her journey from academia to the patent profession. We discuss the skills needed for patent consultancy, the daily responsibilities of a patent consultant, and the impact of this profession on innovation. Asraa shares her experiences transitioning from a PhD in chemistry to her current role, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the diverse backgrounds of those entering the field.Enjoy listening. If you like it, please leave us a review and follow the show.2024-11-2827 min
PostPhDirectionsShould I stay or should I go? And how Armando knew it was time to leave academia with Dr. Armando Cázares-KörnerIn this episode, I speak with Armando Casares-Körner, PhD. We talk about the Sunk Cost Fallacy, especially after publishing in Science. Lots of academics ask themselves 'When is it time to leave?'. We discuss whether he ever felt the pull of the sunk cost fallacy and what his deciding factors were not to continue an academic career despite having all the academic merits to do so.We also talk about the impact of family on career choices and the importance of finding alignment between personal values and professional life. Additionally, we discuss how the skills h...2024-11-2030 min
PostPhDirectionsUnderstanding your Skills Beyond Subject Matter Expertise with Dr. Jens GertowIn this episode, I sat down with Jens Gertow, CCO at Mabtech, to discuss his journey from PhD to a successful career in industry. Jens shares how he landed his first role by highlighting not only the skills gained during his PhD, but also those developed through everyday life experiences.We explore how to identify transferable skills beyond the lab. Jens story is a nice example why telling a compelling story about your unique skill set can make all the difference in landing a job.Want to know how I can help you land a...2024-11-1330 min
PostPhDirectionsProf. Robert Harris on the Need for Modernising Career Development during PhD EducationIn this episode of the PostPhDirections, I speak with Professor Robert (Bob) Harris, Academic Vice President of doctoral education at K about the role of universities in preparing PhD graduates for their careers.
We discuss the evolving career trajectories for PhDs, the challenges faced during the transition from academia, and the role of universities in career preparation.
Bob shares insights from his experience at Karolinska Institutet, highlighting the importance of soft skills and the need for universities to modernize their approach to career development for academics. We talk about the importance of proactive career planning...2024-11-0637 min
PostPhDirectionsThe impact of networking in building a career with Angela PriestHear in this episode why meeting Angela was better than winning the lottery and how we met? In this very first episode of PostPhDirections I talk to Angela Priest, my co- founder and business partner of Alma.Me. We address one of the most asked questions 'How did you two meet considering Angela lives in the US and Elena in Sweden?'. We talk about our individual stories and how these brought us together and led to co-founding Alma.Me. We talk about common challenges PhDs and Postdocs encounter during their transition to a career...2024-10-3028 min
Blooming Late ScientistsDr Elena Hoffer – the More You Learn the Less You KnowIn this episode, Dr Elena Hoffer discusses her experience after completing her PhD and transitioning to new goals. She shares her background in pharmaceutical biotechnology and her transition to immunology, specifically studying skin diseases. Elena emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of imperfection and the value of mentorship, encouraging individuals to pursue education and career changes, and highlighting the long-term benefits. Elena also discusses her current journey of building a company and offers advice for those considering returning to education.2024-04-0938 min
Flugforensik - Abstürze und ihre GeschichteEine Boeing 767 als Segelflieger - das Wunder von GimliAm 23. Juli 1983 nimmt eine der unglaublichsten Geschichten der modernen zivilen Luftfahrt ihren Lauf. Ein nagelneuer Großraumjet von Air Canada gerät in einer gefährliche Situation, als beide Triebwerke während des Fluges ausgehen. Kapitän Robert Pearson und First Officer Maurice Quintal gelingt eine fliegerische Meisterleistung. In unserer neuesten Podcast-Folge erzählen wir diese Geschichte des legendären Gimli-Gliders im Detail.
Benjamin Denes und Andreas Spaeth konnten für diese Episode Robert "Bob" Pearson interviewen. Auch wenn die Geschichte vor mehr als 40 Jahren passiert ist, erinnert sich der damalige Kapitän noch an viele...2024-01-261h 32
Practice You with Elena BrowerToko-pa TurnerOn belonging, dreamwork, and welcoming aging as a privilege. Toko-pa Turner is an award-winning Canadian writer, teacher, and dreamworker who blends the mystical tradition of Sufism with a Jungian approach to dreams. In 2001 she founded the Dream School, from which hundreds of students have graduated, and she speaks internationally on the subject of dreams and belonging. Sometimes called a "midwife of the psyche," Toko-pa’s work focuses on restoring the feminine, reciprocity with nature, honouring grief, ritual, and beauty-making. Her book, "Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home" is the winner of multiple awards including the 2017 Gold Nautilus Award, the 2018 Re...2020-06-1341 min