Shows
PostPhDirectionsHow to use coffee chats to land your industry job after a PhD (Step-by-Step for PhDs)What if I told you one of the most powerful tools for landing your first industry job is completely free, takes 30 minutes, and most PhDs aren't using it?I'm talking about coffee chats (aka informational interviews – but let's keep it casual).When I was halfway through my PhD at Karolinska Institutet, I had that constant background noise: "What can I do after my PhD? Where do my skills fit? What if I don't want to stay at the bench?"Starting conversations with people who'd already made the jump changed everything for me....
2026-02-2116 minPostPhDirectionsDoes my first industry job after my PhD have to be perfect?Does your first job after your PhD have to be perfect? Spoiler: No.If you're finishing your PhD and stressing about finding the "perfect" industry job, this episode is for you. I break down why PhDs overthink this decision, how industry actually works (hint: you're NOT locked in for 5 years), and what really matters in your first role.You'll hear:Why the "perfect job" mindset comes from academic trainingHow industry turnaround times work (2 years is normal!)A real story: PhD who pivoted after just 9 monthsWhat to do if you don't like your first jobWhy...
2026-02-1410 min
Lucky to Be Here: Building Lives & Careers AbroadTurning Discomfort into Stepping Stones: Elena Hoffer’s Path from Germany to SwedenElena Hoffer is the co-founder and CEO of Alma.Me, helping PhDs transition from academia to industry. She earned her PhD in Medical Sciences from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and is passionate about empowering early-career researchers in their careers beyond academia. With a LinkedIn community of over 125,000, she shares insights that inspire PhDs to thrive beyond academia.In this episode, Elena shares more about her journey as a researcher and entrepreneur, detailing her experiences as an international student and PhD candidate. She discusses overcoming language barriers, adjusting to a different culture, learning about careers beyond...
2026-02-0455 minPostPhDirectionsIs my PhD work experience by Elena HofferIs your PhD work experience when applying for industry jobs? This is one of the most common questions PhDs ask when transitioning out of academia.In this video, I explain why the real issue isn’t a lack of work experience, but a misunderstanding of what industry actually means by “experience.” Industry employers care about applied skills, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and delivering outcomes—all of which you develop extensively during a PhD.You’ll learn:What work experience really means in industryWhy a PhD is applied professional experience, not “just education”How PhDs already solve real-world problems under uncertaintyWhe...
2026-02-0208 min
PostPhDirectionsChoosing stability over prestige with Dr. Sophia ParksIn this episode of PostPhDirections, Sophia Parks shares her journey from a decade in academia - spanning a PhD and two postdocs, including at Stanford - to a remote industry role in project management. Despite strong credentials and years of grant-writing experience, Sophia found herself trapped in a system defined by funding uncertainty, external validation, and limited control over her future. After repeated grant rejections, job instability, and growing burnout - amplified by becoming a mother - she realized academia was no longer sustainable for the life she wanted.After months of unsuccessfully applying to...
2026-01-3037 min
From the Lab to the WebFrom PhD to LinkedIn: How to Build Visibility Without Selling YourselfWhat does it really take for a PhD to transition out of academia and build visibility on LinkedIn, without feeling fake, pushy, or uncomfortable?In this episode of From the Lab to the Web, I sit down with Elena Hoffer, founder of Alma.me, who built a following of over 130,000 people by speaking directly to researchers navigating careers beyond academia.We talk about what pushed her to start posting on LinkedIn, how she found her voice over time, and why perfection is often the biggest blocker for scientists online.Elena shares practical advice...
2026-01-2335 min
PostPhDirectionsBreaking Into Pharma after your PhD - what hiring managers are really looking for with Ben Weber, PhDLooking to break into Pharma after your PhD?Learn first-hand from someone who has hired across the US and multiple European countries how to ace the transition from academia into industry and stand out from the crowd.In this episode of PostPhDirections, I spoke with Ben Weber, Vice President of Translational Research at Novo Nordisk, about how PhDs can successfully transition from academia into the pharmaceutical industry. Drawing on his global career and hiring experience, Ben discusses how the Pharma job market has evolved, which skills are currently in demand...
2026-01-1435 minPostPhDirectionsBreaking into Pharma after your PhD - what hiring managers are looking for with Ben WeberLooking to break into Pharma after your PhD? Learn first-hand from someone who has hired across the US and multiple European countries how to ace the transition from academia into industry and stand out from the crowd.In this episode of PostPhDirections, I speak with Ben Weber, Vice President of Translational Research at Novo Nordisk, about how PhDs can successfully transition from academia into the pharmaceutical industry. Drawing on his global career and hiring experience, Ben discusses how the pharma job market has evolved, which skills are currently in demand, and why understanding...
2026-01-1435 min
Academics and Their MoneyHow PhDs Can Earn Fifty to Seventy Five Percent More: Elena Hoffer’s Not-So-Academic StorySend us a textIn this international edition of Academics and Their Money, Inga Timmerman and Neeka Miremadi sit down with Elena Hoffer, a German scientist living in Sweden who completed her PhD in immunology at the Karolinska Institute. Elena shares her journey from academic research to entrepreneurship and explains why she ultimately stepped away from the professor track.Elena opens up about her early discomfort around money, why academics often undervalue themselves, and how she rebuilt her mindset by recognizing the real outcomes her work creates. She now co runs a job accelerator program...
2025-12-0436 min
PostPhDirectionsFrom PhD in Public Health to Data Scientist: This is how Dr. Kertu Tenso carved her own path outWhen I came across one of Kertu Tenso’s posts on Instagram, I knew I had to talk to her. She’s a data scientist today—but what makes her story so powerful is how early she started preparing for that transition while still doing her PhD. In this episode, I chat with Kertu about how she carved her own path from public health research into data science, even when people told her it wasn’t possible. We talk about clarity, proactivity, and the courage it takes to design the career you actually want—before you even graduate...
2025-11-1443 min
PostPhDirectionsFrom Lab to Scientific Marketing: Finding an Unexpected Career Path After the PhD with Amy TurnerIn this episode of PostPhDirections, I sit down with Amy Turner, who shares her story of moving from academia into a dynamic role in scientific marketing at Proteintech.Amy talks about how she found clarity after her PhD, why taking a short break helped her gain perspective, and how a complete LinkedIn profile — not a huge following — led to her being headhunted for her first industry role. She also opens up about what it’s really like to work in scientific marketing, how she uses her research background every day, and what skills she had to learn along...
2025-10-0835 min
PhD LoungeLate-Night Talk: Elena Hoffer, PhD. Life Beyond Academia: Transitioning From PhD to Industry, and moreThank you for tuning in to PhD Lounge, you'll become a Doctor of Philosophy by immersing yourself into the latest topics of the PhD UniverseThe transition from academia to industry remains one of the most challenging journeys for PhDs, yet it's a path that half of all doctoral graduates will take. Elena Hoffer, PhD and founder of https://www.alma.me/ shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and explains how she helps PhDs and PostDocs transitioning to industry careers after reaching over 100,000 LinkedIn followers.• PhDs often struggle to translate their academic skills into la...
2025-08-202h 06
PostPhDirectionsWhy Companies Need Humanities PhDs with Dr. Larry McGrathIn this episode of PostPhDirections, I speak with Dr. Larry McGrath, a historian and anthropologist who made the leap from academia to tech—now working as a senior researcher at Amazon Prime Video, with previous roles at Meta. Larry shares how humanities PhDs can translate their deep research skills, cult into real business impact.We talk about his career pivot, how he helps other academics transition into industry, and why leaving academia doesn’t mean leaving scholarship behind. Larry also offers practical tips on learning to “speak business,” building career clarity, and navigating this shift without losing your aca...
2025-07-2437 min
WonTime32: PhDtalk - Landing your first industry job after your PhD | Elena HofferLanding that job! Transition to industry after completing your PhD. 🎓 ➡ 👩💼 Not everyone wants to stay in academia after completing their PhD.Reasons are many:🌳 Security/Stability💶 Money🧠 Interests 🚀 Ambitions & more...That step may well feel like standing on the 10-meter diving platform. 🗼 🔷 Suddenly the pool looks kind of small.❄ The water might be colder than expected.💧 Is the water deep enough?😰 Will it hurt?To rise your confidence for this important and challenging step in your career, I talked to Elena Hoffer...
2025-06-2640 min
PhD:The experienceS3- Episode 23: It's All Hard—So Choose Wisely - with Dr.ElenaFor this episode I chatted with Dr. Elena Hoffer, a scientist and an entrepreneur. Elena discusses her journey in academia, moving abroad to pursue a PhD and eventually taking her career towards entrepreneurship. With her company Alma.me Elena helps academics to switch to Industry from Academia. She has many valuable tips and shares great advice!Enjoy!
2025-06-2041 min
PostPhDirectionsHow to Market Yourself in Today's Job Market with Stacey CohenIn this episode of PostPhDirections, Angela Priest, COO of Alma.me, sits down with Stacey Cohen—marketing strategist, founder of Co-Communications, and author of Brand Up 2.0. Stacey unpacks the essential elements of personal branding for early-career professionals, especially those transitioning from academia to industry.From debunking the myth that branding is narcissistic to explaining how to turn your skills into a standout value proposition, Stacey shares actionable insights for job seekers navigating a crowded and algorithm-driven job market. Learn why “spray and pray” no longer works, how to make your digital footprint work for you, and why likabi...
2025-06-1026 min
PostPhDirectionsBuilt in the Dark: How a PhD Side Project Became a Global Biotech Company with Dr. Philipp BaaskeIn this episode, I talk with Philipp Baaske, a physicist and the co-founder of NanoTemper Technologies. What started as a failed PhD project in a dark LMU lab turned into a side experiment - and eventually into a global biotech company that’s transforming drug discovery.Philipp shared how he made the leap from academia to entrepreneurship, why bootstrapping was the best business education, and how personal motivation drove him to build tools that now help thousands of scientists worldwide. If you’re a PhD wondering how to turn your research into real-world impact, this one’s for yo...
2025-05-2743 min
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 landed Jorge 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 Readers...
2020-06-1341 min