What 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 for PhDs who want to use LinkedIn with intention:

• How to position your profile so it speaks to industry, not just academia

• How to translate academic experience into clear, credible industry value

• Why clarity beats breadth when defining your career direction

• How to start posting without overselling yourself

• Why commenting is often a better first step than posting

• How to build a strong network without awkward messages or forced outreach

• How LinkedIn can help you explore roles that actually match your skills

This conversation is for PhDs, postdocs, and researchers who want to move beyond academia and use LinkedIn as a tool, not a performance.

No hacks. No personal branding clichés. Just grounded advice from someone who’s done it.