Is 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 industry

• Why a PhD is applied professional experience, not “just education”

• How PhDs already solve real-world problems under uncertainty

• Where your PhD belongs on your CV/resume

• How to frame your PhD experience in a way industry understands

If you’re a PhD student, postdoc, or academic considering a move to industry, this video will help you stop underselling yourself and start positioning your experience with confidence.👉 Key takeaway: Your PhD is work experience - 100%. You just need to frame it the right way. Learn here how

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and TiktokAnd if you need more support check out our work at www.alma.me

In 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 hundreds of industry roles on her own, Sophia joined the Alma.me Job Accelerator program, where she learned to reframe her academic experience and communicate her value in a new way.

Within weeks, she transitioned into industry. Looking back, she reflects on the deeper shift behind the move: releasing the belief that worth is tied to academic achievement and reclaiming agency over her time, energy, and career direction.

If you want to follow Sophias post academic life you can do that on Instagram where she runs an account focused on her new life in industry.

If you want to stay in touch with me (Elena) the best way to do so is via LinkedIn, Instagram or Tiktok.

And if you are looking for more hands on support check the Alma.Me website and see how we can help.

Looking 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, and why understanding the Pharma R&D value chain is essential.

The conversation also highlights common mistakes PhDs make when applying for industry roles, the importance of tailored applications, and how communication, networking, and self-awareness can make the difference when building a career beyond academia.

If you need more hands on support in your transition Alma.me is here to help.

Check how we can help here on our website.

Check out Ben on LinkedIn , and give him a follow.

Looking 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 the pharma R&D value chain is essential.

The conversation also highlights common mistakes PhDs make when applying for industry roles, the importance of tailored applications, and how communication, networking, and self-awareness can make the difference when building a career beyond academia.

Are you looking for more support to make that transition check out how Alma.me can help

Give Benjamin Weber a follow on LinkedIn

When 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.

If you’re a PhD wondering how to prepare for life beyond academia, Kertu’s story will show you just how much is possible when you start early and believe in yourself.

Need more support in your own transition check how Alma.me can help

Follow Elena Hoffer on LinkedIn and Instagram

Follow Kertu Tenso on Instagram

In 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 the way.

We also talk about Proteintech’s Field Marketing Representative program, which gives PhD students a hands-on glimpse into industry life.

Amy’s story is a great reminder that you can build a fulfilling career beyond academia — one that still lets you stay close to science, but with a whole new kind of impact.

If you’re curious about how to translate your academic experience into an industry role, or you’re simply wondering what’s possible outside the lab, this episode is for you.

Follow for daily career insights :

Elena Hoffer, PhD LinkedIn

@elenahoffer_phd Instagram

Follow Amy's LinkedIn

If you need more hands on support check our job accelerator program: Alma.Me Job Accelerator Program

In 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 academic identity. If you're wondering how your humanities training fits into the business world, this episode will give you insight—and inspiration.

For support in your own transition check our Alma.Me Job Accelerator Program

Follow Larry on LinkedIn and check his website for more info

In 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 likability, enthusiasm, and curiosity are more powerful than a perfect resume.

Whether you're wondering how to differentiate yourself, struggling with how to authentically present your strengths, or simply want to understand how hiring managers think, this episode is packed with strategies you can apply today.

If you like the episode please leave us a review so that other PhDs can find it more easily.

Connect with Elena, Angela or Stacey here on LinkedIn.

Need some support in your job search?

Check out how Alma.Me can support you.

In 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 you.

Connect with Philipp on LinkedIn and check this website.

Follow Angela and Elena for daily PhD career insights.

If you need help in landing a job in industry after your PhD, check how Alma.Me can help.

If you enjoy this episode please leave us a review- it is a great way to help other PhDs to discover this podcast more easily.

In 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 career beyond academia, this episode is full of practical insights and encouragement.

Connect or follow Irena on LinkedIn.

Connect with Elena and Angela on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

Want to land job in industry? See how Alma.Me can help.

And as usual if you enjoyed this episode please leave us a rating its a zero cost way to support the podcast and help other PhDs find it.