Career Coaching for Postdocs moving from Academia to Industry

Are you a postdoc trying to make the move into industry?

It can feel daunting to think about moving outside academia. I help postdocs like you understand your value, explore industry roles, and position yourself for selection.

You may still love research and value intellectual work but you may be questioning whether a long-term academic career is realistic, desirable, or sustainable. You may be at the exploration stage: tired of limited-term contracts, unsure about long-term prospects, and concerned about giving up your academic identity or wasting your PhD.

Or maybe you have already made the decision but you are not sure about the alternative careers available to you, or how to write an industry-friendly CV. You might have had some interviews and positive feedback, but somehow you are never offered the position.

Career movement between academia and other sectors is not only possible but it can even strengthen your intellectual profile. However, you need to approach it differently from academic applications. In the right role outside of academia you can:

• Build experience outside academia

• Develop new skills and networks

• Strengthen financial stability

• And still remain intellectually engaged

You also don't need to burn any academic bridges. In a world where careers are increasingly non-linear, the question is how to move strategically.

How I help postdocs successfully transition to industry

There are several ways in which I work with postdocs:

1.FREE RESOURCES. Here are some useful resources that you can download.

• Before you Apply: a research checklist for postgrads applying to industry positions.

• A Quick Guide to Roles for Postdocs

• A Brief Guide to Understanding your Value. This is aimed at helping you translate your academic experience into industry values.

Also check out my blogs for tips and insights.

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2. A FREE 20-MINUTE CLARITY CALL

Depending on what stage of transition you are at, you can use this to help you decide if moving out of academia is right for you. If you have already made the decision and you are applying for jobs, we can look at the challenges that you may be facing and potential fixes to these. The call is all about helping you to clarify where you are now, where you want to be, and the steps to get there.

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3.A 90-MINUTE CAREER MAPPING SESSION.

During the mapping session, we will identify your opportunities and challenges and develop a concrete plan for you to put into action.

You can find further information here.

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4. SELECTABILITY COACHING FOR PhDs MOVING TO INDUSTRY

Many postdocs applying for positions outside of academia become very frustrated at the interview stage. These four 90-minute sessions are specifically designed to enhance your chances of being selected for your chosen position.

See here for information

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5.POSTDOC TO INDUSTRY TRANSITION SUPPORT

This is a bespoke 3-month package comprising six 60-minute one-to-one sessions and unlimited email support. It is designed to help you to navigate the many complexities of this career transition. Please complete the contact form below for information .

I'm Debra McDermott, PhD

Over twenty years I have worked in colleges, universities, the banking industry and corporate training, across six countries. I understand:

• the culture of universities

• the emotional complexity of leaving

• the practical challenges of translating academic expertise

• the realities of professional life outside academia

I offer focused, high-level support for academics considering professional moves beyond the university. Together, we work on:

• Clarifying motivations and constraints

• Identifying transferable strengths

• Mapping viable external pathways

• Positioning experience for non-academic audiences

• Managing identity and long-term options