Transition Challenges

Changing career paths is a major step. If you are thinking about transitioning out of academia, you may be experiencing:

• Uncertainty about what roles are realistically open to you

• Difficulty translating academic experience into industry language

• Concern about burning bridges or closing doors

• A sense that you should decide quickly but you don't yet have enough information

• Intellectual resistance to oversimplified career advice

How this session can help

The Career Mapping Intensive is a focused, high-level working session designed to:

• Clarify your motivations and constraints

• Identify viable non-academic pathways aligned with your strengths and values

• Map how your academic experience translates externally

• Identify skills gaps (real and perceived)

• Develop a strategic next-step plan

What we will do in 90 minutes

Before the session, you will complete a short intake questionnaire that will be emailed to you. I will also ask for your current CV.

During the session we will:

1. Clarify your current situation and long-term concerns and goals

2. Identify transferable expertise and differentiators

3. Map 2–3 viable external pathways

4. Analyse risk, reversibility, and long-term implications

5. Define a concrete action plan

You will leave with:

• Greater clarity

• Defined next steps

• A more confident professional narrative

Investment

€167

90-minute private session
Pre-session questionnaire
Post-session summary email with key strategic points

Limited availability each month.

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

Book a 90-minute Personal Career Mapping Session