How Was My Experience Transitioning to Industry After PhD?

When I graduated in 2017, I felt I had a few skills left to hone and decided to undertake two postdoctoral fellowships. My goal was to explore the application of my research in the life science sector, specifically to develop ultra-sensitive hypoxia sensors.

Therefore, I moved to South Africa and established a lab there. Over the next three years, I worked on a variety of materials and published several high-quality papers. I even supervised a PhD student on a topic that was new to me. This experience taught me a lot about electrochemistry, making it a truly gratifying period for both my student and supervisor.

Exploring Industry with a Marie Curie Fellowship

My journey continued with a proposal for a Marie Curie fellowship, which was successfully accepted. I then moved to Ireland to work on optically active nanodiamonds for biomedical imaging. I realized that an early entry into the industry was the best path. However, no one had ever warned me that the longer I was in my postdoc positions, the more difficult it would become to transition.

The Struggles of Transitioning to Industry

The first two years in Ireland were incredibly challenging. I faced numerous rejections, each one felt like a personal failure. It was as though doors were closing around me, and every “I’m sorry to inform you…” was like a punch in the gut.

Temporary Relief and a Failing Path

Feeling desperate, I joined a government agency for a short stint, hoping this would give me a boost. It did not. My experience there compounded my struggles, leading to a period of great uncertainty. I was only one meeting away from termination, unsure if I could make it through.

The Turning Point

One morning, as I sat in front of my laptop, pride filled me as my project that I had worked on for five months was finally published. The final product was a masterpiece. I was elated—only to learn later that I was not even acknowledged. This was the final blow, triggering a period of intense emotional turmoil. After moping and wallowing for days, I decided it was time to find a new path.

Leveraging Skills for Industry Success

The story of my transition has many lessons for aspiring researchers looking to make the leap into industry. Early entry into industry can indeed offer a distinct advantage. However, it's also crucial to develop a strong network, leverage your skills, and stay resilient in the face of rejections.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

My journey illustrates the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. It also emphasizes the value of networking and staying informed about industry trends. Ultimately, the experience taught me that success in the industry requires a blend of technical expertise, perseverance, and strategic planning.