The best decision I ever made was to give up an academic job at the University of Oregon. Low pay, cultural isolation, sheer boredom, lousy weather...I mean, what was there to not like? Everything got better once I left.
Fuzzy milestones... boy I know that one well. Yep, 2020 is the year I plan my escape. Kind of wish I chose a specialization with more direct carryover to industry and not theoretical plasma physics. But I still have timel. Former graduates and postdocs from my group are stuck in 6+ year postdocs (now promoted without salary raise to "research associate") and perpetual adjunct professorships, not for me! I'm glad I found these videos, thanks.
You are so valuable in industry, regardless of your background or specialization! The key is highlighting the transferable skills that you've undoubtedly gathered from your years of experience. This ebook will help you get started in focusing on the right skills and terms: cheekyscientist.com/transferable-skills-ebook/ Please reach out with any questions! We'd love to help you plan your escape. :)
True academia revolves around begging...for grants, journal editors etc. I think because much of the University research ends up on shelves while industries put out tangible value e.g. products. So more money in the industry than academia
I saved this video to watch it over and over and help me move on after I finish my masters. My thesis adviser delayed me and used me as free labor to publish papers... and that's just masters, not even PhD.
I am planning to leave academia and join the industry. Thank you for this video. I wonder if you could please have videos about change in career after 40?
Wonderful, Esmira! For additional resources, you can donwload our five free eBooks on industry transitions for PhDs here: cheekyscientist.com/ebooks/ and to answer your question, we have this video on making a career change after 40: ruclips.net/video/hobVm9xsLXU/видео.html Please reach out with any other questions you have!
@@CheekyScientist Thank you so much! I will do that. I think it is also important to mention the culture "publish or perish", which I totally dislike. In addition, academics are mostly theorists, and I would like to walk the talk. I totally agree with your points. I am going to finish my Ph.D. and while I am doing it, I will be looking for ways out. It is very difficult to have family and expenses and change my career at 45, but I am not giving up my hope. Kind regards.
@@esgara8446 So true! The culture in academia is so often very negative and limiting. Never lose that hope and drive - let me know how we can help you along the way! Many of our Associates are still in the process of finishing their PhD, and join the CSA to get a head start on their way out of academia. You can learn more here: cheekyscientist.com/association-learn-more/
My first two jobs before my PhD were in industry, both CRO and R&D. Now i am a post doc since there are too few industrial positions in the country I live. I see a huge gap between industry and academia... and it always comes down to money and training. Very few academics are trained managers. This is one of many huge problems in structure, milestones and results. I miss industry very much.
@@jackp4180 in norway you really need a PhD to get the better jobs. Yes I regret partially. Mainly it is the contract thing, but also you need to publish every year. If you are unlucky like with the group that holds back work, then lack of publications means no grants. Industry demands more professionalism, but you get trained to be managers. So no I don't regret doing a PhD, my supervisor was outstanding, I published two papers with two in pending. But I regret the post doc.
Hi Michel, we are happy you enjoyed the video. Our video production has been improving and we hope that you follow our content as we continue to progress!
I like the way you sell it with "meaningful work". It's true that there is meaningful work to do in industry and by mentioning it, you quell what is one of the biggest concerns most acedemics have but perhaps aren't introspective enough to mention. It's good marketing on your part and you clearly know your audience well as a PhD yourself.
Thank you - yes, I understand very well from a PhD's perspective how important it is to do meaningful work, and how much more you can be recognized for it in industry!
@@leonardbrown2543 You can also find more information on the industry opportunities available to you here: cheekyscientist.com/industry-position-ebook/
EVERY graduate student, EVERY academic advisor/counselor, EVERY college administrator, EVERY adjunct professor etc. etc. should be required to watch this video....no exceptions !
You make some very good points. It makes me feel lucky that I ended up in such a good PhD program where I haven't had to worry about the money or culture.
trying to finish my PhD and i totally agree with many of the points you mentioned. Academia is a very lonely place which as you correctly said politics are n.1 very disappointed about leaving but as you say it's not worth to wait a minute. The only good thing i've achieved during my PhD was to pay off my expenses so i don't pay off a student loan, marry and have children.
That is Germany, a total different country. I believe most of this information pertains to Phds in North America. Other countries like Germany, Asia, and the UK really appreciate, highly respect and recognized people that hold Phds. These people are highly respected in the communities, not just at the schools.
@@leonardbrown2543 no sorry even in UK, they are seen as a bunch of clowns. industries are starting to hire more non phds cause the phds dont possess any real world skill. they are only immersed in books.
I am postdoc scientist at an elite school in Boston area. I absolutely agree with you and I'm planning to leave academia soon!
Lemme guess, Harvard?
The best decision I ever made was to give up an academic job at the University of Oregon. Low pay, cultural isolation, sheer boredom, lousy weather...I mean, what was there to not like? Everything got better once I left.
Damn, you nailed so many concerns PhD students have right on the head. It almost hurt.
Lol he’s so truthful it’s hard to watch at times!!
Fuzzy milestones... boy I know that one well. Yep, 2020 is the year I plan my escape. Kind of wish I chose a specialization with more direct carryover to industry and not theoretical plasma physics. But I still have timel. Former graduates and postdocs from my group are stuck in 6+ year postdocs (now promoted without salary raise to "research associate") and perpetual adjunct professorships, not for me! I'm glad I found these videos, thanks.
You are so valuable in industry, regardless of your background or specialization! The key is highlighting the transferable skills that you've undoubtedly gathered from your years of experience. This ebook will help you get started in focusing on the right skills and terms: cheekyscientist.com/transferable-skills-ebook/ Please reach out with any questions! We'd love to help you plan your escape. :)
Thanks so much, Cheeky Scientist! You're giving me the strength I need to leave academia! Love your videos and channel. THANK YOU
True academia revolves around begging...for grants, journal editors etc. I think because much of the University research ends up on shelves while industries put out tangible value e.g. products. So more money in the industry than academia
I saved this video to watch it over and over and help me move on after I finish my masters. My thesis adviser delayed me and used me as free labor to publish papers... and that's just masters, not even PhD.
I am planning to leave academia and join the industry. Thank you for this video. I wonder if you could please have videos about change in career after 40?
Wonderful, Esmira! For additional resources, you can donwload our five free eBooks on industry transitions for PhDs here: cheekyscientist.com/ebooks/ and to answer your question, we have this video on making a career change after 40: ruclips.net/video/hobVm9xsLXU/видео.html Please reach out with any other questions you have!
@@CheekyScientist Thank you so much! I will do that. I think it is also important to mention the culture "publish or perish", which I totally dislike. In addition, academics are mostly theorists, and I would like to walk the talk. I totally agree with your points. I am going to finish my Ph.D. and while I am doing it, I will be looking for ways out. It is very difficult to have family and expenses and change my career at 45, but I am not giving up my hope. Kind regards.
@@esgara8446 So true! The culture in academia is so often very negative and limiting. Never lose that hope and drive - let me know how we can help you along the way! Many of our Associates are still in the process of finishing their PhD, and join the CSA to get a head start on their way out of academia. You can learn more here: cheekyscientist.com/association-learn-more/
My first two jobs before my PhD were in industry, both CRO and R&D. Now i am a post doc since there are too few industrial positions in the country I live. I see a huge gap between industry and academia... and it always comes down to money and training. Very few academics are trained managers. This is one of many huge problems in structure, milestones and results. I miss industry very much.
so why u moved from industry to PhD before? u regret?
@@jackp4180 in norway you really need a PhD to get the better jobs. Yes I regret partially. Mainly it is the contract thing, but also you need to publish every year. If you are unlucky like with the group that holds back work, then lack of publications means no grants. Industry demands more professionalism, but you get trained to be managers. So no I don't regret doing a PhD, my supervisor was outstanding, I published two papers with two in pending. But I regret the post doc.
Thx for the video! I feel that the content is interesting, but it's a pity that the camera is shaking... :/
Hi Michel, we are happy you enjoyed the video. Our video production has been improving and we hope that you follow our content as we continue to progress!
I like the way you sell it with "meaningful work". It's true that there is meaningful work to do in industry and by mentioning it, you quell what is one of the biggest concerns most acedemics have but perhaps aren't introspective enough to mention. It's good marketing on your part and you clearly know your audience well as a PhD yourself.
Thank you - yes, I understand very well from a PhD's perspective how important it is to do meaningful work, and how much more you can be recognized for it in industry!
@@CheekyScientist the next thing is getting into the industry - going from the classroom to the industry.
@@leonardbrown2543 Exactly. You can make the transition! Let me know how we can help: support@cheekyscientist.com
@@leonardbrown2543 You can also find more information on the industry opportunities available to you here: cheekyscientist.com/industry-position-ebook/
EVERY graduate student, EVERY academic advisor/counselor, EVERY college administrator, EVERY adjunct professor etc. etc. should be required to watch this video....no exceptions !
I talked at least hand full of full professors they all said being a professors ain’t worth it anymore
Yeah the real power is in administration not professorship
Yup, and I am a tenured and full prof…
It’s sad…
Yep, tenured associate professor here. I pushed all my Ph.D. and postdocs to industry. Only kept one but she is a clinical faculty member.
You make some very good points. It makes me feel lucky that I ended up in such a good PhD program where I haven't had to worry about the money or culture.
trying to finish my PhD and i totally agree with many of the points you mentioned. Academia is a very lonely place which as you correctly said politics are n.1 very disappointed about leaving but as you say it's not worth to wait a minute. The only good thing i've achieved during my PhD was to pay off my expenses so i don't pay off a student loan, marry and have children.
I literally cried listening this
I want to leave this overloaded and life sucking job. Better if I was a truck driver or a pilot like something who have some freedom.
I disagree with the retirement plan here in Germany they pay you a retirement package called VBL and it is compulsory
That is Germany, a total different country. I believe most of this information pertains to Phds in North America. Other countries like Germany, Asia, and the UK really appreciate, highly respect and recognized people that hold Phds. These people are highly respected in the communities, not just at the schools.
@@leonardbrown2543 no sorry even in UK, they are seen as a bunch of clowns. industries are starting to hire more non phds cause the phds dont possess any real world skill. they are only immersed in books.
Unless you live in Canada where academics earn well enough to justify their boring and unsettling arrogance.
how about phd in finance? also bad? seems better than industry
"The same in 2020"
Corona: I gonna destroy this man's whole career
Thank you for this great vid. I totally agree with you
The desk
True talk.
Man you are highly biased towards industry... industry is not a much of a paradise as you are explaining..