PostPhDirections

Elena Hoffer

The podcast features PhDs who’ve successfully transitioned into industry, along with deans of doctoral education, hiring managers, and recruiters. We explore how PhD holders can find fulfilling careers outside of academia and make the shift smoothly. Each episode dives into personal journeys, practical tips, and the resources available to support your transition, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to take their skills beyond academic research and into the professional world. Tune in and discover your next step!

  1. What does the 2026 job market actually look like for PhDs — and what do you need to do differently to stand out, with Angla Priest

    12시간 전

    What does the 2026 job market actually look like for PhDs — and what do you need to do differently to stand out, with Angla Priest

    In this episode of PostPhDirections, I'm joined by my co-founder Angela Priest, who brings over 20 years of hiring experience across startups and big cooperates. We get into everything you need to know about the current job market — the honest, behind-the-scenes version. We cover: Why uncertainty has become the new normal for employers — and what that means for your job searchThe AI shift: what "AI native" means in job descriptions and why it matters for youWhy your data fluency is one of the most in-demand skills right now (and why most PhDs don't even realize they have it)The hottest roles for STEM PhDs in 2026: AI/ML, health tech, biotech & clinical researchThe #1 skill listed in 85% of job descriptions — and why PhDs often struggle with itHow to make interviewers actually want to hire you (the unspoken criteria nobody talks about)Why communication in industry means something completely different than it does in academiaIf you're a PhD or postdoc thinking about making the leap, this episode is full of raw, practical insight from someone who's spent decades in the hiring room. Connect with Angela Priest on LinkedInLearn more about Alma.me and our Job Accelerator Program: Follow Elena on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow researcher — and please leave us a review. It's the easiest way to help other PhDs find this podcast. 💙

    53분
  2. 2월 21일

    How to use coffee chats to land your industry job after a PhD (Step-by-Step for PhDs)

    What if I told you one of the most powerful tools for landing your first industry job is completely free, takes 30 minutes, and most PhDs aren't using it? I'm talking about coffee chats (aka informational interviews – but let's keep it casual). When I was halfway through my PhD at Karolinska Institutet, I had that constant background noise: "What can I do after my PhD? Where do my skills fit? What if I don't want to stay at the bench?" Starting conversations with people who'd already made the jump changed everything for me. In this episode, you'll learn: Why coffee chats are my absolute favorite free tool for career transitionsThe two main reasons PhDs should be doing these (and neither is "asking for a job")Three strategies for finding people to talk to – even with zero networkThe outreach message formula that actually gets responses (with examples)What questions to ask that can't be GoogledHow one PhD got a referral from a single coffee chatWhy "not everyone will reply" is totally normal (and what to do about it)Here's the truth: You can read hundreds of job descriptions about data science or medical science liaison roles and still have no idea what it actually feels like to do the job. That information only comes from real people working in industry. Stop sitting alone with your laptop feeling overwhelmed. Start having real conversations. Your challenge this week: Reach out to ONE person and ask for ONE coffee chat. That's it. Share in the comments how it goes! Ready for more support? Check out our Learning Platform (48-hour free trial) or Job Accelerator Program at www.alma.me Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok You got this 💙

    16분

소개

The podcast features PhDs who’ve successfully transitioned into industry, along with deans of doctoral education, hiring managers, and recruiters. We explore how PhD holders can find fulfilling careers outside of academia and make the shift smoothly. Each episode dives into personal journeys, practical tips, and the resources available to support your transition, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to take their skills beyond academic research and into the professional world. Tune in and discover your next step!