PostPhDirections

Elena Hoffer
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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

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    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. 💙

    53 phút

  2. 21 THG 2

    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 💙

    16 phút

  3. 14 THG 2

    Does my first industry job after my PhD have to be perfect?

    Does your first job after your PhD have to be perfect? Spoiler: No. If you're finishing your PhD and stressing about finding the "perfect" industry job, this episode is for you. I break down why PhDs overthink this decision, how industry actually works (hint: you're NOT locked in for 5 years), and what really matters in your first role. You'll hear: Why the "perfect job" mindset comes from academic trainingHow industry turnaround times work (2 years is normal!)A real story: PhD who pivoted after just 9 monthsWhat to do if you don't like your first jobWhy your first role is a stepping stone, not a destinationYour first job just needs to get you into industry. That's it. Stop overthinking and start moving forward. Ready to make your transition? Check out our Job Accelerator Program at www.alma.me Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Tiktok

    10 phút

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    Is my PhD work experience by Elena Hoffer

    Is your PhD work experience when applying for industry jobs? This is one of the most common questions PhDs ask when transitioning out of academia.In this video, I explain why the real issue isn’t a lack of work experience, but a misunderstanding of what industry actually means by “experience.” Industry employers care about applied skills, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and delivering outcomes—all of which you develop extensively during a PhD.You’ll learn: What work experience really means in industryWhy a PhD is applied professional experience, not “just education”How PhDs already solve real-world problems under uncertaintyWhere your PhD belongs on your CV/resumeHow to frame your PhD experience in a way industry understandsIf you’re a PhD student, postdoc, or academic considering a move to industry, this video will help you stop underselling yourself and start positioning your experience with confidence.👉 Key takeaway: Your PhD is work experience - 100%. You just need to frame it the right way. Learn here how Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and TiktokAnd if you need more support check out our work at www.alma.me

    9 phút
  5. Choosing stability over prestige with Dr. Sophia Parks

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    Choosing stability over prestige with Dr. Sophia Parks

    In this episode of PostPhDirections, Sophia Parks shares her journey from a decade in academia - spanning a PhD and two postdocs, including at Stanford - to a remote industry role in project management. Despite strong credentials and years of grant-writing experience, Sophia found herself trapped in a system defined by funding uncertainty, external validation, and limited control over her future. After repeated grant rejections, job instability, and growing burnout - amplified by becoming a mother - she realized academia was no longer sustainable for the life she wanted. After months of unsuccessfully applying to hundreds of industry roles on her own, Sophia joined the Alma.me Job Accelerator program, where she learned to reframe her academic experience and communicate her value in a new way. Within weeks, she transitioned into industry. Looking back, she reflects on the deeper shift behind the move: releasing the belief that worth is tied to academic achievement and reclaiming agency over her time, energy, and career direction. If you want to follow Sophias post academic life you can do that on Instagram where she runs an account focused on her new life in industry. If you want to stay in touch with me (Elena) the best way to do so is via LinkedIn, Instagram or Tiktok. And if you are looking for more hands on support check the Alma.Me website and see how we can help.

    37 phút
  6. Breaking Into Pharma after your PhD - what hiring managers are really looking for with Ben Weber, PhD

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    Breaking Into Pharma after your PhD - what hiring managers are really looking for with Ben Weber, PhD

    Looking to break into Pharma after your PhD? Learn first-hand from someone who has hired across the US and multiple European countries how to ace the transition from academia into industry and stand out from the crowd. In this episode of PostPhDirections, I spoke with Ben Weber, Vice President of Translational Research at Novo Nordisk, about how PhDs can successfully transition from academia into the pharmaceutical industry. Drawing on his global career and hiring experience, Ben discusses how the Pharma job market has evolved, which skills are currently in demand, and why understanding the Pharma R&D value chain is essential. The conversation also highlights common mistakes PhDs make when applying for industry roles, the importance of tailored applications, and how communication, networking, and self-awareness can make the difference when building a career beyond academia. If you need more hands on support in your transition Alma.me is here to help. Check how we can help here on our website. Check out Ben on LinkedIn , and give him a follow.

    36 phút

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    Breaking into Pharma after your PhD - what hiring managers are looking for with Ben Weber

    Looking to break into Pharma after your PhD? Learn first-hand from someone who has hired across the US and multiple European countries how to ace the transition from academia into industry and stand out from the crowd. In this episode of PostPhDirections, I speak with Ben Weber, Vice President of Translational Research at Novo Nordisk, about how PhDs can successfully transition from academia into the pharmaceutical industry. Drawing on his global career and hiring experience, Ben discusses how the pharma job market has evolved, which skills are currently in demand, and why understanding the pharma R&D value chain is essential. The conversation also highlights common mistakes PhDs make when applying for industry roles, the importance of tailored applications, and how communication, networking, and self-awareness can make the difference when building a career beyond academia. Are you looking for more support to make that transition check out how Alma.me can help Give Benjamin Weber a follow on LinkedIn

    36 phút
  8. From PhD in Public Health to Data Scientist: This is how Dr. Kertu Tenso carved her own path out

    14/11/2025

    From PhD in Public Health to Data Scientist: This is how Dr. Kertu Tenso carved her own path out

    When I came across one of Kertu Tenso’s posts on Instagram, I knew I had to talk to her. She’s a data scientist today—but what makes her story so powerful is how early she started preparing for that transition while still doing her PhD. In this episode, I chat with Kertu about how she carved her own path from public health research into data science, even when people told her it wasn’t possible. We talk about clarity, proactivity, and the courage it takes to design the career you actually want—before you even graduate. If you’re a PhD wondering how to prepare for life beyond academia, Kertu’s story will show you just how much is possible when you start early and believe in yourself. Need more support in your own transition check how Alma.me can help Follow Elena Hoffer on LinkedIn and Instagram Follow Kertu Tenso on Instagram

    43 phút
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Giới Thiệu

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!

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Elena Hoffer
  • Năm hoạt động
    2024 - 2026
  • Tập
    32
  • Xếp hạng
    Thô tục
  • Bản quyền
    © Elena Hoffer
  • Trang web chương trình
    PostPhDirections

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