Should I do a Postdoc (if I want an industry career)?

TL;DR

Postdocs may hinder industry careers due to academic focus; exceptions for international transitions.

Transcript

In this video today, I answer a question I get frequently when I speak with students. "I want a career in industry. Should I do a postdoc?" After more than 20 years working in industry myself, I've learned a lot about the value of a PhD as well as the value of a postdoc. In this video, I'll tell you what I've learned, and I'll tell you my positio... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Postdocs may impede industry career progression by reinforcing academic habits.
• 👨‍🔬 Industry prioritizes practical experience over academic research knowledge.
• 🌍 Exceptions to the "No postdoc" rule may apply for international career transitions.
• ❓ Comfort can hinder career progress; challenges promote growth.
• ❓ Focus on developing industry-relevant skills rather than accumulating academic knowledge for industry success.
• 👶 Postdocs may be beneficial for transitioning to a new country for career opportunities.
• 🦮 Advice against postdocs is meant to guide individuals towards industry-relevant skills and experiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the speaker advise against doing a postdoc for those aiming for an industry career?

The speaker believes postdocs emphasize academic skills that are not as valuable in industry, and they may hinder the development of practical industry-related experience.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of doing a postdoc for industry career development?

Postdocs may reinforce academic work habits that are not conducive to industry settings, and industry professionals may view postdocs as aspiring academics rather than industry professionals.

Q: What is the one exception to the advice against doing a postdoc for industry career seekers?

The exception is for individuals planning to start their career in a new country, where a postdoc may help establish residency and facilitate visa processes for working in that country.

Q: How can individuals worried about transitioning to industry from academia impress hiring managers?

They can check out resources like the speaker's video on ways to impress hiring managers, which might help in showcasing the value of academic research experience in an industry context.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Postdocs may not be beneficial for industry careers, as they focus on academia-specific skills and habits.

• Industry values practical experience over academic research expertise gained in postdocs.

• Exceptions to the "No postdoc" rule may apply for those transitioning to work in a new country.