PostPhDirections

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. 💙

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.meFollow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTokYou got this 💙

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.meFollow me on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Tiktok

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 howFollow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and TiktokAnd if you need more support check out our work at www.alma.me

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.

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.

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 helpGive Benjamin Weber a follow on LinkedIn

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 helpFollow Elena Hoffer on LinkedIn and InstagramFollow Kertu Tenso on Instagram

In this episode of PostPhDirections, I sit down with Amy Turner, who shares her story of moving from academia into a dynamic role in scientific marketing at Proteintech.Amy talks about how she found clarity after her PhD, why taking a short break helped her gain perspective, and how a complete LinkedIn profile — not a huge following — led to her being headhunted for her first industry role. She also opens up about what it’s really like to work in scientific marketing, how she uses her research background every day, and what skills she had to learn along the way.We also talk about Proteintech’s Field Marketing Representative program, which gives PhD students a hands-on glimpse into industry life. Amy’s story is a great reminder that you can build a fulfilling career beyond academia — one that still lets you stay close to science, but with a whole new kind of impact.If you’re curious about how to translate your academic experience into an industry role, or you’re simply wondering what’s possible outside the lab, this episode is for you.Follow for daily career insights : Elena Hoffer, PhD LinkedIn@elenahoffer_phd InstagramFollow Amy's LinkedIn If you need more hands on support check our job accelerator program: Alma.Me Job Accelerator Program

In this episode of PostPhDirections, I speak with Dr. Larry McGrath, a historian and anthropologist who made the leap from academia to tech—now working as a senior researcher at Amazon Prime Video, with previous roles at Meta. Larry shares how humanities PhDs can translate their deep research skills, cult into real business impact.We talk about his career pivot, how he helps other academics transition into industry, and why leaving academia doesn’t mean leaving scholarship behind. Larry also offers practical tips on learning to “speak business,” building career clarity, and navigating this shift without losing your academic identity. If you're wondering how your humanities training fits into the business world, this episode will give you insight—and inspiration.For support in your own transition check our Alma.Me Job Accelerator Program Follow Larry on LinkedIn and check his website for more info

In this episode of PostPhDirections, Angela Priest, COO of Alma.me, sits down with Stacey Cohen—marketing strategist, founder of Co-Communications, and author of Brand Up 2.0. Stacey unpacks the essential elements of personal branding for early-career professionals, especially those transitioning from academia to industry.From debunking the myth that branding is narcissistic to explaining how to turn your skills into a standout value proposition, Stacey shares actionable insights for job seekers navigating a crowded and algorithm-driven job market. Learn why “spray and pray” no longer works, how to make your digital footprint work for you, and why likability, enthusiasm, and curiosity are more powerful than a perfect resume.Whether you're wondering how to differentiate yourself, struggling with how to authentically present your strengths, or simply want to understand how hiring managers think, this episode is packed with strategies you can apply today.If you like the episode please leave us a review so that other PhDs can find it more easily.Connect with Elena, Angela or Stacey here on LinkedIn.Need some support in your job search? Check out how Alma.Me can support you.

In this episode, I talk with Philipp Baaske, a physicist and the co-founder of NanoTemper Technologies. What started as a failed PhD project in a dark LMU lab turned into a side experiment - and eventually into a global biotech company that’s transforming drug discovery.Philipp shared how he made the leap from academia to entrepreneurship, why bootstrapping was the best business education, and how personal motivation drove him to build tools that now help thousands of scientists worldwide. If you’re a PhD wondering how to turn your research into real-world impact, this one’s for you.Connect with Philipp on LinkedIn and check this website. Follow Angela and Elena for daily PhD career insights.If you need help in landing a job in industry after your PhD, check how Alma.Me can help. If you enjoy this episode please leave us a review- it is a great way to help other PhDs to discover this podcast more easily.

In this episode of PostPhDirections, we talk with IrenaPalamani Xhuxhi, an AI Tech Lead at Amazon, about her inspiring journey from academia to the tech industry. Irena shares how she managed a PhD in economics while raising two children, applied to nearly 70 jobs, and overcame imposter syndrome to land her role at Amazon — the only tech job she applied for.We explore the mindset shifts needed to move from research to industry, how to frame academic experience for tech roles, and why communication and adaptability matter just as much as technical skills. If you’re thinking about a career beyond academia, this episode is full of practical insights and encouragement.Connect or follow Irena on LinkedIn. Connect with Elena and Angela on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.Want to land job in industry? See how Alma.Me can help. And as usual if you enjoyed this episode please leave us a rating its a zero cost way to support the podcast and help other PhDs find it.

In this episode of PostPhDirections, I talk with Jorge Quintana, a macroeconomist who made what he calls a “transition squared” — moving from academia to industry and from Europe to the U.S. We dig into how he navigated both shifts, what made the transition challenging, and how he learned to show up not just as a qualified candidate, but as a whole person.Jorge shares how practicing interviews, shifting from technical explanations to outcome-driven stories, and embracing his personality helped him land a role in model risk management. If you're a PhD wondering how to bridge the gap between research and industry, this conversation offers real, relatable insight.If you like this episode please leave us a review. It's and easy zero cost way to support our efforts, and help other PhDs find the podcast more easily. Connect with Elena and Angela.Follow or connect with Jorge.Check out our Alma.Me Accelerator ProgramJoin our vibrant community here.

In this episode, I sat down with Ana Osorio Oliveira - a neuroscientist, career advisor, and startup contributor - whose career shows that you don’t have to choose between staying in research and exploring other passions. Ana shares how she built a fulfilling and flexible "portfolio career," combining neuroscience with science communication, career support, and even a past life as a Zumba instructor.If you're like many PhDs - still loving research but feeling the itch to try something more - this episode is for you. Ana talks honestly about what helped her stay energized, how she learned to balance multiple roles, and why giving yourself permission to explore might be the most important step in your post-PhD journeyConnect with Ana via LinkedIn.Need some support in your own transition check out our accelerator program and how we can help beyond. If you enjoyed this podcast please leave us a review and follow the show.

In this episode of PostPhDirections, I chatted with Dr. Ellen Dobson, postdoc and grad program manager at the Morgridge Institute for Research, about how casual coffee chats can lead to career clarity-and even a job. From walking away from the lab bench to helping researchers design fulfilling futures, Ellen shares how informational interviews shaped her own path and why they’re a must for any early career researcher considering a move beyond academia. Packed with practical tips and honest reflections, this conversation is your permission to reach out, get curious, and start building the career you actually want.Follow Elena and Ellen on LinkedIn for more career insights. For more networking in a low pressure environment join our community waitlist- we open the doors in two weeks!Follow the podcast so you do not miss any episode and if you are enjoying the podcast please leave a review (would mean the world to me:))

In this raw and unscripted solo episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of how I built a 100K+ LinkedIn community-starting from a place of fear, doubt, and zero strategy. I talk about what truly worked for me, how I overcame the anxiety of posting that first piece of content, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. I’ll walk you through the power of authentic engagement, the importance of finding your voice, and why showing up (even imperfectly) can lead to unexpected opportunities. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or just unsure where to start on LinkedIn, this episode is for you. I'm here to show you that if I could do it, so can you.Follow me on LinkedIn for daily career inspiration

Transitioning from academia to industry isn’t easy-just ask Claudia Belliveau, PhD. In this episode of PostPhDirections, we dive deep into the challenges, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to break into the pharmaceutical industry. Claudia, did a PhD in neuroscience PhD and is currently a job seeker. Claudia shares her real-time experience, insider tips on networking, and how informational interviews transformed her job search. Whether you're planning your exit from academia or stuck in the transition phase, this episode is packed with practical advice and candid insights to help you move forward. 🚀🎙️Follow Claudia on Instagram where she inspires more than 80K people everyday. Because the job hunt is challenging and sometimes it is hard to keep track of, Claudia developed a Notion dashboard to keep track of all the positions you applied for. Get it here. Follow the founders of Alma.Me, Angela and Elena on LinkedIn for a daily dose of inspiration. As always if you enjoyed this episode please leaves us a review and share it with friends who might benefit from it

In this episode, I chat with Professor Robert (Bob) Harris - also known as MADBob (Making a difference) - about his quite impressive journey on LinkedIn. Bob talks his social media literacy, what made him getting started on LinkedIn, and how he's used LinkedIn to share valuable insights on doctoral education and supervisor training. We discuss the powerful impact his posts have had on a global audience, the art of storytelling, and how he’s built a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. It’s a conversation about the unique role LinkedIn plays in sparking meaningful discussions and connecting academics worldwide. And it gives you some actionable tips on how YOU can get started on your own LinkedIn journey. May it be through content creation or simply engaging with others. As always, if you have learnt something today please leave us a review, so others can find our podcast more easily.Follow Bob here on LinkedIn for more inspiration on PhD education, supervisor training and leadership in academia. For more daily inspiration on career development follow Elena on LinkedIn.If you need more support in your transition from academia to industry, check our Alma.Me website and see how we can help.

In this episode, I sit down with Angela Priest to talk about some of the most common mistakes we see in resumes and CVs. We dive into why tailoring your application to the job is so important and how a resume isn’t just a list of accomplishments - it’s a tool to get you an interview.We also chat about how to communicate your skills clearly, especially when transitioning from academia to industry. Many PhDs struggle to explain their experience in a way that makes sense to hiring managers, and Angela shares some great tips on how to highlight your qualifications in a way that gets noticed.If you’ve been sending out resumes and not hearing back, this episode is for you! 🎧Follow Angela and Elena on LinkedIn for a daily does of career transition insights. Follow Elena on Instagram and TikTok If you found this episode insightful please leave us a review to help other PhDs find our Podcast more easily. THANK YOU!