Many academics posses skills that make them good candidates for roles in data field.
However changing your identity can leave you vulnerable, and it’s hard not to feel embarrassed or frustrated at how many steps backward you have to take when you start a new career. Let's discuss today how to find a support, when you're going through such transition.
🚩 Find someone, who is already working in Data Science with similar background as yours and ask them how they did it
The biggest challenge you have: you know that you have a gap, but you don't know where. Your mate with similar background have knowledge of the both worlds. Often talking just an hour with such person will bring you much far than reading millions of materials on the internet.
🚩 Ask if a senior member of the group knows someone who might be hiring
Most of people in Academia are aware that not every PhD student will continue as postdoc and even less postdocs will persuade professorship. But when it comes to discussion of transition to Industry, many people tend to keep it to themselves. It's very unlikely that your supervisor will have heart attack if they find out that you decided to leave research. However their or other senior members of your group might know many former students, who are working in industry and whom you never met before.
🚩 Inform yourself about companies around you
What they do, which roles they have, how hiring process is organized there, etc
🚩 Go to workshops, meet-ups, etc
Participating in events can help you to learn a bit more about companies and get new connections in data field. Many of them are free or have affordable participation fee. Check out the comment section for a link to meet-up platform, which is a great source of small events around you.
🚩 Hire a mentor
Consider also to hire someone, who can help you in this difficult journey. Investing in a hired mentor ensures a dedicated, structured, and consistent guidance tailored to your unique needs. While seeking advice for free might occasionally yield insights, it often lacks depth, commitment, and personalization. By hiring a mentor, you are securing their time and expertise. This financial investment often translates to a heightened sense of accountability, ensuring that both the mentor and the mentee are fully engaged in the process, leading to more substantial and lasting results.
Comentários