What’s your background?
I am a trained chemist who switched into Biology for my PhD and Postdoc. For the love of science management I chose to work with the French Embassy in India as an in charge of scientific and educational cooperation between France and India- which includes universities, research institutes and companies.
Why did you move away from academia?
I found out this early, that I was not cut out to be a PI. I realized that science management is my core strength and so I went on to explore those options.
Is there anything you miss about academia?
None.
How did you get this job? Did you face any challenges when considering a move away from academia or applying for the role?
I applied for this position when it was advertised on the Embassy’s page. It was not easy since there was limited information available on this front and in academia it is not easy to find people who know about this category of jobs. But I had a friend who was my predecessor in my current job who gave me an idea of this job and led me to apply here. But it took me two years of constant searching to land up here.
What motivated you to/why did you choose the sector you transitioned into?
During my postdoc I realized that I take great joy in putting together projects and people and driving the project as a manager. I also wanted to be more diverse and wider in my learning. I did not want to stick to one particular sector/subject. I wanted to do a job where I could contribute to the society and science community in general. This job enables me to do all of the above.
Did you think you had the skills required for your current position before you started? Were you right?
Yes I did that because I had those skills. Yes I was right.
How did your PhD prepare you for your current job? For example, what were the transferable skills that you developed during your PhD that are most relevant to your current job?
My PhD was a 7.5 years long training where I was able to create my project and execute it. It was lateral and multi-disciplinary. Apart from science, I also learnt about budgeting, purchasing, negotiating etc. I developed good communication and networking skills during my PHD tenure since I had a lot of international exposure and opportunities to interact with people coming from different sectors.
Have you built a network before your transition to industry? How did it help you in the process?
Yes I was able to do it. It was the very key to use this network to achieve Indo French academic and scientific cooperation. It made it easy to convince people and look for the right people to collaborate and build new projects.
Do you have Mentors who helped you in making the right career decisions?
If friends can be considered as mentors then definitely yes.
Did you have any preconceptions about your sector that proved to be wrong?
No.
Can you describe a typical week in your job?
Online and onsite meetings, university and industrial visits, researching on the latest trends in science and technology, visa assistance for researchers and students, formulate and execute workshops/conferences etc.
What is the workplace culture like? Please include comments on work-life balance, flexibility, remote working?
This place has a great work culture, very friendly people who respect your time and efforts. Work life balance is excellent and one of the best in India. Flexible working hours and no pressurizing environment. The pressure is created by one’s own decision. Remote working is not allowed unless there is a medical emergency.
Do people with a PhD frequently get hired in the company/sector?
Since the number of posts are few, there is no frequent hiring. But having a PhD is mandatory. All the French higher officials are mostly with a PhD degree.
What are your favourite parts of your job?
Project conceptualization, public events, networking, travelling, university visits, industry visits.
What are your reflections on your career path?
I see a good transition from job to job, very diverse and unconventional. There is some amount of risk taking but given the fact that a lot of homework should be done before taking up a job it is definitely an exciting adventure.
Do you have any advice for current graduate students and postdocs considering a career outside of academia?
Understand your strengths and do not follow the trend or what other people are upto. Make choices in your career when you have them and not when you are left with no choice.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when exploring a transition?
More people to talk to and discuss with and a common forum like Biopatrika where this information is available.
Can you recommend any relevant resources, organisations or events that might help somebody new to the sector find out more about it?
UNESCO, embassy websites, S4D4C online courses.
