What’s your background?
I was born and brought up in different parts of India owing to my father’s transferable job. I have done my graduation from Calcutta University, Masters from BHU, and after qualifying CSIR-UGC NET exam in 2012 in my first attempt, I joined PhD under AcSIR at CSIR- NBRI, Lucknow in 2013. I worked on developing bacterial bioformulation against tomato’s Fusarium wilt for which we have also filed a patent. At the end of my PhD, I qualified to participate in the DST sponsored one-year IPR training program under KIRAN-IPR at CSIR-URDIP, Pune. After getting my PhD I decided to look outside academia for a job opportunity when I came across my present job in science writing.
Why did you move away from academia?
I always had a calling towards writing and science was my passion. After my PhD, I wanted something where I can club together both my calling and passion. Though I liked doing research, soon I realized I enjoyed the researching and reading part more and conveying it to others in a simplified manner. The IPR training further helped in honing my skills as a writer, where I understood the technicalities of writing in legal terms. It helped me understand how complicated scientific ideas need to be broken down in simpler forms to reach the masses. Although patenting is still a niche area, the IPR training helped bridge the science and legal aspect of technology.
Is there anything you miss about academia?
I do miss the wet lab work I used to do, and the satisfaction you get after planning and successful execution of a research plan.
How did you get this job? Did you face any challenges when considering a move away from academia or applying for the role?
I was looking for a non-academic job after my PhD which can fulfill my calling. Presently I am a science writer working on developing video textbooks based on scientific concepts. It was not challenging per se when I decided to move away from academia, I was clear about my strengths and weaknesses, and during the interviews I made sure, to be honest, and put my best foot forward.
What motivated you to/why did you choose the sector you transitioned into?
I always felt written communication was one of my key strengths and I wanted to pursue it further. At the end of my PhD, I was considering pursuing my career as a Patent attorney and getting further qualifications in the field. However, with the turn of events, I came across my present job, which not only fulfilled my love for writing but also kept in close touch with new research happening in different fields of biological sciences.
Did you think you had the skills required for your current position before you started? Were you right?
Yes. I was sure of my skills prior to joining my current position. However, every job entitles a learning curve, which I gradually learned on the job.
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?
PhD is a different learning process where you learn to have a keen eye for details, think, analyze, and draw conclusions. PhD taught me all that along with patience to keep calm when things don’t go right (That happens quite often). It taught me how to research, how one can understand critical and relevant concepts, and explain them in a simplified manner. All these skills helped me better perform in my current job.
Have you built a network before your transition to industry? How it helped you in the process?
No, I was fresh out of PhD without much knowledge about the industry and network building, saying that I would suggest others build a network. It helps you get insights about how things work in industries, which you can never get by solely being in academia.
Do you have Mentors who helped you in making the right career decisions?
My family has been my constant support; in my career transition my elder brother has guided me.
Did you have any preconceptions about your sector that proved to be wrong?
I had a preconception that the industry sector doesn’t recognize your work efforts as much as you put in the work. But I was proven wrong; if you put in your honest effort it will be recognized.
Can you describe a typical week in your job?
A typical week depends on the product deadline. Generally, we are calm with our weekly deadlines and monthly targets. The working hours are flexible and give you the creative freedom to get your work done.
What is the workplace culture like? Please include comments on work-life balance, flexibility, remote working?
Presently I am working remotely that gives me a good work life balance and flexibility. There is no micromanaging on a day-to-day basis; we all are individually responsible and accountable for providing good quality work. We get constructive feedback from experienced editors to improve upon the work we submit.
Do people with a PhD frequently get hired in the company/sector?
Yes, for the job profile I am presently in, only the PhDs and Postdocs are hired.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Studying scientific concepts and further researching them. Creating scripts and storyboards for creating audio-visual aids for explaining complicated science concepts in a simplified manner.
What are your reflections on your career path?
It’s always best to learn new and relevant skills and to keep on upgrading yourself in the field of your interest.
Do you have any advice for current graduate students and Postdoc’s considering a career outside of academia?
First of all, it’s important to understand your mental alignment with the career path. One should not take any job or make any switch just because others are doing so. Understand your true calling, upskill yourself and interact with people to get a better idea of what you are getting into.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when exploring a transition?
I was unaware of many career opportunities and career paths one can have other than the traditional academia. I am still learning myself and trying to keep an open mind to adapt to the ever-changing opportunities that are coming up now.
Can you recommend any relevant resources, organizations or events that might help somebody new to the sector find out more about it?
Coursera, edx, and Upgrad have good relevant courses for enhancing your written communication skills while teaching you about the art of science writing.
