What’s your background?
My PhD work involves applications of Raman and IR spectroscopy in biology. Thesis title: “Raman and IR spectroscopic studies of Bacteria, Endotoxin, DNA and Lipoproteins.”
Why did you move away from academia?
I got to know about a good position in industry. Decided to give it a chance since I was feeling a little stuck in academia at that point of time.
Is there anything you miss about academia?
Not really, but now that I am thinking about it I think I miss spending a lot of time reading and understanding a topic of my interest during the initial years of PhD. After I have joined the industry I can hardly devote that much time to reading.
How did you get this job? Did you face any challenges when considering a move away from academia or applying for the role?
I got to know about this vacancy from one of my acquaintances. Applied in the job site and approached one of my seniors (who was an existing employee in the same company) for an internal referral of my CV. An interview was conducted. The interview went well. Actually, the skill set they were looking for and my profile were very similar in nature. Within a month I was informed that I had been selected. I did not face any challenges as such. Only problem when I joined was that I did not have my degree in hand. So, initially I was offered a PDF trainee position, later on it was upgraded to Analytical Specialist.
What motivated you to/why did you choose the sector you transitioned into?
I have been interested in pharmaceutical/medicinal science since a very young age. I did not think twice when I got a chance to work in the pharmaceutical sector.
Did you think you had the skills required for your current position before you started? Were you right?
I was confident about the technical skills required but I was not so sure about the soft skills required in an industry set up. Initially I was a little nervous about the job. Like most of us in academia, I had corporate fear but as soon as I joined, I found there quite a few people who have transitioned from academia. They guided us properly to have a smooth start. I found that the industry values you for the skills you have and makes a structured path for training you in the skills that you need.
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?
The technical skills required for the job were very similar to the ones I acquired during my PhD. I use similar analytical tools in my job which I had used during my PhD. Additionally, the soft skills developed during the PhD like collaboration with different teams is also helping in my role in the industry.
Have you built a network before your transition to industry? How it helped you in the process?
I knew a few people working in the same office. Talking with them has helped me understand the work culture and nature of work. This has made my decision making easier.
Do you have Mentors who helped you in making the right career decisions?
Towards the end of the final year in my PhD, IISc organized a few seminars with alumni from industry and academia. Their experiences have inspired me to constantly apply for industrial positions. I particularly remember one person who was my senior from the same lab and transitioned from an academic job role to industry. Her talk has been life changing for my career decisions.
Did you have any preconceptions about your sector that proved to be wrong?
People said that the job environment in industry is very monotonous and full of inside politics. I think this is a myth and there are other ways to look at it.
Can you describe a typical week in your job?
I work in an analytical lab in the spectroscopy and microscopy division. I am responsible for routine spectroscopic analysis as well as building new methodologies useful for the pharmaceutical field. My role is an entry level role where I have to do lab work as well as a lot of documentation. I need to spend some time learning new analytical methods and updating myself with new tools in the same field.
What is the workplace culture like? Please include comments on work-life balance, flexibility, remote working?
We have a 5 days week, where each day is supposed to be 9.30 hours including breakfast/snacks and lunch time. I normally start my day at around 8.30 am and end it at 6 pm. However, the company is flexible about the timings and a weekly 45 hours irrespective of in and out time is usually fine. On rare occasions we are asked to come in on weekends to stay beyond our work hours, which can be adjusted later on by a delayed entry next day or as a comp-off any day in the week. Full remote working is not possible for my job role, but if needed a few hours or one or two days of work from home is granted to finish some non lab related work. Work life balance can easily be maintained with proper discipline and time management.
Do people with a PhD frequently get hired in the company/sector?
Yes, people with PhD are valued in the sector.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
- I love the structured nature of work.
- I like the understanding of the vast pharmaceutical industry I had in the last two years without putting much effort into it, just by being attentive to things happening around me! Not to mention, I had very little business understanding before.
- I also like end to end establishment of any technique we develop and the way I can see how one spectra I analyze can be of help to millions.
- Last but not least, I like how the company tries to keep its employees updated with new edge training and course materials and other resources.
What are your reflections on your career path?
I think I have made the right decision of transitioning to industry after my PhD. This has helped me come out of my stuck academic life and given new perspectives about my career.
Do you have any advice for current graduate students and postdocs considering a career outside of academia?
Be open to different options. Don’t go by the stigma around any job role. Experience and take the decision on your own.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when exploring a transition?
I wish I knew more about different industrial positions available at that point of time. This was my first job interview and I landed up here. I should have done some research in the options available in other sectors as well.
Can you recommend any relevant resources, organizations or events that might help somebody new to the sector find out more about it?
This part is not yet very organized in India at least as of now. LinkedIn, Naukri.com and following your seniors might be of help.
