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A common convo I have with PhD students who are about to graduate:
Them: I haven't done anything useful/good/impressive
Me: You got good grades in undergrad
Them: right, but
Me: and got admitted into this grad program
Them: ..
Me: and got a fellowship / other financial support
Them: I haven't done anything useful/good/impressive
Me: You got good grades in undergrad
Them: right, but
Me: and got admitted into this grad program
Them: ..
Me: and got a fellowship / other financial support
Me: and you completed PhD level coursework
Them: ..
Me: as well as multiple projects and papers of varying lengths
Them: ..
Me: and you compiled research insights into written form and presented them to others
Them: ..
Me: and you're currently working on a multi-year innovative >
Them: ..
Me: as well as multiple projects and papers of varying lengths
Them: ..
Me: and you compiled research insights into written form and presented them to others
Them: ..
Me: and you're currently working on a multi-year innovative >
> project that's advancing the scientific community's understanding of X
Them: ..
Me: I'm going to guess you organized some reading groups or conferences or other multi-participant, multi-speaker events
Them: ..
Me: and you've taught complex material to diverse audiences
Them: ..
Me: I'm going to guess you organized some reading groups or conferences or other multi-participant, multi-speaker events
Them: ..
Me: and you've taught complex material to diverse audiences
How do I decide whether to "stay" or "leave" academia? I'm asked this all the time.
I always encourage folx to explore #altac careers, but each decision is quite personal.
Here are five questions to consider if you're trying to answer this same question: 1/
#AltAcChats
I always encourage folx to explore #altac careers, but each decision is quite personal.
Here are five questions to consider if you're trying to answer this same question: 1/
#AltAcChats
1. How much $ do I need (or want) to make?
This can be a touchy subject, but you will make considerably more $ outside of academia. Do you have student loans or family members to support? Do you want to buy a house or travel? A higher salary will help you do these things. 2/
This can be a touchy subject, but you will make considerably more $ outside of academia. Do you have student loans or family members to support? Do you want to buy a house or travel? A higher salary will help you do these things. 2/
2. Where do I (not) want to live?
You will have far more flexibility in where you live outside of academia (with remote work, your choices are unlimited!). And if certain places are hostile to you due to your race, gender, or sexual orientation, you can avoid them easily. 3/
You will have far more flexibility in where you live outside of academia (with remote work, your choices are unlimited!). And if certain places are hostile to you due to your race, gender, or sexual orientation, you can avoid them easily. 3/
When I started looking at non-academic job ads, I often thought "what does this even mean??" It's easy to believe you're unqualified for a job when you don't understand industry jargon.
So here are my top five must-know terms, translated for academics: 1/ #AltAcChats
So here are my top five must-know terms, translated for academics: 1/ #AltAcChats
1. "Communicate with key stakeholders" = talk to people with an interest in your work
Stakeholders in academia are PIs, funding agencies, or your university. You communicate with stakeholders when you give any kind of research or project update (presentation, report, etc).
2/
Stakeholders in academia are PIs, funding agencies, or your university. You communicate with stakeholders when you give any kind of research or project update (presentation, report, etc).
2/
2. "Create deliverables" = create a tangible product from your work
Deliverables in academia are typically published papers or reports. You may also develop a program or intervention as the result of your research--anything that marks a project as completed.
3/
Deliverables in academia are typically published papers or reports. You may also develop a program or intervention as the result of your research--anything that marks a project as completed.
3/
Alright y'all, let's talk about how to write a data science resume coming from academia
I'm not going to pretend to be the final word on what a good resume is, and I've noticed some themes while trying to help people
Let's ride
I'm not going to pretend to be the final word on what a good resume is, and I've noticed some themes while trying to help people
Let's ride
My high-level advice is:
1. Get the resume onto 1 page
2. Give yourself credit for progression
3. Show don't tell re: coding + analysis
More details for how to do each of those + resources in the rest of the thread!
1. Get the resume onto 1 page
2. Give yourself credit for progression
3. Show don't tell re: coding + analysis
More details for how to do each of those + resources in the rest of the thread!
1. Get the resume onto 1 page
Folks coming from academia have a lot of fantastic experiences, and the success of a CV is primarily measured in length
Not here
Some application systems will cut off anything after the 1st page, and recruiters spend ~5-20 seconds per resume
Folks coming from academia have a lot of fantastic experiences, and the success of a CV is primarily measured in length
Not here
Some application systems will cut off anything after the 1st page, and recruiters spend ~5-20 seconds per resume
I thought this went without saying, but UX is not the only job for phds outside of academia. Itās also not the only type of job I applied for.
Hereās a list of jobs that I interviewed for & why I ultimately chose UX (itās not for the reason you think): #AltAcChats
Hereās a list of jobs that I interviewed for & why I ultimately chose UX (itās not for the reason you think): #AltAcChats
1. Behavioral Scientist (at a mental health startup)
In this role, I would have conducted research (mostly surveys/experiments) on how to improve mental health in the workplace. They were looking for a PhD in Psych with R skills.
indeed.com/career-advice/ā¦
2/
In this role, I would have conducted research (mostly surveys/experiments) on how to improve mental health in the workplace. They were looking for a PhD in Psych with R skills.
indeed.com/career-advice/ā¦
2/
2. Social Scientist (at a progressive political collective)
In this role, I would have conducted research on how to improve voter turnout for progressive candidates. They wanted a Social/Poli Sci researcher with R skills to analyze large datasets.
indeed.com/career-advice/ā¦
In this role, I would have conducted research on how to improve voter turnout for progressive candidates. They wanted a Social/Poli Sci researcher with R skills to analyze large datasets.
indeed.com/career-advice/ā¦
A lot of chatter about UX on here lately. I personally love my job, but it might not be a great fit for some folks transitioning out of the academia. Here are some potential challenges with UX for academics making the transition. Thread / š§µ
1. A quick timeline. The typical timeline for most research projects is 4-6 weeks. Thatās from study idea to communicating recommendations to your product team. There isnāt time to think about every intricacy of your research over several months.
2. Thrash thrash trash. Product teams can change quickly. People leave the company, or as I just experienced, a reorg that changed my research direction and my team overall. That means letting go of research that may no longer align with team strategy.
Since May, Iāve talked with over 100 phds in (unpaid!) DMs & zoom chats about āleavingā academia.
Hereās what Iāve learned about the state of academia, moving to #altac, & why profs should expect the post-doc shortage to continue for the foreseeable future. 1/
#AltAcChats
Hereās what Iāve learned about the state of academia, moving to #altac, & why profs should expect the post-doc shortage to continue for the foreseeable future. 1/
#AltAcChats
1. Many phds have been hurt by toxic advisors.
The scale of this problem is worse than you can imagine. It ranges from coercion to āstayā in academia to outright bullying. Iāve counseled many talented phds who are rightfully very angry and bitter towards academia.
2/
The scale of this problem is worse than you can imagine. It ranges from coercion to āstayā in academia to outright bullying. Iāve counseled many talented phds who are rightfully very angry and bitter towards academia.
2/
2. PhDs want to leave, but feel ātrappedā in academia.
Many phds feel that they have no transferable skills & no knowledge on how to apply for #altac jobs. They donāt know how to get started in their search or what jobs are out there. Their training has failed them here.
3/
Many phds feel that they have no transferable skills & no knowledge on how to apply for #altac jobs. They donāt know how to get started in their search or what jobs are out there. Their training has failed them here.
3/
This week, some academics have been very critical of my career.
That's okay. As an academic, I had no idea what UX Research was either.
So let's talk about UX! What it is, what it isn't, & why I'm truly thrilled to start my UXR job at @Meta next week.
1/ #AltAcChats
That's okay. As an academic, I had no idea what UX Research was either.
So let's talk about UX! What it is, what it isn't, & why I'm truly thrilled to start my UXR job at @Meta next week.
1/ #AltAcChats
UX (user-experience) research looks at how people use products, in order to improve product design.
The term "UX" was coined @Apple in 1993. Since then, the field has exploded. Turns out, people really like products that are easy/fun to use!
2/
nngroup.com/articles/100-yā¦
The term "UX" was coined @Apple in 1993. Since then, the field has exploded. Turns out, people really like products that are easy/fun to use!
2/
nngroup.com/articles/100-yā¦
You may have a strong negative reaction to the word "products". But we all use products! Right now, I'm using my computer, headphones, & the @Spotify app: all built with UXR.
UXR is also done on products like medical devices, cars, websites, & tech.
3/
boldinsight.com/case-studies/
UXR is also done on products like medical devices, cars, websites, & tech.
3/
boldinsight.com/case-studies/
When I was applying for UX jobs, I actually didn't get many interviews. Now that I am in UX, I understand why this happened:
It wasn't that I lacked the skills. I just didn't really understand what companies wanted.
Here's how you can avoid my mistakes: #AltAcChats 1/
It wasn't that I lacked the skills. I just didn't really understand what companies wanted.
Here's how you can avoid my mistakes: #AltAcChats 1/
1. Conduct informational interviews
Talk to UX Researchers (bonus points if they have the same phd as you). What UX skills do you currently have? What UX skills are you missing, and how can you develop these skills?
Answer these questions & you'll be ahead of the game. 2/
Talk to UX Researchers (bonus points if they have the same phd as you). What UX skills do you currently have? What UX skills are you missing, and how can you develop these skills?
Answer these questions & you'll be ahead of the game. 2/
2. Sell the skills that you have in a resume
My initial UX resume was just okay. I didn't highlight my qual research experience (interviews, observations), and I focused too much on stats & the topics of my academic research.
I likely appeared unqualified for most UX jobs. 3/
My initial UX resume was just okay. I didn't highlight my qual research experience (interviews, observations), and I focused too much on stats & the topics of my academic research.
I likely appeared unqualified for most UX jobs. 3/
A solid resume is necessary to getting an #altac job. But Iāve seen so many resumes from academics that donāt understand the assignment.
You canāt just list all your experience. You need to quantify it.
Hereās how to get started (youāll want to save this tweet š): #AltAcChats
You canāt just list all your experience. You need to quantify it.
Hereās how to get started (youāll want to save this tweet š): #AltAcChats
Companies want to see that you can deliver āvalueā - that you will improve their business.
I never used to think about my experience in terms of āvalueā or āamount of services deliveredā. It felt weird to me. But this is the language of business that you need in a resume. 2/
I never used to think about my experience in terms of āvalueā or āamount of services deliveredā. It felt weird to me. But this is the language of business that you need in a resume. 2/
So for a first exercise, try to quantify your experience. Think about:
- # of participants tested
- # of hours using a method
- # of students taught (or # of hours teaching or # money paid for your course)
- # of grant money received
- # of researchers managed
Examples:
3/
- # of participants tested
- # of hours using a method
- # of students taught (or # of hours teaching or # money paid for your course)
- # of grant money received
- # of researchers managed
Examples:
3/
I love being a UX Researcher. Itās a great career option for social science phds who love research.
And looks like the word is out! Lots of phd students have asked how to best prep to get a UX job.
Well friends, hereās a thread of my best advice #AltAcChats: 1/
And looks like the word is out! Lots of phd students have asked how to best prep to get a UX job.
Well friends, hereās a thread of my best advice #AltAcChats: 1/
1. Get some qual research experience.
UX research is qual heavy (usability studies, interviews, fieldwork, diary studies). Having experience in 1+ of these methods gives you a big advantage. Quant UX roles exist, but they arenāt as common. Aim to be mixed-methods at least. 2/
UX research is qual heavy (usability studies, interviews, fieldwork, diary studies). Having experience in 1+ of these methods gives you a big advantage. Quant UX roles exist, but they arenāt as common. Aim to be mixed-methods at least. 2/
2. Internships, internships, internships.
Do an internship! This will give you experience with UX (experience is the biggest thing that will help you get a UX job) & determine whether you really like this work. Also, interns sometimes get fulltime job offers after graduation. 3/
Do an internship! This will give you experience with UX (experience is the biggest thing that will help you get a UX job) & determine whether you really like this work. Also, interns sometimes get fulltime job offers after graduation. 3/
Have you sent networking messages, only to be met with silence? I receive messages every day from folx about UX - I try to respond to everyone, but itās hard.
Here are some tips to make sure that your messages are read & receive a response: 1/
#AltAcChats @AltAcChats
Here are some tips to make sure that your messages are read & receive a response: 1/
#AltAcChats @AltAcChats
1) Understand that people are busy.
I get 5+ messages daily - Iād love to have 30min zoom chats with everyone, but I canāt (I have a full time job & I donāt work nights or weekends).
If you can ask your questions in a message, thatās a much lower barrier for a response! 2/
I get 5+ messages daily - Iād love to have 30min zoom chats with everyone, but I canāt (I have a full time job & I donāt work nights or weekends).
If you can ask your questions in a message, thatās a much lower barrier for a response! 2/
2) Ask specific questions.
āCan you tell me about your UX job?ā is really vague. What do you want to know?
What information will tell you whether this job is a good fit for you? Do you want to know about the interview, or how this job differs from academia? Be specific! 3/
āCan you tell me about your UX job?ā is really vague. What do you want to know?
What information will tell you whether this job is a good fit for you? Do you want to know about the interview, or how this job differs from academia? Be specific! 3/
Woke up to 5K followers! Thank you all so much š„°
A quick re-introduction:
Iām Nicole, I spent over 10 years in academia researching emotions, concepts, and reasoning.
A few years into my ādream postdocā at Yale I realized that I didnāt want to be in academia anymoreā¦
1/
A quick re-introduction:
Iām Nicole, I spent over 10 years in academia researching emotions, concepts, and reasoning.
A few years into my ādream postdocā at Yale I realized that I didnāt want to be in academia anymoreā¦
1/
Iāve battled depression, anxiety, and chronic illness (#hEDS) my whole life and the stress of short-term academic employment away from support systems took its toll on me physically and mentally.
On top of chronic pain and month-long migraines, I had to have a surgeryā¦
2/
On top of chronic pain and month-long migraines, I had to have a surgeryā¦
2/
to remove tumors along my spine.
The academic job market obvi didnāt pause for my recovery and I decided I needed to make a change to prioritize my health.
While recovering from surgery, I built out my network and learned about non-ac jobs through informational interviews.
3/
The academic job market obvi didnāt pause for my recovery and I decided I needed to make a change to prioritize my health.
While recovering from surgery, I built out my network and learned about non-ac jobs through informational interviews.
3/
TLDR: I'm hiring TWO Research Policy Positions to join my growing team here at Meta on Privacy & Data Policy. These roles sit at the intersection of evidence-based policymaking, emerging tech (e.g., Metaverse!), and information policy. (1/??)
If you come from an academic or research background in privacy/information/data science/ethics/(ā¦) and have law + policy exposure these roles might be for you!
Working in big tech isnāt for everyone, but if you are interested in working and learning in this applied context on tough issues please apply. (Links below)
Have you ever wanted to just be told what the most important "transferable skills" are?
Recently, I asked folks to share what transferable skills from academia were most useful in *their* non-ac jobs.
Here are the 6 most-mentioned skills! š§µ 1/10 #AltAcChats #AcademicTwitter
Recently, I asked folks to share what transferable skills from academia were most useful in *their* non-ac jobs.
Here are the 6 most-mentioned skills! š§µ 1/10 #AltAcChats #AcademicTwitter
By the way, here's a breakdown of how relevant the respondents' Ph.D./postdoc research topics were in their non-ac jobs/careers (n=25):
ā«ļøRelevant: 2 (8%)
ā«ļøSomewhat relevant: 7 (28%)
ā«ļøIrrelevant: 16 (64%)
2/10
ā«ļøRelevant: 2 (8%)
ā«ļøSomewhat relevant: 7 (28%)
ā«ļøIrrelevant: 16 (64%)
2/10
Transferable Skill #1: Resourcefulness š
ā«ļøBackground research
ā«ļøFamiliarizing oneself with a project-related topic
ā«ļøConsolidating data/concepts from literature
Being able to quickly, thoroughly & accurately familiarize yourself with a topic is a REALLY lucrative skill. 3/10
ā«ļøBackground research
ā«ļøFamiliarizing oneself with a project-related topic
ā«ļøConsolidating data/concepts from literature
Being able to quickly, thoroughly & accurately familiarize yourself with a topic is a REALLY lucrative skill. 3/10
Are you a grad student who's not actively applying for industry jobs, but you want to prepare for it? Maybe you're applying soon, and want quick pointers.
Here are 5 easy, low-stakes things you can do NOW to help your future self have a smooth job search! #AltAcChats š§µ 1/7
Here are 5 easy, low-stakes things you can do NOW to help your future self have a smooth job search! #AltAcChats š§µ 1/7
1. Identify the actual role(s) you want.
ā½ļøConsider tasks you like & dislike.
ā½ļøMine were āMedical Writerā & āSupport Scientistā
ā½ļøI detail 12 jobs, have a list of 44 jobs & resources here: bit.ly/industryresourā¦
ā½ļøMy thread on cool non-labwork jobs! bit.ly/non-labjobs 2/7
ā½ļøConsider tasks you like & dislike.
ā½ļøMine were āMedical Writerā & āSupport Scientistā
ā½ļøI detail 12 jobs, have a list of 44 jobs & resources here: bit.ly/industryresourā¦
ā½ļøMy thread on cool non-labwork jobs! bit.ly/non-labjobs 2/7
2. Read real job listings for those roles.
ā½ļøI used LinkedIn Jobs/Indeed.
ā½ļøI HIGHLY recommend Glassdoor to get the inside scoop on companies.
ā½ļøFamiliarize yourself with industry terminology, ex.) GCP, DBL, KOL.
ā½ļøSet up email notifications for new job listings to read. 3/7
ā½ļøI used LinkedIn Jobs/Indeed.
ā½ļøI HIGHLY recommend Glassdoor to get the inside scoop on companies.
ā½ļøFamiliarize yourself with industry terminology, ex.) GCP, DBL, KOL.
ā½ļøSet up email notifications for new job listings to read. 3/7
Looking for an industry job, but don't want to do benchwork anymore?
If so, I feel you because I was SO over being in the lab when I was done with my Ph.D.!
Here are 7 cool non-labwork jobs that fresh Ph.D.s with 0 years of industry experience can get. #AltAcChats (1/9) š§µ
If so, I feel you because I was SO over being in the lab when I was done with my Ph.D.!
Here are 7 cool non-labwork jobs that fresh Ph.D.s with 0 years of industry experience can get. #AltAcChats (1/9) š§µ
Technical Support Scientist š
ā«ļø"Applications Scientist"
ā«ļøBiological research supply companies
ā«ļøThink of reagents/kits you have experience with! š§«š§¬
ā«ļøHelp customers troubleshoot via phone, email, chat
ā«ļøThis & medical writer were my goal jobs! (2/9)
glassdoor.com/Salaries/technā¦
ā«ļø"Applications Scientist"
ā«ļøBiological research supply companies
ā«ļøThink of reagents/kits you have experience with! š§«š§¬
ā«ļøHelp customers troubleshoot via phone, email, chat
ā«ļøThis & medical writer were my goal jobs! (2/9)
glassdoor.com/Salaries/technā¦
Field Application Scientist š§
ā«ļøYou may have met FASs before!
ā«ļøInstallations, maintenance, training users in-person
ā«ļøTravel/on-site, local area
ā«ļøPopular for fresh Ph.D.s - you're already specialized in certain applications/tools.
ā«ļøGreat transition to many other roles. (3/9)
ā«ļøYou may have met FASs before!
ā«ļøInstallations, maintenance, training users in-person
ā«ļøTravel/on-site, local area
ā«ļøPopular for fresh Ph.D.s - you're already specialized in certain applications/tools.
ā«ļøGreat transition to many other roles. (3/9)
