PostdocTransformation show for scienctists leaping into business
Get to know companies which hire people with a doctor title!
Episode 0025 Shownotes
How to find the best grad school for you!
If you are among the best bachelor and master students, you might think about earning a PhD. This episode of the PostdocTransformation show for scientists leaping into business will help you reflect on deciding on the best grad school for you, as you envision your vision of life, especially as an underrepresented, underprivileged and underserved student and young professional.
Listen to Prof. Dr. Eleonore Soei-Winkels as she shares actionable tips for your PostdocTransformation.
Subscribe to our seasonal show on your favorite podcast platforms: Why? Postdoc scientists & PhD students / candidates will learn the basics for their career transition from research into business & industries AND will get to know a company that hires early career scientists!
Don't miss our most-listened to episode of 2023 (according to SpotifyWraps, LOL): Working out your future (and which was also shared by 90% of our viewers among their PhD besties, which we love as it shows the value of that episode):
Kick off season 3 of our PostdocTransformation show
As you are a brilliant PhD student, postdoc, or even professor who wants to leap into business. I want to thank you so much for listening since 24 episodes.
I'm ready to up my podcasting game for you. I've literally built a house to invite selected guests who will bring inspiration, advice and opportunities to our PostdocTransformation Show that I cannot deliver, but you deserve.
So, our Season 3 is packed with interviews with experts, leaders, HR people, professors, PhD career advisors, and if you want to know who's going to inspire and empower you, stay tuned [00:02:00] until the end of this episode.
As you know, I'm a professor for industrial and occupational psychology in Germany, in real life, and often my best bachelor students and master students asked me to advise on starting a PhD program.
So, as season three will be mainly full of interview episodes, I want to dedicate this episode to all the best bachelor and master students worldwide. Maybe this is an episode to share with your best students, too. And believe me, they will thank you later.
What's my why for this episode,
dear best bachelor's or master's student?
I want you to decide on earning a PhD after a thorough reflection and to find the best graduate school for you. Woohoo!
Let's start with the first of two chapters in this episode. Here's what I shared in the Beyond Science magazine on Instagram [00:03:00] in the paperback edition and also online.
What advice would you like to give to young scientists?
A great performance in your master's degree. Lack of job alternatives after the master, reluctance to enter the non academic job market, all three are wrong reasons to pursue a PhD.
If you want to become a scientist for the right reasons, go for it.
Do this with due diligence. The chances to become a professor are very small.
Academia is not fair for underprivileged, underrepresented, and underserved scientists. Some disciplines have better career prospects than others. The nature of delayed and rare gratifications in overall science can be depressing.
So, please reflect whether you have enough resilience, resources, and confidence to endure the tough times in your PhD.
Follow role [00:04:00] models in social media to make an informed decision prior to start a PhD or postdoc.
Subscribe to our PostdocTransformation show to not miss our selected inspiring PhD holders in business and academia.
Then, you consider the benefits and opportunity costs of a Ph. D. or even a postdoc or even a professorship.
Reflect on your chances to transition your career into industries and business parallel to your research.
Why? Because then you don't have to put up with toxic leadership and bad career prospects and low salaries if you have good alternatives.
Hey, PostdocTransformer, are you curious to ask professors, principal investigators, visiting scientists, postdocs, PhD students, and candidates some in depth life and career guiding questions? But it feels cringe, so you end up not asking ...
Buy our [00:05:00] PostdocTransformation Card Game to have more fun and valuable insights in your journal club, lab, and mentoring meetings, lab rotations, during conferences, panels, and breaks at the Mensa.
In the first set of 40 cards you'll get 10 intriguing mentoring questions per career level. 10 for PhD students, 10 for postdocs and 10 for professors.
We have a second set for parents, scientists, underprivileged and underrepresented and underserved scientists. Buy the card sets with our 25 % discount code "Show" (just enter "Show" during the Shopify checkout):
If you want to do a PhD, you need to decide on your grad school, especially if you are a gifted, underrepresented, underprivileged and underserved master or bachelor graduate
Okay, let's go to the second of two chapters in this episode. If you want to do a PhD, by all means, you need to decide on your grad school, especially if you are a gifted, underrepresented, underprivileged and underserved master or bachelor graduate.
Yes, you heard me correctly. You can also pursue a PhD right away [00:06:00] after your bachelor. Here are some points to consider.
1) Requirements.
Some programs accept a certain bachelor degree if it fulfills certain criteria and maybe you just need to add extra courses or exams.
2) Choose your research discipline according to the future of work.
How can a specific research topic help many people to embrace the future challenges according to the World Economic Forum? That's research needed, and therefore most probably, it's better funded. If you wish to dig deeper, listen to the future of work for PhD holders and working out your future.
Have you found this episode so far helpful for yourself? Well, maybe you can subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you get our show. And also, share this episode with your PhD bestie because that would encourage us to help the underprivileged, [00:07:00] underrepresented, and underserved early career scientists leaping into business.
This would also ensure that you don't miss a future episode. Also, our subscription and listening numbers are key for finding the right sponsors for our show so that we can help you for free. And now back to the show.
Did you know that we offer deep dive e course workshops and memberships at graduate schools? Maybe also at yours in the future. Ask your graduate school coordinator, whether they want to book my services so that I can deliver them to you 24/7/365 on your mobile device.
And even better, if you get us paid by your grad school, we will pay you 50 percent recurring sales commissions.
So, you will earn money with us as we help you and your PhD besties to [00:05:00] transition into business. We can build our PostdocTransformation together.
3) Research scholarships and financial aid.
Look for universities that offer scholarships, grants, or financial aid specifically for underprivileged students to ease the financial burden.
4) Diversity and inclusion programs.
Seek schools with robust diversity and inclusion programs that actively support underrepresented students so that there is a more inclusive community. Those which have it, obviously needed it in the first place, but at least they are aware and are somewhat committed [00:08:00] to improve.
5) Faculty diversity.
Consider the diversity of faculty and staff as this can impact your academic experience and access to mentorship. I can tell you that firsthand, right? So, for a very long time, I've been a professor exactly since 10 years now, and I don't see a lot of minority professors.
I'm always one of the very few women, people of color, mothers, etc. If you are underrepresented, you deserve role models that are relatable and inspiring for you. Not just the ones you cannot emulate.
And related to mentoring, please also listen to Mentoring Your Way with Professor and Strategies for underrepresented PhD students, both with Dr. Carlotta A. Berry.
6) Location.
Think of the location of the school and whether it aligns with your personal preferences and goals, such as cost of living, job opportunities, and community support. Listen to our very first episode and what I said about geographies where living [00:10:00] is safe for you.
7) Student support services.
I would investigate the availability of support services like counseling, tutoring, career development, which can help underprivileged students to succeed. In that case, I have always recommended my alumni International Graduate School of Neuroscience at the Ruhr University of Bochum Research School. Also, check out our episodes on strategies for doing a PhD and strategies for underrepresented PhD students.
8) Networking opportunities.
Look for schools with strong alumni and alumni networks and connections to organizations or industries that align with your career goal.
Or maybe you have enactus or something like that at your school, at your university, which is a valuable differential networking experience if your PhD does not focus on business.
And by the way, did you know that there are [00:11:00] programs offering a PhD in entrepreneurship or emerging technologies?
Listen to the episode with Dr. Tina Ruseva as an example.
And now it's time to thank Company ABC who sponsors this episode of the PostdocTransformation Show. I will now be reading the company's answers to one of six bold [00:10:00] questions so that you can choose to apply.
For example, number one, describe your most valuable experts versus leaders in your company. Have they typically earned a doctor title? Number two, for whichever company roles or units do you encourage somebody with a doctor title to apply? Number three, how would you describe your organizational culture in which your most valuable experts and leaders thrive in? To nominate an employer of choice so that we can ask our own formative bold questions let us know via the click on the link.
If you are a company representative like in recruiting and employer branding. And now you want your company to be highlighted as an employer of choice for our audience. You can become a sponsor of a dedicated PostdocTansformation show episode. Just click the picture below and now back to the episode.
9) Research opportunities.
So, if you are pursuing a research oriented program, explore the research opportunities and labs available to [00:12:00] you prior to signing the contract. Big name researchers have pros and cons, and sometimes that means that postdocs are the better option as supervisors for you.
That doesn't mean that postdocs aren't the better option at all. But instead, you should always think of who can also, you know, help you on the way towards becoming a professor. Or, leaving academia altogether.
10) Community engagement.
Consider schools that are actively engaged with and support the surrounding underserved communities, which indicates a commitment to social responsibility.
Are you a grad school representative?
Have you ever wondered how to make your grad school stand out in the crowded landscape of academia? Do you aim to attract the best master's students from all over the world to learn from and work with your professors so that your research remains globally recognized and well funded? Do you [00:13:00] wish to repel bad applications which aren't tailored towards your grad school's research profile?
Now, let's talk about a powerful branding tool, podcasts. They're a game changer for higher education institutions. As a professor, active on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and a podcast host and producer of this postdoc transformation show, I'm here to encourage all the graduate school representatives to think beyond the conventional marketing mechanism.
Instead of being one of many vendors. At a time limited grad school fair, why not create a podcast that showcases your grad school as the ultimate destination for the world's best masters students share inspiring and encouraging stories of your top PhD students, high profile alumni, your faculty and the incredible opportunities your grad school offers a podcast can be a window into your school's vibrant community.
It's cutting edge research and unique experiences. [00:14:00] And in times of AI generated marketing material, a podcast with your academic leaders. in real life is a very human and innovative way to attract prospective PhD students. You can inform them every day, everywhere, not just during the typical grad school application seasons.
This would prepare your best candidates for the application. Even better, you can support and make your current PhD students and postdocs visible for their next career steps in academia or business. Remember, successful graduates elevate your grad school's reputation. So, if you are a university chancellor, grad school dean, speaker, consider this.
By launching a podcast for your grad school, you can elevate your grad school's brand and tell aspiring scientists and employers what makes your grad school the best choice with scalable evergreen content.
If you're interested, forward this to your marketing representative: To get our list of 30 sample episode titles customizable for your grad school podcast, just enter an email address here.
As a seasoned professor and podcaster, I'm also happy to strategize about how you can launch your grad school podcast on Podbean, the podcast hosting platform we use for the Postdoc Transformation Show supporting scientists leaping into business.
Enroll in your free email course for your career transition into business!
11) Financial planning.
Well, a PhD costs a lot. Whether it's fees or your lifetime. So, create a detailed financial plan to understand the costs associated with graduate school and explore options like work study programs and please don't work as a clerk waiter or whatever [00:16:00].
There are future proof ways to PhD after all, you know you are already a bachelor or master. So, by the way, let me know if I should dedicate an episode on how to earn money as a PhD student.
12) Talk to current students.
Connect with current students who share similar backgrounds and experiences to get insights whether your school that you are interested Is really inclusive and supportive.
How well are diverse students really when you offer them to buy a coffee or pizza for some real talk and prior to meeting them? Listen to the red flags that indicate that your career is at risk episode of the PostdocTransformation Show so that you can ask them about red flags.
13) Letter of motivation.
Use your application essays to highlight your unique background and experiences which can make you a compelling candidate.
Let me know [00:17:00] whether I should invite Ph. D. program admissions experts so that you can learn how to write a winning application.
14) Track record of successful Ph. D. holders in business and academia.
Well, as we all know most of the PhD students won't become a professor.
So, what is the rest doing? Well, check out your potential grad school's alumni and alumna on LinkedIn. Are they relatable, inspiring? Are they role models for you? Have they achieved something that makes you think a PhD from that grad school is worth it?
And if you don't know any other questions that you can ask for finding the right grad school, please also check out my PostdocTransformation card game series with full of questions that you can ask current PhD students. So, speaking of which, maybe we're talking about role models that are more advanced, further down the road.
Teaser to season 3 & 4 interview guests
I'm excited to share with you our guest list for season [00:18:00] three and four because I have more than 12 episodes already planned out because so many have said yes to my request. So, we've got Dr. Tina Ruseva, Dr. Ashley Ruba, Dr. Emily Rosenthal, Dr. Sonja Ulland, Dr. Rima Rey, Professor Dr. Kristin Eichhorn, Dr. Luna Clara Muñoz, Emilia Miller, Dr. Gertrude Nonterah, Professor Dr. Ramona Cutri, Dr. Holly Prescott, Dr. Yvette Martínez Vu, Desislava Dobreva, Maike Stelter, and so many more.
I am daily adding new guests to my list and I can't wait to celebrate them with you and for you because they will inspire you, dear PostdocTransformers.
They share their experiences as entrepreneurs, experts, leaders, HR people, professors, and seasoned PhD career advisors.
So, taken together:
Chapter 1. If you want to become a scientist for the right reasons, go for it.
Chapter 2 has 15 factors altogether: requirements research, discipline according to the future of work research, scholarships, financial aid, diversity and inclusion programs, faculty diversity, location, student support services, networking opportunities, research opportunities, community engagement, financial planning, application essays, track record of successful PhD holders in business and academia, and mentoring questions that you can ask for finding the right graduate school.
Remember, your situation is unique, and finding the right graduate school requires a tailored approach. It's essential to consider your specific needs and goals when making your decision so that you own your PostdocTransformation from day one of grad school.
All right. So, this is the end of episode 25. My team and I want to thank all PostdocTransformers for listening to the previous 24 episodes, helping scientists leaping into business.
We had episodes for incoming and intermediate PhD students, for seasoned career transitioners contemplating about a comeback to academia.
If you want to let us know who we should interview and bring into the show, please follow us on socials and also let us know via direct message. This way, you will also have a voice in our PostdocTransformation show.
We need your help for your and our PostdocTransformation
If you value our show, please share your favorite episodes with your PhD besties, share with us your career transition questions and suggest topics for future episodes.
We also appreciate positive reviews and stories on all social platforms. Why?
Because this show is for free, but we need sponsors to bring the show to you.
So, please help us to help you on your PostdocTransformation.
Mantra
Remember, you are a PostdocTransformer. You are highly intelligent, well educated, a bachelor, master, and maybe you have already your doctor title under your belt, or you are a postdoc. You are internationally experienced, fluent in English, a leader and expert in your prior research field. You're resilient, brilliant in adaptation.
You are eager to bring in the transferable and monetizable skills needed in many companies to embrace the future and to become or remain an [00:27:00] innovator in their markets.
Do you want a transcript of our episode? And our episode sponsors answers to all six bold questions so that you can choose to apply. Do you want to nominate your potential employer of choice so that we can ask them our bold questions? For all of that, click on our links in our show notes and on our website, www.postdoctransformation.com. Remember to check your readiness to leap out of science for free and to enroll in our free email course career transition made simple.
All right, thanks for listening and I hope that you will watch our show and also listen to our show for the next episodes. And like I said, go back to the previous episodes. I think they have valuable insights for you.
Please ask away your career transition questions (connect with Eleonore on your preferred social), as we aim to create future episodes for our audience. We appreciate every one of you!
Until the next episode,
Cheers,
Eleonore & Team PostdocTransformation
Enroll in your free email course for your career transition into business! Especially emails no 2 & 3 focus on creating a LinkedIn profile and using LinkedIn to network for your career transition!
PostdocTransformation Show mug (buy 1 or get 3 for FREE)
Yeah, you are a grateful listener of our PostdocTransformer Show!
Do you want to support us in our mission to support underserved, underrepresented and underprivileged early career scientists in leaping into business?
Well, then get 3 mugs for free (we cover the costs and shipping), and you place them at your grad school and/or lab kitchen for your PhD peers. Just enter "3mugs" and "freeshipping" and you'll get a 100% discount. Thank you for investing your time into our PostdocTransformation!
