PostdocTransformation show for scienctists leaping into business
Get to know companies which hire people with a doctor title
Episode 0060 Shownotes
Build your bridge to your future of work
No idea, how to leap into business? Listen to this PostdocTransformation show episode to build your bridge now, so you can leave academia for your future of work in industries.
Learn to develop a value proposition statement, embracing mentorship, creating a portfolio, crafting transition plans, attending industry events, learning project management, tailoring resumes, to exploring side projects.
Prof. Dr. Eleonore Soei-Winkels emphasizes the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome, personal branding, working with recruiters, leveraging social media, staying updated on industry trends, and understanding business models.
You are invited to our new internship opportunity in podcasting to help you gain practical experience and industry connections.
For your free career planning, check your readiness to leap, enroll in our email course for your career transition made simple, and plan your life with our calendar.
All linked in these show notes.
Subscribe to our weekly 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!
About our PostdocTransformation show
Invest in your PostdocTransformation. Welcome to the seasonal show for scientists leaping into business. In every sponsored episode, we are happy to recommend employers of choice for you. Make sure to check your readiness to leap out of science with us for free, as linked in the show notes. For your career transition, we offer customized career transition e-courses and memberships, also at graduate schools all over the world.
Maybe yours too. And if your university isn't yet our customer, enroll in your free email course for career transition made simple as linked in the show notes. I'm your host, Professor Dr. Eleonore Soei Winkels, with my team who is rooting for you. And let's build your PostdocTransformation with this episode.
Announcement: Second upcoming podcast show #CreatingReorganized
[00:00:00] Thank you for listening to my PostdocTransformation Show. Maybe you want to leap out of science and start your own side business as a runway for your better future. Then you will benefit from my free business preparation quiz as linked in the show notes. If you want to organize your marketing and selling efforts, please also subscribe to my new video podcast show, Creating Reorganized.
[00:00:25] I share my tricks from creating this show, speak with business owners who run a podcast for their business, and learn from podcasting service providers about their tools boosting our businesses. My new video podcast show, CreatingReorganized, will also be a living example of applied industrial and occupational psychology for my students in real life.
[00:00:46] And now, let's get to this episode.
[00:01:57] Building your bridge to your future of work
Eleonore: Welcome back, dear PostdocTransformer to our season five finale of the PostdocTransformation Show, the show for scientists leaping into business.
[00:02:01] We will build your own bridge to your future of work.
[00:02:05] Can you believe we're here at episode 60? I can't. Honestly. The last two years have been mind blowing in the sense that I've put together a podcast. While
[00:02:21] having a hard time in my personal life. And I'm so appreciative your support for listening and also liking and sharing our show with your PhD besties because you believe in me that we need to serve also underrepresented underprivileged, and underserved scientists all over the world. So we've come a long way together and I just hit 8,000 downloads, so listenings, that's a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to making a meaningful change from academia to industry. And on that note for those who are interested, maybe I'm exploring building a new podcast, CreatingReorganized for everyone who wants to. Build a social media presence and promote the services and products as a small business owner.
[00:03:16] So if you ever become an entrepreneur, start up your own business. And want to promote your own services, maybe our consulting services, maybe your scientific consulting services. This show CreatingReorganized will be interesting for you. share a little bit of the backstory, why I create a new podcast. Over time, I have become an affiliate for services, and that is actually close to my previous work as a tech consultant.
[00:03:48] it was an unexpected, exciting pivot that came about from this project as a podcast.
[00:03:55] For me, this is a sign of external validation from the professional podcasting industry experts. And for you, this is maybe your sign and reminder, that you can build expertise. Self-taught and self-initiated. And that even can lead to income. you have been curious to start your own podcast, as part of your future work, to promote your services, your business stay tuned. CreatingReorganized will start in January. And I'll be announcing also at the end of this episode, an internship where you can join me as a cohost of this PostdocTransformation Show.
[00:04:37] So you can interviewing industry leaders and role models so that you can learn from them how to build your own PostdocTransformation. the while you are building your podcasting business skillset.
[00:04:51] like I said, in the beginning today, we're gonna focus on that one big goal, helping you build the bridge, you need to your future of work. So. As scientists, we know how crucial it is to plan ahead. You don't want to wait until your contract as a post-doc ends or PhD graduation day sneaks up on you.
[00:05:11] So So this episode is all about laying the groundwork, building that bridge you need so that you can reach the other side. we're going to do this brick by brick. And I'll be walking you through it. Step-by-step with practical tips, actionable. Prompts and plenty of examples to inspire you.
Brick no. 1: Developing your value proposition statement
First things first, let's talk about defining your value. One of the most empowering ways to start building a bridge is to articulate what you bring to the table, what you uniquely contribute.
[00:05:49] Think of it as a value proposition. A concise, powerful. Statement. encapsulate is your strengths and skills and the way they add value to the business context. if you're like most academics, you've spent years honing skills and knowledge. Yet translating these into a business context and to a business value. Can feel challenging because you've never learned how to price and to forecast the revenue of your work. So here's how to start. Take a few moments to think about your core strengths, technical skills. And the unique ways you can contribute to your research. For instance. You might be a data analyst in neuroscience who excels in making complex data comprehensible for various audiences. So your value proposition for business could sound like I'm a skilled data analyst in neuroscience who transforms. transforms complex data into actionable. insights that support innovative health solutions.
[00:06:59] For example, dot dot dot provide the conceptual bridge, the bridge for that audience, and provide examples for them that they can now easily connect the dots with. have to do the homework for them. You cannot expect your audience. Who doesn't know your work, the value of your work to do that for you.
[00:09:40] Eleonore: prompt for you. Take out a pen and open a notes app, jot down two technical skills. You have one key strength that makes you different and a field that's important. A field of application you care care about that is purposeful for you. Then put together these in a sentence or two. This value proposition will be your guiding light.
[00:10:05] As you prepare for roles beyond academia, shaping your resume, LinkedIn profile, and the way you speak about your work. You have to provide the content.
[00:10:16] great example for you. can be Dr. Ana de Almeida, who consults future-proof businesses with her green skills and who also inspires our PostdocTransformation community So own interview, showcasing the Marie Curie fellowship. You will find her episode number 32 as linked in the show notes.
Let's pause for a moment to respect those who sponsor this valuable episode. I want to share with you my best marketing agent. Serving my underprivileged, underrepresented and underserved audience, leads and clients is key for me. As an Asian working mom, business owner and professor in Germany. But I can't be marketing and selling all the time.
And I have to be mindful with my own resources. So I chose Podbean as my podcast hosting and monetizing provider. I'm on the unlimited plus platform. plan for our Postdoc Transformation Show and Creating Reorganized Show. With Podbean, your audience can inclusively listen and watch your podcast according to their visual and auditive needs.
You can also embed your customized podcast player on your external website or use one of the beautiful website templates. You can easily share your podcast on all major podcasting directories, which allows you to reach a huge audience on their favorite devices, including Podbean also has an ads marketplace and you can easily attract and manage sponsors for dynamic ads, which are played out depending on your audience criteria.
This way you can serve your audience for free. Some of them become your clients eventually. but your advertising sponsors independently support you financially in each episode. See insightful stats per demographic and which episodes attracted most listeners so you can tailor your future episodes for your leads and clients and present suitable external ads.
If you want to try Podbean for your own podcasting, DM or email me Podbean so I can share my experience. Please check it out via my link in the show notes. I only got a small financial reward if you become their customer using my Podbean link.
Thanking our advertisers for their financial support, we are happy to return to our inspiring episode.
Brick no. 2: Embracing Mentorship and Finding Champions
[00:10:37] We have already mentioned that throughout the show, but mentorship is really important. What you can see is what you can be. So moving into industry, isn't just about finding the right role. It's about building the right support system and having mentors who went. The way before you. And thrived on their way. will guide you, w who would open doors and help you to see possibilities that might not be immediately clear for you.
[00:11:12] Right? have many chances, but you have to take them.
[00:11:15] Who would be a possible role model for you? Find peopleFind people whose careers you respect and admire, especially those who have successfully transitioned from academia to industry. Soscientific role models won't help you that much because they have apparently. obviously. Chose to stay in science. seldomly professors have like me. Their feet in both worlds. you need to find a role model who's
[00:11:45] authentic and also a respectable for you as a role model.
[00:11:50] example, you could look for alumni from your PhD program who are now in business, or reach out to professionals on LinkedIn who have the similar background, like you.
[00:12:01] Dr. Almeida is a great example here she is also a mentor in an official mentoring program in her industry.
[00:12:07] So go check her out on LinkedIn and please also listen to our numerous episodes with senior business leaders, mostly with a doctor title. They can inspire it. Your leap out of science, and many of them are managing directors or directors in top global companies.
[00:12:28] of them are even entrepreneurs. So here's your actionable prompt. Identify three individuals you admire in your target field. Write down one specific question. You could ask each one of them, whether it's about their own transition. Everyone talks, talk about himself herself. Itself. Industry trends.
[00:12:49] research that before, before asking the very obvious questions and maybe also skills that you should prioritize their perspective. Keep your message brief and thoughtful. Don't ask all questions.
[00:13:02] And If you need some examples, what to ask and what not check out my TikTok and my hashtag PostdocTransformation card game, because I shared all my questions from the mentoring card game also as short-form videos for you. However, you should not use TikTok to contact them, but instead, a well-crafted message contact request on LinkedIn, for example, can be the beginning of a valuable mentoring relationship because you have to keep in mind that these people are probably more on LinkedIn than on social media, like LinkedIn or Snapchat or TikTok.
[00:13:45] Brick no. 3: Building a Portfolio to Showcase Skills
[00:13:45] Eleonore: you already started defining your value and building connections. Now we need to talk about showcasing your work through a portfolio because the greatest work that you can put out. Is. Meaningless and useless if no one knows about that.
[00:14:05] Your portfolio is your tool to demonstrate your impact and practical results, right? It's not just a collection of your publications. It's not a collection of your posters. I wouldn't understand what's in it for me looking at your poster, looking at your publication
[00:14:24] if I were a business recruiter, but your portfolio, tells the story around that an effective portfolio. You could select three significant projects or publications that best represent your skills and contributions. So not a long list of 41 publications. No one is interested about. I may be even scattered around a couple of topics, but I want you to select which one of these other three most significant projects that best represent your skills and contributions for the specific industry that you want to leap in.
[00:15:03] For instance, if you are a chemist who has published on novel catalysts. include a layman's summary of that work and focus on the, so in it for industry?
[00:15:16] How can industries use that? How does a research help solve a problem and present a new possibility of opportunities?
[00:15:25] is essentially science communication. I want to highlight again our recent interview with PhDSciCom from your research to your science communication with Dr. Frederike Zeibig and Maike Stelter as linked in the show notes, and I want you to check them out on LinkedIn and also Instagram.
[00:15:44] here's your actionable prompt, choose three projects that showcase your best work and practice. Summarizing them with a focus on industry relevance. For instance, highlight. Any outcomes, real world applications or efficiencies your work contributed. And portfolio could be a platform like GitHub, ResearchGate, or even a personal website.
[00:12:56] Let's pause for a moment to respect those who sponsor this valuable episode.
And 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 seven, 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.
Hey, before we continue, we want to appreciate those who financed this valuable episode for you. I want to share with you my time and energy saver. As a professor for industrial and occupational psychology, I also teach about the future of work. And as a former IT strategy consultant, of course I embrace AI to be a future proof podcast producer of the PostdocTransformation Show and the CreatingReorganized Show.
Descript is the video and audio podcast podcast. editing tool of my choice. I pay for their creator plan and it's worth every dollar. Descript comes with an integrated professional remote recording studio for the best audio quality for your guests. For example, I record an hour interview with a guest or a solo, and instead of painstakingly Mistakenly doing a rough cut and deleting all the ums and uhs and filler words and rambling around which I did for hours, I now click on Descript AI, editing for clarity and my rough cut is done in seconds or a minute.
For fine tuning, I edit text instead of audio waves and I just insert all my pre recorded music intro, ads and outro, like this one, in a matter of minutes. Descript support closed captions, fine tuned AI driven summaries, chapter markers and titles, which I feed into my show notes and podcast hosts.
Descript even suggests the best clips for social media and the video editor automatically includes the synchronized speakers, cameras, and audio captions. I can also include stock graphics or pre recorded videos, and you can find all our short form examples on our Instagram and TikTok @postdoctransformation.
If you want to try out Descript for your own podcast editing, DM or email me Descript so I can share my experience and consult you. Please check it out on my link in the show notes. I only get a small financial reward if you become their customer using my Descript link.
After this quick appreciation of our sponsors, we are now back in our insightful episode.
[00:18:28] Brick no. 4: Crafting a Transition Plan
[00:18:28] Eleonore: Break number four, crafting a transition plan with your calendar.
[00:18:33] Transitioning from academia to industry can feel overwhelming and you have to do it step by step. So one way to approach that is to craft and fill in a yearly or monthly plan. And that is a map that can guide you. Step-by-step moving forward. remember this isn't set in stone. You can always erase and correct.
[00:18:56] So to speak, it's a guide that you can evolve as you do as well. And if you need some job role ideas, please also listened to the episodes 18 and 19 with business roles requiring teaching or research skills as linked in the show notes.
[00:19:11] And here's your actionable prompt. Think about three roles, you'd be interested as a stepping stone in business and industry. And for each role, identify a skill or area of expertise you would need to develop. Then set a goal to start building that skill from today until what time? What is a reasonable time for you to build that skill? this could be as simple as signing up for an online course, joining a professional group or working on a side project.
[00:19:43] And I love side projects.
[00:19:47] Brick no. 5: Leveraging Industry Conferences and Events
[00:19:47] Eleonore: Leveraging industry conferences and events. We have already mentioned networking, but it really is making a difference. Meeting people in real life will make you move forward even faster. Better than virtual events, but if youcan't do in-person events, At least attend tovirtual events.
[00:20:09] I'm not talking about scientific conferences right now. you to think of industry specific conferences that you can attend. Even as a scientist, because this is the way how to connect with industry professionals and how you can network and expand your knowledge. They are not coming to your scientific conferences.
[00:20:28] You have to go where they are.
[00:20:31] So here's your actionable prompt. Find an upcoming conference in your field, even if it's virtual, like I said, look up the sessions and speakers you're interested in and consider sending a LinkedIn message to at least one speaker. Mentioning your interest in their talk or their work,
[00:20:49] and even small reactions, even alike in their recent post will bring you to their attention and that can even create a connection.that you that you can build out over the next couple of months.
I want to share with you my number one lead generator, and you can start that even without a podcast. It's TypeForm and I use them to create free quizzes with open questions and multiple choice answers. I also predefined mandatory answers so I can qualify and score leads. Collect their email addresses for later nurturing.
I can brand my quizzes with my audio files, branch a given quiz based on the answers for the different target groups, and maybe sharing specific podcast episodes or other information, and automatically send them an email after submitting the quiz. I even include the a calendar invite for those leads who qualify specifically.
So, now I can help everyone on the surface and on a deep level for free and divert my own valuable time only to my high ticket leads. I collect all the data automatically after my initial setup as I have also integrated it. with my remaining tech stack. If you want to try out TypeForm for your own lead generation and qualification, DM or email me TypeForm so I can share my experience and consult you, please check it out via my link in the show notes.
Again, I only get a small financial reward if you become their customer using my Typeform link.
[00:21:05] Brick no. 6: Practical Project Management Skills
[00:21:09] One thing I regret how. having learned. Is how to manage my projects when I did my PhD. I am convinced that I would have done my PhD in less time if I had known professional project management skills. Because, when I became a consultant. I had to run through the projects in a faster way. And knowing skills, knowing techniques, how to handle projects it's so valuable for your PhD.
[00:21:45] So if you're still in your PhD, This brick number six is really important. in In every industry role, project management is a highly sought after skill. deadlines and meeting goals, managing objectives, leading people are the crucial skills that often get format attention in academia. there are many project management approaches and getting to know them, finding out which resonate well, we view. We'll help you learn the business lingo. The business language. And research. Most probably also benefit from it when you use real project management software. here's a hot take. The way your seasoned professor runs lab projects, you know, often does not reflect modern technology. And I want you to be future-proofing yourself. Do not rely on your old professor to help you leap into a business.
[00:22:42] Here's your actionable prompt; try setting up a simple project management board or use an app for your current work. You can use sticky notes, a Kanban app. You can even use a white bar to categorize task into to do in progress and done whatever. So track your progress for a week. For a month and see how this approach changes your workflow.
[00:23:05] Brick no. 7: Tailoring Resumes and Cover Letters
[00:23:05] Eleonore: Brick number seven, tailoring resumes and cover letters for industry. Now an academic CV, your industry resume should emphasize impact, not just activities. And you can focus on quantifiable achievements and keep it concise. You don't have to overshare, do not share everything on your industry CV. Which is not relevant, maybe. In this context, you can also enroll in a free my course career transition made simple because in one of these 10 emails, we help you craft your business oriented, resume and cover letter.
[00:23:42] Actionable prompt for you.
[00:23:44] Pick up a recent achievement. And rewrite it to demonstrate its relevance to industry. For instance. You manage a research grant, reframe it as allocated a 50,000 research budget to project outcomes. This language makes the business relevance of your work clear. Out of 50 submissions worldwide our line of research was elected or whatever. You contextualize the business impact.
Hey, before we continue, we want to appreciate those who financed this valuable episode for you.
If you want a relatively passive income, creating a paid e course as your service is a great option, especially if you are like me, an experienced teacher in higher education and now want to share even more knowledge and maybe also create a paid membership with live group meetings beyond the e course.
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If you want to try out Thinkific for creating your own e course and membership, DM or email me at Thinkific, so I can share my experience and consult you. Please check it out via my link in the show notes. I only got a small financial reward if you become their customer using my Thinkific link.
After this quick appreciation of our sponsors, we are now back in our insightful episode.
[00:26:07] Brick no. 8: Exploring Contract and Freelance Work
[00:26:07] Eleonore: Brick number eight, exploring contract and freelance work as a transitional step. So contract and freelance work can be a great way to explore an industry. And the specific roles and even find a niche that interests you without a full commitment. And many companies are open to consulting or freelancing services for roles like data analyst. Or a technical writer, a project consulting. Of course, you must check out your local legal and tax requirements, but it's a great way to hone your business skills.
[00:26:44] As you also will learn how to market and then deliver your skills to a new market.
[00:26:50] And here's your actionable prompt identify three services you could offer as a freelancer. Research companies that may need these skills and consider reaching out. Maybe it's even organizations or institutions this could lead to your first industry gig.
[00:27:07] A powerful step towards building your own bridge to your own future of work.
[00:27:15] Brick no. 9: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
[00:27:15] Eleonore: Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence. Almost everyone feels like an imposter when transitioning to something new. So I want you to remember that your skills are unique and valuable.
[00:27:30] Overcoming this feeling is about shifting your mindset and focusing on what you can bring to the table. And, you know, you've come so far already.
[00:27:40] I believe in you. Because of the following.
Remember, you are a postdoc transformer, you are highly intelligent, well educated, a bachelor, master, and maybe you have already your doctor 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 and problem solving.
[00:28:10] 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 innovator in their markets.
[00:28:22] Speaker 14: Hey, PostdocTransformer, are you curious to ask professors, principal investigators, visiting scientists, postdocs, PhD students, and candidates some in depth, live, and career guiding questions, but it feels cringe, so you end up not asking? Buy our PostdocTransformation Card Game to have more fun and valuable insights.
[00:28:44] In your journal club, lab and mentoring meetings, lab rotations during conferences, panels and breaks. At the menza, you'll get 10 intriguing mentoring questions per career level. So 10 for PhD students, 10 for postdocs, 10 for professors, 10 for parenter, scientists, underprivileged and underrepresented and underserved scientists.
[00:29:08] Check them out with our discount coupon on the postdoc transformation Shop linked on postdoc transformation.com.
[00:29:19] Eleonore: Related to this, our episode betting on yourself is very valuable and I will link to that as well in the show notes. So here's your actionable prompt: list an achievement from your academic career that showcases a relevant industry skill. In that regard. You can also listen to our future of work episodes.
[00:29:43] start feeling doubts, about yourself, your own accomplishments, look at your list of accomplishments. And remind yourself of your capabilities.
[00:29:55] Brick no. 10: Personal Branding for Scientists
[00:29:58] Creating a consistent personal brand helps us understand your expertise and your professional value. your personal brand to make it easy for people to just see your strengths. Your personal brand is what other people would say about you without you being in the room.
And here's your actionable prompt, write a one sentence tagline that summarizes your strengths and goals like, molecular biologist focusing on innovative solutions for a sustainable environment. And I'm thinking immediately of Dr. Ana de Almeida. Like I said, doing it well on LinkedIn. I want you to see her as a possible role model for you, even if you're not a biologist, even if and then you can use this on social media and in your professional bios.
[00:30:48] And again, related to this, please also listen to our to our episode 59, manifest your future. Be the hero of your PostdocTransformation, because this is where we use storytelling and marketing concepts that help you brand yourself.
Let's pause for a moment to respect those who sponsor this valuable episode.
So far, you have learned all my favorite marketing and sales tools. Now, how can you bring all the data from your audience, leads, and clients together so you can serve them on a value ladder and for the long term? Even after multiple touchpoints with you, you want to remain on their mind for when they are ready to buy your service or product.
I am expanding my digital business. And I use ActiveCampaign as the centerpiece for all my services like email course, podcast, newsletter, show notes, websites, sales page, merch shop, forums, whatever it is as needed. As a former IT strategy consultant, I have high requirements on my tech stack and ActiveCampaign offers so many integrations to all my other apps.
I really use it daily. If you want to create your own digital business with various AI driven lead magnets and funnel options, DM or email me ActiveCampaign so I can share my experience and consult you. Please check it out via my link in the show notes. I only get a small financial reward if you become their customer using my ActiveCampaign link.
[00:31:12] Brick no. 11: Connecting with Recruiters
[00:31:12] Eleonore: It is important that you already look out for recruiters. Why. Recruit us can be a valuable link to industry roles. Specifically for the very top executive roles. And I believe in you. They're often well connected and know which skills are in demand. So it's worth learning how to approach them.
[00:31:35] We are extremely proud to have three headhunters Dr. Sonja Ulland, Beth Horsley and Daniel Knott from page executive in Germany and also England informing you on your job search and application. And all of these episodes are linked in the show notes and available also in your favorite podcast player. my personal thing, please, please also rate and review and also like, and subscribe our show.
Crafting Your Introductory Message for a headhunter
[00:32:05] Eleonore: So here's your actionable prompt, identify a recruiter in your field and country. Craft a brief introductory message that includes your value proposition and be clear about just skills and what type of role you're interested. Be concise. Recruiters appreciated when candidates know their strengths
[00:32:25] and and can verbalize the value quickly. Mentioned the types of roles and industries you're interested in and any key skills that align with these kinds of roles and industries. When you do that, you will make it easy for a recruiter to understand your potential. And it's a longterm game.
[00:32:47] You won't get immediately an offer. But you will stand out in their inbox for someone who knows that value.
[00:32:58] And this would also increase your chances of getting noticed in their inbox on LinkedIn, or even via email.
[00:33:05] here's the actionable prompt, reach out to one recruiter this week with a message that introduces your skills experience and the type of bros. You are looking for. Keep it brief. Professional, but also personable. Be yourself and let your passion for your work show through.
[00:33:22] If you are reaching out to one of the three head hunters we had in our show, please say hi to them. And mentioned that you have listened to this episode because that will make them see that you are already informed.
Let's hold that thought for a quick appreciation of your business.
Are you wondering when and where you can get the attention of your audience? You always think you don't have the time to post on multiple social media platforms. I totally get you. I have been enjoying weeks of social media breaks, why I serve my audience with prepared content to be scheduled out as needed.
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Please check it out via my link in the show notes. Again, I only get a small financial reward if you become their customer using my Metricool link.
Thanking our advertisers for their financial support, we are happy to return to our inspiring episode.
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, 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.
After this quick appreciation of our sponsors, we are now back in our insightful episode.
[00:35:25] Brick no. 12: Leveraging Social Media
[00:35:25] Eleonore: Brick number 12, using social media strategically. Many academics, overlook social media as a professional tool. And yes, It can be a rabbit hole and wasting your time, but it can also boost your efforts. So. I want you to use it, to establish your expertise, connect with others and stay updated on industry trends.
[00:35:48] So. That is probably on LinkedIn. More than on TikTok or Instagram.
[00:35:56] it can even help you stand out to potential employers.
[00:36:00] For example, you can consider sharing insights from your fields. If you want to leap into business, you have to make sure that this business embracing attitude is also reflected on all your posts. You can share articles you found helpful or reflections on industry trends and add your own expertise from a scientific point of view.
[00:36:23] Keep your posts professional about also conversational.
[00:36:26] You want to invite other us business recruiters to look into your content and ask questions. If they are interested. Platforms like LinkedIn are particular useful. So they are designed for networking and professional branding. And again, I find share-worthy how PhDSciCom inspires scientists to leverage social media, check out their interview. In episode 55 as linked in the the show notes.
[00:36:56] your actionable prompt, set aside 15 minutes this week to draft one LinkedIn post that showcases your knowledge or reflects your values in your field. And I want you to think about a recent article that you have read. a project you're working on or an insight you have working together with others because you went to a conference or something like that. And I want to do share that in a short post.
[00:37:23] So not I want you to stress the why what's in it for your audience to read more about. What you find share with me. And over time, these small posts can contribute to a larger professional identity that highlights your scientific expertise, but also your capability to translate your scientific skills to a business context.
Remember, you are a PostdocTransformer, you are highly intelligent, well educated, a bachelor, master, and maybe you have already your doctor 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 and problem solving.
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 innovator in their markets.
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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 and to enroll in our free email course Career Transition Made Simple.
Thanks for your attention. I'm Prof. Dr. Eleonore Soei Winkels, the host of your seasonal PostdocTransformation Show.
And once you have determined your readiness to leap and want to transition into business or industries, then you can enroll in your free email course with 10 actionable, bingeable email lessons until you start your job in business. You'll get 10 emails like this at zero cost.
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[00:37:49] Brick no. 13: Staying Current with Industry Trends
[00:37:49] Eleonore: Brick number 13, staying current with industry trends and technology. In industry new technologies, methods, frameworks are constantly emerging and staying on top of that will help you to adapt quickly and just be seen as a valuable up-to-date candidate. And they don't want to upskill you right from the day one, but instead they want you to hit the ground running.
[00:38:14] And that means that you have to
[00:38:17] understanding of what is trending and the future of your field. Which will impact your target roles as well.
[00:38:26] For example, if you're moving from biology to pharmaceuticals, not into the latest dropped development technology, what are regulatory affairs? Topics that are. Pain points in your industry or pharmaceuticals. look into If your focus is on data science, look on software tools, machine learning trends, whatever.
[00:38:49] I think you get the idea.
[00:38:51] And here's your actionable prompt choose one key area to your target industry and research the top trends for 20 minutes. And this could be through articles, YouTube tutorials. Or industry publications and and I want you to also set up a Google alert. Four. Your niche, make a note of any skills and concepts that come up frequently and consider how you could start writing about them.
[00:39:18] Whether it's through an online course, a book or by following experts can find on LinkedIn, for example.
[00:39:27] consider subscribing to an email newsletter specific for your niche.
[00:39:33] I have set up a weekly Google alert on all the topics that are interesting for me.
[00:39:40] Brick no. 14: Learning the Language of Business
[00:39:40] Eleonore: Learning the language of business. So in academia we're used to a specialized jargon and field specific terminology, but in industry clear results, oriented language unwinded is more effective. So you need to practice describing your work in ways that are concise. And results driven. Otherwise, it's really intimidating. You don't have to prove that you are smart.
[00:40:10] You are smart when you can talk to many people in business.
[00:40:14] So far example, if you've published a paper on an environmental analysis, instead of focusing on the technical terms that will confuse everyone. You can emphasize that you have identified cost saving, eco friendly practices that be implemented in manufacturing. For example, such and such.
[00:40:37] shows that you understand the end goal from a business perspective. And that And that is making money. Every company has a business goal to make more money, to have to have a bigger revenue, bigger sales,
[00:40:52] whatever. reduce costs.
[00:40:54] So here's your actionable prompt. Take one of your projects and write a brief summary. In business language, focusing on the results, applications and value for industry, rather than on the technical details. This practice will help you convey your work in ways that will resonate.
[00:41:14] Also with non-academic audiences. And decision makers, leaders. They don't have time. If they have the feeling of wasting time, they will tune out, out of the conversation and attend to other things.
[00:41:29] So. Again, you can enroll in a free email course career transition made simple to see how you can summarize your own thesis in a more business appealing way.
[00:43:14] Brick no. 15: Showcasing Soft Skills
[00:43:14] Eleonore: Showcasing soft skills like teamwork and communication. You cannot say that you are a team player. Are a great communicator. This is an attribute that someone else, ideally the recruiter, needs to attribute to you. to showcase that.
[00:43:34] So in industry, it's not just about what, you know, what you bring to the table. But
[00:43:40] it's useless, if you are not able to work with others, if they don't like you. You have to be likable in business. If people don't like you, they don't want to work with you. If they don't want to work with you, they work less optimally with you. And that means. Well, All your worth. Is.
[00:44:00] Not capitalized on. So you need to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork, communication, adaptability, to you a more attractive candidate. Because these skills are often overlooked in the in the academic CVS. But really are crucial business skills.
[00:44:16] For example, concerning the times when you have led a group project or have led your students. And we're able to adapt to a major shift in your research or communicated complex ideas to a non-expert audience. These experiences, show that you can work effectively with others and adapt to changes.
[00:44:39] And And that really is a skill that industry will value. So, how can you share about your research and at the same time, celebrate your teamfor their effort, applause for their engagement, et cetera.
[00:44:55] So maybe you can post in LinkedIn about how proud you are, how your students have accomplished this and this, how they have evolved from here to here. In a way that is cheer worthy and that also attests to your own people, leadership or your project management skills or your teamwork, if you are not the team lead.
[00:45:19] And remember you always rise by lifting others.
[00:45:23] So most of my own social media posts are about lifting other us, celebrating out of those four, their contributions in my teaching or in my podcast or whatever.
[00:45:34] So here's your actual have a prompt for you: Write down an instance where you have showcased a soft skill. Like we already talked about. Leadership, team work, adaptability in your academic work, and then practice explaining this experience in a way that emphasizes the skill and its relevance to a to a potential employer.
[00:47:01] Brick no. 16: The Importance of Side Projects
[00:47:01] Eleonore: The importance of side projects and freelance work. And this episode, wouldn't be about building a bridge without mentioning the importance of a side project. Right. And you can even do freelancing. So that's revisit the idea of side projects. Starting a side project or taking on freelance work while you are studying.
[00:47:25] As I already teach my bachelor and master's students in their first semesters that they should start a side project, right from the get-go. Last week. I even talked about it to bachelor students in their first semester. That why they're studying towards their degree. Starting the side project will help them to build their own business acumen and business skills. In a much more profound way than just listening to their business lectures. So I want you to be as strategic as possible to build your own bridge.
[00:48:00] Now, while you are already earning a PhD or you are already a post-doc then I'd still want you to build a strategic bridge as a side project, for example, because that not only gives you hands-on experience real experience, but it also allows you to explore new areas and build a portfolio of real world results on top of your academic achievements.
[00:48:27] For instance, if you are interested in consulting, you can consider offering a free, a low cost consulting to a startup or a nonprofit.
[00:48:35] And this way you are building practical experiences, or if you are into data science, you can build a project like using open data sets or volunteer your skills to a cause that you care about. Maybe you can find a local school and help them understand the student learning curves or whatever. So purposeful for you. But at the same time, it helps you to gain practical knowledge. So here's your actionable prompt. I want you to identify one side project or freelance opportunity related to your field. Reach out to potential collaborators, you don't have to do this alone. out to clients or platforms where like Fiverr. Where you could showcase your skills.
[00:49:19] You can start small. And this is really more about. Dipping your toe into the water. This is about building practical experience and getting a taste of what's out there. Here's also what I say to my bachelor and master students. Your first business model as a freelancer, your first side project, won't be your last.
[00:49:42] Simple as that. Don't overcomplicate this, just try it out and why you are trying out, you will learn a ton.
[00:49:52] Here's my own example. We are finishing season five or a PostdocTransformation Show. But we only managed to get affiliate links from our podcasting service providers since season two or rather three. So we essentially financed the podcast from our other income streams. And I want you to encourage, to see the learning curve that I was able to make as as a time limited reimbursement. You need to reevaluate, if the business model of your side project or freelance work doesn't pay off after one year.
Hey, do you want to boost your PostdocTransformation and gain practical business experience? Click below to apply for a podcasting business internship with us!
[00:51:53] Brick no. 17: Understanding Business Models
[00:51:53] Eleonore: Getting familiar with business models, theories, and concepts. Okay. I want you to not only learn the business language. It's not just using the right vocabulary, but also to understand the core business concepts. So I want you to not worry about enrolling into an MBA program.
[00:52:15] You don't have to do that, but instead. There are some typical key areas with, most relevant in industry settings, like finance, marketing, and operations. So each of these fields has its own language. And as a scientist, I know that you can learn a lot. So connect the dots between your research skills and the practical demands functions or in these fields of business. bet that you also have this bug of learning. So this is something exciting. Maybe even there are so many accessible resources today, and I want you to start by exploring.
[00:52:54] A low cost online courses through platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn learning, or even YouTube and Google learn about. So maybe if that is available in your country, you can use Google. Learn about. And you can also try out Um, podcast, for example. So this is also an easy way to understand how people in business use the language to explain things to others.
[00:53:19] If you understand it, they made it simple for you. to podcasts in marketing, in science, finance and operations or in general innovations in businesses, startup culture, management or technology consulting, maybe even. by familiarizing yourself with business models, theories, and concepts, this gain insights that make it easier for you to engage in. Small talk. In industry conversations and to see how your skills fit. It's easier and less cost-effective to just listen to that.
[00:53:54] That's just your own time, instead of doing an internship or shadowing or, you know, starting in that industry to be finding out that you don't like it.
[00:54:05] Let's say you are a biologist and maybe you are used to planning, running and analyzing experience with living specimens. And that experience, actually aligns well with with operations management. So in business. It's all about optimizing processes to get results.
[00:54:26] And the same you have probably had to do. You had to create a proof of concept you had to debug and everything. So. It's actually easy to see some similarities. If you look closely. Another example would be, if you have found a research budget or a secured funding. You have already some grounding and finance, you just have to learn the language to budget that forecast. Maybe it's different. But it's essentially the same.
[00:54:58] And here's a prompt for you to get started, spend 15 minutes to research, basic business terms like return on investment P and L profit and loss.
[00:55:09] Or a market segmentation, TAM total addressable market.
[00:55:14] And see how your scientific background already touches on some of these business concepts and over and over time, this will make your own business conversations feel more natural. And also easier. And you'll see the broader context where your research skills can maybe help solve problems in your industry.
[00:55:55] Brick no. 18: Podcasting Business Internship Opportunity
[00:55:55] Eleonore: And now as promised, let me introduce you to a unique opportunity, our very own PostdocTransformation Show podcasting business internship.
[00:56:06] If you're looking to gain practical podcasting experience, or even if you just want to make meaningful industry connections that help you bridge into your new future. This will be the perfect bridge for you. Then I want you to. Apply for this internship.
[00:56:25] You will interview five thought leaders in the industries of your choice. Using my ready to ask question set. And you will be the co-host of your interviews. So you will connect directly with the experts that you choose while developing your own interview and production skills? And in return my team and I will teach you how to produce episodes and social media content using our professional tools.
[00:56:53] So way you want to walk away with real world experience and meaningful industry connections. So here's your prompt. If this opportunity sounds like your bridge to the future. I want you to apply with your name and email, and we will send you more information on setting up your podcasting business internship.
[00:57:14] Let's work together so that you can build your bridge to your future of work. Because I want to teach you how to catch the fish and not just to be handing you the fish. We've done that 60 episodes. it's time to level up. So Want you to be in the driver's seat.
[00:57:34] Here are the keys.
[00:57:37] Season Finale and Future Plans
[00:57:37] Eleonore: Dear PostdocTransformer, this brings us to the end of season five, and this is also our finale of our mini-series and I hope that today's episode gave you the roadmap for building your bridge to your future of work.
[00:57:48] I want want you to remember your career transition is a journey and this transition doesn't have to be a leap of faith. With a clear plan and the right tools. You can build your bridge. Today brick by brick.
[00:58:05] If today's episode has inspired you. I want you to like review and comment. Either on social media, but ideally really podcast players, because that is really where it counts. If you want to do this internship, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support your own PostdocTransformation, but I can't do this alone anymore. My students also will move on. And at the end of the day, it's always evolving around me.
[00:58:36] and And with our new focus on the CreatingReorganized podcast we'll be providing shorter episodes, maybe centered around timely news and insights into career transitions.
[00:58:47] Last, but not least thank you for being an incredible support on my journey so far. to many more episodes, many more milestones, and more bridges we build together until next season.
PostdocTransformer, I I know that you can build your PostdocTransformation according to your vision of life.
Thank you for listening!
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 and to enroll in our free email course Career Transition Made Simple. Thanks for your attention. I'm Prof. Dr. Eleonore Soei Winkels, the host of your seasonal Postdoc Transformation Show.
So, we are at the end of this episode, and I would love to have you, PostdocTransformers, to contribute to future seasons. We have a PostdocTransformation show newsletter where we inform about upcoming episodes, or we lay out the planning for the next seasons so that you are able to forecast who you want to ask as well as role models, or maybe you want to ask a couple of questions certain guest that is upcoming.
This PostdocTransformation show was brought to you by Prof. Dr. Eleonore Soei-Winkels
Leveraging podcasting for attracting the best students from all over the world
If you are a university chancellor, grad school dean, speaker, professor, 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 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 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, and in times of AI generated marketing material, a podcast with your academic leaders. This would prepare your best candidates for the application.
Even better, you can support and make your current Ph. D. 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, professor, 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 and get our list of 30 sample episode titles customizable for your grad school podcast. And just enter an email address on my website, www. postdoctransformation. com as linked in the show notes. 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.
Thank you for reading our full transcript of this episode.
For the PostdocTransformation show, we will interview industry experts, leaders in the corporate world, but also companies serving early career scientists leaping into business.
If you want to let us know who we should interview and bring into the show, please subscribe to our inner circle newsletter. In there you can share with us your career transition questions and suggest topics for future episodes.
This way, you will have a voice in our PostdocTransformation show.
If you value our show, please share your favorite episodes with your PhD besties,
follow us on socials and also let us know via direct message what you enjoyed!
We really appreciate positive reviews and stories on all social platforms and podcast players!
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.
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.
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!
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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!
