Manolo Castellano
Recruiting Manager at Talento CientificoI started a process of self-awareness to understand where I could apply my skills and which were my main motivations from a personal and professional point of view.
I started a process of self-awareness to understand where I could apply my skills and which were my main motivations from a personal and professional point of view.
The PhD is a hidden superpower, not a ball and chain.
I enjoy interacting with clients and starting new projects, where you have to dive into a space and quickly familiarise yourself with it.
The problem-solving aspect is what I enjoy the most and the direct impact/value my work has is very rewarding.
I wish I had known how many other people leave academia and are happy with their decision.
A favourite part of my job is feeling like I’m doing something really impactful.
It’s very rewarding working directly with patients and exploring their experiences on different treatments. I also love the collaborative atmosphere and working across multiple areas, as you gain a lot of experience over a relatively short period of time.
There are a lot of amazing opportunities outside of academia and leaving does not mean you have ‘given up or failed’.
There are many more options out there than you’re easily aware of – some careers services may channel people towards certain career paths. It can be hard to see options other than academia when you’re in academia, but leaving isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a choice.
Consulting seemed like a natural place to apply the analytical skills that I’d gained during my PhD, whilst providing the opportunity for enormous professional development.
Researchers are highly valued by industry, so don’t be afraid to explore the opportunities that are available outside of academia.
I have a background in international area studies and political science. I have spent the past 13 years working on and in the Western Balkans, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina.