Gianluca Bortoletto
Data Analyst at NTT DataMy academic background allows me to understand the main issues related to the job and the research project, and how to offer potential solutions to that.
My academic background allows me to understand the main issues related to the job and the research project, and how to offer potential solutions to that.
Understanding what really motivates me and gets me out of bed in the morning tended to steer me in the right direction and enabled me to realise my calling.
When the job is highly related to my PhD field, I’m able to ramp up faster and apply my domain knowledge to the job. When the job is less related to my PhD, self-learning and soft skills are generally useful.
My research training set me up to… Organise my time and available resources efficiently and understand the value of determination and perseverance.
For my students, the possibility to interact with a teacher who can tell them how science works and how it develops is really stimulating and positively challenging.
‘Academic’ research doesn’t only happen in universities; there might be more overlap than you think between academia and industry.
Yes, I felt pretty confident overall. I enjoyed my PhD and felt it equipped me well for any intellectual challenges that other roles might throw at me.
If I was going to turn this into my ideal job, what bits of it would I keep, what would I lose, and what would I want to add?
The problem-solving aspect is what I enjoy the most and the direct impact/value my work has is very rewarding.
Always think about what you can offer to others, and be prepared to market your skills and strengths accordingly.
Transitioning out of academia is not easy–it takes time but find a way to use your skills and training for whatever is next.
The skills you have are highly valued, but a positive can-do attitude is just as important.