Lauren Reid
Senior Computational Chemist/ Developer at MedChemica Ltd.It is possible to find a healthy work-life balance whilst still developing a career and pursuing scientific interests.
It is possible to find a healthy work-life balance whilst still developing a career and pursuing scientific interests.
I enjoy applying my scientific background and business acumen to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between research and practical implementation.
Do informational interviews, they can be very helpful. Use your network to look for opportunities and learn about options.
It might feel safe and comfortable to stay in a role you have become proficient in, but exploring other career paths can lead to exciting new opportunities.
Stay curious. Don’t just read your pages of Nature, read the whole thing. Appreciate the links between your field and other fields. I think this is a really important point if you’re ever looking to move beyond your research area.
As an academic and lifelong learner, I think you have the research and development skills to quickly learn about a new subject matter.
Never underestimate your PhD or your academic skills. You don’t have to retrain. You don’t have to start again. Find the organisations who value what you already have and can do.
I learned to try and be OK with failure. Again, something that not many people have in industry as it is easier to ‘do what they tell you’ than to think critically.
Do it! PhDs acquire many incredibly valuable skills which are still very rare in society. (…) Do not be deterred! Your skills are rare and valuable, and your insights will be appreciated. The grass is indeed greener on the other side…
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.