Who Do I Ask For Advice?
Would you ask a tennis player to coach you in basketball? Or ask a truck driver about breaking into stock car racing? Of course not. Even though the former both ‘play ball’ and the latter both drive for a living, the conditions, environment, and skills developed are very different. So why do we depend on our academic advisors and peers for advice about working in industry?
Often, it is because
our academic lab leaders are accessible and seem knowledgeable and trustworthy.
But usually a person cannot appropriately advise you on something they have never experienced. It is often hearsay from someone else they felt was knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Nor can academicians often provide examples of industry-friendly resumes. Academics use a Curriculum vitae (CV), loosely translated as “[the] course of [my] life.” This format is completely inappropriate for industry as its purpose is to obtain an academic position. It is designed to be supplemented by written references, a research plan, budget proposal, and other documents in an application package.
Most resume-making websites also are not relevant for scientists.
They often will give bad advice regarding objectives, length, publications, etc. based on resumes for non-scientific roles, such as accounting or marketing. Such sites also don’t provide information on how to communicate (and demonstrate) your expertise and contributions in the resume.
Priorities for hiring scientists in academia are different than in industry. Academic departments are interested in your perceived stature in your field (often reflected in your publications and references), your ability to attract funding, and your effectiveness in teaching and mentoring.
In industry, hiring managers want to know if you are productive, innovative, flexible, if you will adapt well to a team-based environment, and if you can do science under a deadline. There is little room for egos and little time for “do-overs.”
Not every scientist is a good “fit” in an industry environment.
You likely have met professors with big egos, authoritarian personalities, or temper issues that would not be suitable in a team-oriented business environment. Even in one’s own lab, the competition to “publish or perish” can lead to secrecy and data hoarding—characteristics not embraced in industry.
Both professors and industry researchers are scientists, but they have different skills that make them successful in their specific careers.
So, don’t ask your professor who has never been out of the Ivory Tower for advice on how to market yourself for industry. Remember, you wouldn’t ask a dermatologist to do your cardiac surgery, even though they are both doctors!
That’s why we created Scientific Resumes, built by industry researchers, hiring managers, and recruiters. Every scientist in industry came from academia, so get the information YOU need to successfully direct your own career.
We at Scientific Resumes are here to help.
Your first step is to convert your academic CV into a results-oriented and industry-friendly resume. You need a document that highlights your relevant contributions and characteristics. At ScientificResumes.com you will get the worksheet, instructions, tools and examples to show you how to create a resume that will be well received by a hiring manager. You will be happily surprised. It’s not just about format, but content. See how to re-think your experience and present it in the most effective and powerful way. There is even a very useful option to have your resume professionally reviewed, proofed, and returned with comments.
It’s time to invest in yourself and your future industry career. Let the experts at www.ScientificResumes.com help you get started today so you’ll be ready to apply for your first industry job tomorrow.
Once your resume is ready to go, click HERE for a list of almost 200 industry jobs that do NOT require prior industry experience
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