Careers advice from scientists in industry

A career leap into the unknown can be unsettling, but you can take steps to ease the transition.

Shadi Farhangrazi describes how she accidentally became a chief executive.

A move from one sector to another isn’t a one-way street. Researchers who have pivoted between the two explain why.

Confused about promotion opportunities after moving to industry? Here are some pointers.

Shawna Pandya explores entrepreneurial niches to bring virtual-reality medicine to space exploration.

Landing that first job in industry requires planning, homework and networking — and a bit of soul-searching.

Laura Walker co-founded a spin-off company, but she moved to big pharma after the therapy the firm had been testing came to nothing. She explains why.

As a child, Imogen Howarth enjoyed solving problems and playing with cars. Now, she helps to redesign a classic and acts as a role model for aspiring female engineers.

Don’t underestimate the steep learning curve involved when you switch sectors, says Jonathan Bowen.

A growing number of PhD programmes and postdoc positions combine academic questions and industry resources.

Don’t sell yourself short when talking about pay, annual leave and other benefits, say scientists who have made the move.

The country is known for its love of meat. Could the growing insect industry help to reduce agricultural carbon emissions?

Despite its small size, the French city’s long history of science and business means it punches above its weight in scientific output.

Postdoc positions in industry can teach people skills that they would not learn in academia.

The three of us took a break from our PhD programmes for a stint that enriched our CVs and improved our chances of career success.

Nature’s salary survey finds that industry researchers are more positive about their careers. Academia must raise its game.

Oliver Müller’s brief tenure at the technology giant taught him that many skills acquired in academia are highly valued.

Nature asked talent-acquisition manager Melisa Medrano how candidates for industry positions can tailor their CVs.

Struggling with your principal investigator’s bias towards academia? Here are some workarounds.

To beat the stiff competition, highlight your skills in collaboration, teamwork and meeting deadlines.

Be ready for queries that reflect stereotypes about academia and that probe why you’re switching sectors, says Tina Persson.

Don’t despair if people try to talk you out of pursuing an industry position — your degree can open many doors, says Isaiah Hankel.

University careers advisory services can connect PhD students with employers and guide them to the right role.

As a leader, you cannot hide, says Hagen Zimer of his managing-director role in industry. You need to be authentic, empathetic and a great listener.

Eindhoven University of Technology was set up to partner with local companies. Mutual trust and a respect for academic freedom are key, Julie Gould discovers.

How do you convince an academic employer that you’re a safe bet, despite having no experience in the sector? Julie Gould finds out.

The sector is broad, ranging from tiny start-ups to huge multinationals. Choose wisely.

Some researchers run both academic labs and companies, challenging the idea that the two sectors operate in silos.

If academic research isn’t for you, when is the best time to switch sectors? Industry insiders offer their advice.

How porous is the metaphorical membrane between academia and industry? Julie Gould finds out.

Many researcher entrepreneurs forge successful portfolio careers across the two sectors.

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher might not fast-track your career outside academia, Julie Gould discovers.