Careers Beyond Academia: Transitioning from Academia to Industry
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this comprehensive and engaging course, you will be able to:
- Review current statistics on the proportion of individuals with doctorates who pursue careers in academia vs. industry upon graduating
- Explore the 8 core differences between careers in academia vs. industry
- Use the Ikigai career identity framework to discover your unique purpose
- Identify the general and field-specific transferable skills you developed in academia (incl. transferable skill lists for 75+ fields of study)
- Create an effective academia-to-industry transition narrative
- Research which industries are growing in terms of number of jobs available
- Decide whether to finish your dissertation or remain ABD before applying for industry jobs
- Effectively communicate with your graduate advisor about exploring industry career paths instead of academia
- Overcome Imposter Syndrome and successfully shift your professional identity from academia to industry
- Discuss hybrid career options with roles in both academia and industry simultaneously
Instructor
Matthew P. Cowley, PhD is Associate Vice Provost for Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech. He received his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida, following his MEd in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University, where he worked in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business’s Office of Professional and Career Development. Since this time, Dr. Cowley has worked at the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center as well as in Old Dominion University’s Career Development Services unit. As a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) for nearly a decade, he is the Founder of Find Your New Direction LLC, where he specializes in helping motivated professionals leverage their experiences to identify and achieve their career and personal goals. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals including Teaching in Higher Education and the International Journal of Multicultural Education.
9888 Windy Hollow Rd
