Can I get into industry after a PhD?

The doctorate is a significant milestone, but what comes next? Many doctoral graduates ask themselves how the transition to industry can be organized in order to make the most of their career opportunities. Not only theoretical knowledge plays a role here, but also the right practical skills and a strong network. Through targeted preparation and further training, for example in the form of boot camps, doctoral graduates can master these challenges and successfully gain a foothold in the industry. Take advantage of these opportunities to actively shape your career path and seize the opportunities that arise.

Benefits for your career: Switching to industry after completing your doctorate offers numerous career advantages. In industry, promotion opportunities are often more clearly defined and can be realized far more quickly than in the academic world. In addition, industry allows for specific career paths that enable specialized knowledge to be directly applied and further developed.

Industry and salary: One of the most convincing arguments for switching is the salary. In many industrial sectors, salaries are significantly higher compared to academia. This is partly because industry is strongly focused on results and is willing to offer attractive financial incentives to specialists and innovative minds.

Practical applications: Another key advantage is the ability to find practical applications for research results. In industry, ideas and innovations can be applied to real-world problems, which not only contributes to professional fulfillment, but also increases personal impact on one's working environment. This encourages an active and productive way of working in an often dynamic team environment.

When you move from PhD to industry, various challenges can arise. Here are some of the most common hurdles and possible solutions:

Networking: many PhDs have a limited professional network outside of academia. Solution: Participate in professional networking events and platforms such as Xing and LinkedIn to make new contacts.

Acquire additional skills: Transitioning into industry often requires new, practical skills. Solution: Consider attending IT bootcamps that offer hands-on courses in web and Java development and cloud computing.

Adapting to a new work culture: The work culture in industry can be very different from the academic environment. Solution: Flexibility and openness to new working methods are essential. Coaching from experienced professionals can also be helpful.

A conscious focus on these aspects will help you to make the career transition smoother and successfully gain a foothold in the new working environment.

Use your doctorate for specialization and highlight your research expertise. This increases your chances in innovation projects where specialized knowledge is in demand. Through targeted specialization, you can work in leading positions and lead complex research projects.