Many researchers consider careers beyond academia, but the transition often feels unclear and frustrating. Some spend months sending applications with little response, while others manage to move into strong industry positions relatively quickly.

We spoke with William Clark about his own transition from academia and what he has learned from supporting researchers through this process. In the interview, he reflects on common mistakes, the role of focus and mindset, and why a more targeted approach often leads to better outcomes.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your academic background?

I studied Chemistry in the UK before moving to Germany to pursue my PhD in solid-state inorganic chemistry. After completing my doctorate, I did a postdoc at the Max Planck Institute, where I worked on semiconductor-related research.

Over time, I realized my passion extended beyond academia, especially in helping others navigate the challenging transition from research to industry. Now, I support academics, PhD students, postdocs and higher, by guiding them through a structured process that transforms their profiles and prepares them to become industry-ready professionals. I also host free monthly webinars that provide practical advice and insights for researchers considering this career shift.

What motivated you to leave academia, and how did you experience that transition personally?

My transition began during my postdoc when I was uncertain whether to stay in academia or move into industry. After spending several years in research, I felt the need for a change, one that would allow me to have a more direct impact on people and offer greater long-term stability, including a permanent contract and financial security.

Initially, I applied broadly to various roles but faced many rejections. It was only after I took time to reflect on my strengths and interests that I focused specifically on project management roles within the semiconductor sector. To strengthen my profile, I completed a project management certification, which helped demonstrate to employers that my skills were industry-relevant. This focused approach, while lowering the total amount of applications, significantly improved my interview rate, jumping to around 40%.

A major turning point came when I found out I was going to be a Dad. This life event shifted my priorities. I wanted a remote role to be present for my family, which shrunk my options significantly, since having a remote position in the direction I wanted was extremely difficult. At this point, I took a break from applying to focus on my family. During this pause, I re-evaluated my career goals and realized my passion for helping others facing similar transitions.

This led me to develop a systematic approach to support researchers in becoming industry-ready, drawing on my own experiences and lessons learned.

For researchers who are considering a move beyond academia, what would you recommend as the very first steps?

The first step I recommend is conducting a thorough skills audit of your PhD and any professional experience you have. Break down your work into both technical and soft skills, then rank these skills based on what you genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling. This is crucial because a career should be more than just a job, it should be something that motivates and excites you.

Once you have this clear picture, you can start mapping your skills onto potential industry roles. This helps narrow down career paths that align with your strengths and interests, making your job search more targeted and effective.

Based on your experience, what are the most common challenges researchers face when transitioning into industry roles?

Many researchers struggle with translating their academic achievements into language that resonates with industry hiring managers. Academic CVs often emphasize publications and technical details, but industry recruiters look for clear evidence of transferable skills and business impact.

Networking is another common hurdle, many academics find it difficult to reach out and build connections in industry, which is often crucial for uncovering job opportunities.

Additionally, understanding the variety of roles available and how to format CVs and cover letters for industry standards can be confusing.

Addressing these challenges early on by learning how to communicate your value effectively and building a professional network can significantly improve your chances of success.

Many researchers struggle to translate their academic experience into language that resonates with hiring managers. What practical advice would you give for improving CVs and cover letters?

Start by focusing on outcomes and impact rather than just tasks. For example, instead of listing “conducted experiments,” describe how your work contributed to solving a problem, improving processes, or achieving goals. Use industry-relevant keywords and quantify your achievements where possible, numbers and results catch recruiters’ attention.

Tailor each CV and cover letter to the specific role you’re applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description. Avoid jargon that only academics understand and instead use clear, concise language that shows how your expertise can benefit the company.

You emphasize the importance of LinkedIn as part of the transition. What should researchers focus on if they are just starting to build their presence there?

Two key areas to focus on are alignment and visibility.

First, ensure your LinkedIn profile and CV tell a consistent story. Recruiters often cross-check both, and discrepancies can raise doubts.

Second, rewrite your LinkedIn headline to be industry-relevant. Recruiters use LinkedIn like Google and search for keywords to find candidates. Sadly, no recruiter is going to search for “PhD Student”. Instead of saying “PhD Student,” craft a headline that includes your desired role, who you are, the value you bring, and relevant keywords. For example: “Project Manager | PhD in Chemistry | Driving Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing | Munich.”

This simple change can dramatically increase your profile views, sometimes by up to eight times, and lead to interview invitations. Building a strong LinkedIn presence also means engaging with industry content, joining relevant groups, and connecting with professionals in your target field.

You work closely with researchers aiming to enter the German job market. Are there specific characteristics or expectations that distinguish Germany from other countries? 

Germany has a distinct business culture that values precision, reliability, and direct communication. Understanding these cultural nuances can make a big difference in interviews and workplace integration. For example, punctuality is critical, and formal communication is often preferred, especially in initial interactions.

International researchers should invest time in learning about German business etiquette and workplace norms. This might include familiarizing themselves with typical hiring processes, contract structures, and negotiation styles. Participating in local networking events or industry meetups, even virtually, can also help build cultural fluency and connections.

Looking at successful transitions you have supported: what differentiates researchers who manage to secure strong industry positions relatively quickly from those who struggle?

The biggest differentiators are focus and mindset. Researchers who clearly identify the type of role they want early in the process and concentrate their efforts on that path tend to succeed faster. It might seem counterintuitive, but applying broadly to many different positions often dilutes your impact. By focusing on a specific role or sector, you can tailor your applications, develop relevant skills, and prepare more effectively for interviews.

This focused approach leads to higher interview rates and better outcomes. For instance, when I was applying, narrowing my focus helped me achieve a 40% interview rate, and many of my clients have seen similar improvements by adopting this strategy.