Career Workshop IV: Industry

Course Description

This course helps PhD students recognize their diverse skills and apply them in industry roles. While 50% of PhDs leave academia immediately after graduation, many feel overwhelmed and uncertain about career options beyond research.

A key challenge is networking—70% of jobs are filled through connections, putting PhDs without industry contacts at a disadvantage. Effective self-marketing is also crucial, from crafting an industry-ready CV to navigating job interviews—both often a “black box” for academics. Lastly, shifting to a private-sector mindset is essential for a smooth transition.

If you want to be fully prepared and confidently navigate your career shift, this course is for you!

Learning Objectives
After this course, participants

• Gain a clear understanding of their skills, interests, and values, and how they align with various industry roles.
• Identify at least three potential career paths outside academia that match their strengths.
• Learn how to build a professional network to support their career transition.
• Understand the key differences between an academic and industry CV-and how to tailor theirs effectively.
• Know what to expect in job interviews, including different formats, interviewer types, and preparation strategies.
• Recognize the key differences and similarities between academia and industry, including mindset shifts for a successful transition.

Lecturers

Angela Priest

With a degree in psychology and a Lean Six Sigma Belt, Angela has always been passionate about building high-performing teams in industry. She has worked across various industries and company sizes, from startups to large corporations, in both the U.S. and the U.K.

With 20+ years of hiring experience, Angela has successfully built teams and implemented effective hiring processes. She understands exactly what companies look for in candidates and is now dedicated to helping PhDs navigate the challenges of transitioning into industry.

Dr. Elena Hoffer

Elena earned her PhD in Medical Sciences from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2023. Having experienced academia firsthand, she deeply understands the challenges of transitioning into industry.

Elena’s strength lies in building relationships and professional networks. With nearly 100,000 followers on LinkedIn, she inspires PhDs daily on career development and transition strategies. She is a strong advocate for PhDs, encouraging them to recognize their value beyond academia while raising global awareness of the need for universities to better support PhDs in their career transitions.

Together Angela and Elena run Alma.me, a startup focused on helping PhDs in their transition into industry.

Participants

University of Basel PhD students of the Faculty of Medicine and of Swiss TPH.

Preference is given to those registered to PPHS or PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering.

Group size: maximum 12 participants 

Workload & credits

This program combines self-paced learning, interactive workshops, and one-on-one coaching to provide a structured and engaging learning experience.

• Self-Study: 4 hours of pre-recorded video materials available on our online platform for flexible, independent learning.
• Interactive Sessions: Four live sessions (2 hours each), where we introduce the week’s topic while allowing ample time for discussions and Q&A.
• Assignments: Participants will receive weekly tasks to complete between sessions, reinforcing key concepts and practical application.

This blended approach ensures a comprehensive learning experience, balancing flexibility with expert guidance and peer interaction.

1 ECTS (learning contract required).

The setup of the course requires 100% attendance. PPHS will charge a fee of CHF 50 in case of cancellation later than 2 weeks before the course starts, or if you don’t attend the course.