Aleksandar began his PhD in neuroscience but soon discovered that experimental science wasn’t the right fit - so he made the leap into data science. Curious about the company he’s working for and the sector as a whole? Listen to find out more! Hosts Linus Milinski and Chiara Toschi sit down with Dr. Aleksandar Ivanov, a data-scientist working for Faculty AI and former PhD student at Oxford. Aleksandar takes us through his journey of transitioning from a PhD in auditory neuroscience to a dynamic career in data science. He opens up about the challenges and excitement of seeking a more fast-paced professional environment and shares valuable insights on how he prepared for this shift, including the internships he pursued. Aleksandar offers a candid comparison between the academic world and the data-driven consulting industry, so tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with tips for anyone considering a similar career change! Faculty AI fellowship: https://faculty.ai/fellowship-fellows Science to Data Science fellowship: https://www.s2ds.org/

Interested in uncovering the past and keeping history alive? Join us to explore the unique role of archivists and learn how to prepare for a career in this fascinating field of work. Hosts Linus Milinski and Chiara Toschi sit down with Dr. Alexa Frost, an archivist at the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. She shares her journey from historical research to embracing the unique perspective archivists bring to historical data. She offers a glimpse into her diverse responsibilities, including cataloguing, outreach, and her passion for bringing history to life. Plus, Alexa provides valuable tips and resources for anyone interested in pursuing this rewarding career. The National Archives website: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Archive and Records Association: https://www.archives.org.uk/ Scottish Council on Archives: https://www.scottisharchives.org.uk/

We continued our chat with Dr Holly Reeve, this time asking her about her role as staff recruiter for her company. What skills does she look for? And how can an academic experience help you to land a job? This is the second part of our chat with Dr Holly Reeve, the CEO and co-founder of HydRegen. In this new instalment, we ask Holly about her perspective as a recruiter for her company. What does she look for in a new member of her team? What soft skills does she value the most? And how can a PhD or an equivalent experience in academic research help to gain these vital skills? Tune in to gain insight from someone on the other side of the desk. HydRegen website: https://hydregenoxford.com/

Where does the journey to becoming a CEO begin? Dr Holly Reeve looks back at her career and shares the path that led her to start and lead her own company. Dr Holly Reeve is the CEO and co-founder of HydRegen, a chemical manufacturing company with a focus on sustainability. In this episode with hosts Linus Milinski and Thomas Nicol she looks back at her beginnings and what now seems to be a very straight career trajectory that can be summarised by “got results, thought they were relevant, started a company”. But nothing is as easy as it seems, and she shares with us her journey and the ups and the downs that turned her from a PhD to a successful CEO. HydRegen website: https://hydregenoxford.com/

Susan was a post-doctoral researcher in biochemistry, before she decided to change gears and go into the career advisory sector. Curious about the move? Look no further! Tune in for all the tips, insights, and a fun peek into the world of career advice. Hosts Linus Milinski and Thomas Nicol sit down with Dr. Susan Black, a career advisor at the University of Oxford. Susan shares her personal journey from academic research to a role in career services, and what it is like to work as a careers advisor. She also offers invaluable advice for PhDs and post-docs looking to transition into non-academic careers. With years of experience advising researchers, she provides practical tips on how to navigate career changes, the importance of self-reflection, and the power of networking.

Welcome to Switching Hats, a podcast all about career transitions from academia to other exciting sectors. Meet the hosts and learn what’s coming up in this new series! Welcome to Switching Hats, a podcast exploring the wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional academic paths. Hosted by postdoctoral scientists from the Research Careers initiative, this series offers guidance and inspiration for researchers considering new professional directions. Each episode features conversations with individuals who have successfully transitioned from academic research into diverse fields such as data science, consulting, entrepreneurship and more. Our guests share their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they used to adapt their skills to new industries. If you're curious about how to leverage your academic expertise to build a fulfilling career beyond the lab or lecture hall, join us for insights, advice, and inspiration. Let’s explore these exciting career pathways together. Research Careers website: https://research-careers.org/