In early June, more than 50 doctoral students, postdocs, and advanced master’s students gathered in Hamburg to address a question that concerns many researchers: How can one successfully make the transition from academia to industry?
The event was organized by AI Grid, Software Campus, Women in AI Hamburg and the Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC), with support from NORDAKADEMIE. The goal was to provide guidance, impart practical tools, and facilitate an open exchange about career paths outside of academic research.
Reframing Research Skills
To kick things off, Arne Ewald (NORDAKADEMIE), Dr. Madhura Thosar (Jungheinrich Digital Solutions) and Dr.-Ing. Maryna Feierabend (Hamburger Energiewerke) shared their own career paths bridging research and practice. Their experiences made it clear that the transition to industry often fails less due to a lack of skills than to the question of how these skills can be made visible and communicated.
Following the keynote speeches, participants discussed career paths outside of academic research in small groups together with ten mentors who have themselves successfully made the transition from academia to industry. During a “roundtable” on academic achievements in the corporate world and a mini-workshop on “How to Pitch Your Skills for a Business Job,” they worked on making their scientific skills visible and understandable to the business world. The direct exchange with the mentors provided practical insights into different career paths and challenges when transitioning to industry.
More Than Just a New Job
In addition to practical questions about applications, interviews, and career paths, personal aspects also came into focus. Many discussions revolved around finding an environment that aligns with one’s own interests and values, as well as the courage to try new paths.
A recurring theme was the importance of networking. The exchange with mentors who have already successfully made the transition from academia showed participants that career transitions rarely follow a straight path and that no one has to walk this path alone.
Bridges between academia and industry
The central takeaway from the workshop: Researchers already possess many of the skills needed in industry, startups, and public organizations. The key is to recognize one’s own added value and communicate it convincingly.
Through open discussions, practical exercises, and direct exchanges between early-career researchers and experienced professionals, “Beyond Academia” created a space for orientation, new perspectives, and valuable connections. It was precisely this bridge between scientific expertise and professional practice that made the workshop particularly valuable for many participants.
