Career planning for PhDs
Sound familiar?
These aren't hypotheticals. They're direct quotes from PhDs we've talked to.
I spent 6 years learning about something I don't want to center my career on.
My advisor's career advice doesn't work outside academia.
'Just network more' is useless advice when I don't know anyone.
I see job postings asking for 3-5 years experience and panic.
I don't even know what I want out of life anymore.
I know I need to do something but I don't know where to start.
The process
No courses. No modules. Just a conversation and a plan.
A 5-minute conversation where I learn about your field, your fears, your goals, and your constraints. No forms to fill out—just talk.
Based on what you told me, I'll generate 3 specific tasks for this week. Each one takes under 2 hours. Each one moves you forward.
Complete tasks, check them off. Stuck on something? Chat with me—I remember everything about your situation and can help.
of PhD graduates feel unprepared for non-academic careers
will end up outside academia (whether they planned to or not)
report higher job satisfaction after leaving academia
Early readers
“This could have changed the course of my entire grad school career.”
— 5th year, MD Anderson Graduate School
“Getting students to care about what hiring managers see beyond publications has been a challenge. This tool will help them break out of their shells.”
— PhD Career Counselor, California School System
“I didn't even realize how little of a plan I had until I started going through the exercises. I actually feel like I know what I want now.”
— 2nd year, Ohio State University
“Finally, something that doesn't treat me like I'm clueless just because I haven't worked in industry.”
— Postdoc, MIT
WHAT YOU'LL GET
3 specific tasks tailored to your field, your goals, and where you are right now.
Reach out to 2 people who made the PhD-to-industry transition in your field. Ask what surprised them most about leaving.
Why this matters: Your network is mostly other academics. You need perspectives from people who actually made the jump.
Draft a 30-second elevator pitch that explains what you do without using any academic jargon.
Why this matters: Industry people tune out when they hear "dissertation" or "methodology." You need a version they can understand.
Research 3 companies that hire people with your background. Find one job posting at each that sounds interesting.
Why this matters: You need to know what's out there before you can decide what you want. This is reconnaissance.
10 minutes of conversation. A personalized plan. An AI advisor who actually knows your situation.
Get Your Plan →