Tell us about your career journey since you graduated?
As I approached completion of my PhD, I secured a role at Sagentia Innovation, initially as a principal analyst before moving into the sustainability department as consultant. After working with this employer for just over two and a half years, I moved into low carbon technology project management at the Energy Networks Association.
What have been your main activities in these roles?
At Sagentia Innovation I worked as a science and technology consultant conducting primary and secondary research to provide multinational companies with recommendations across different sectors (Energy and Chemicals, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods). My activities included technical and sustainability assessment of innovative technologies and products, identification of new market opportunities and research for potential partnerships on behalf of the clients. In my new role at the Energy Networks Association, I develop, manage and monitor a wide range of low carbon technology projects according to the needs of our electricity members.
How did doing a PhD at 小湿妹视频 London help you to achieve your career goals?
Completing a PhD at 小湿妹视频 London helped to prepare me for my career so far in all sorts of ways. For example, attending academic conferences was a great way to boost my confidence and learn more about how to interact with people from different disciplines, a skill which has been essential as I interact with clients and other stakeholders on a daily basis. This was further enhanced by participating in the Brunel heats of the annual , when it was essential to be able to communicate my science to an audience of non-specialists. On the job-hunting side, I learnt about opportunities with my first employer through a chance conversation with a representative from another part of the business at a Brunel STEM jobs fair - you never know where opportunities will come from! Then thanks to confidential one-to-one support from the Brunel Careers Consultant for Researchers I tailored my application, prepared for the interview and secured the role!
Why did you decide to switch from academia to consultancy?
I wanted to try something different from academia. The fast pace of work, the huge variety of projects, along with the strict deadlines have tested me to my limits at times, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with real clients from around the world and now with association members from different energy businesses.
What is your advice to be successful in applying for roles outside academia?
My advice is to start sending applications nice and early because the process can be challenging, but experience will help you improve and increase your chances of securing a role by the time you complete your PhD.
What have been the most challenging aspects of your career to date and what professional skills have you gained?
I think consultancy and project management work have challenges that are quite different to those of academia. For example, there are a lot of strict deadlines, which mean you need to confidently develop and communicate your project findings with a very tight turnaround. Through this I have enhanced my skills in so many areas, including project and time management, but especially in client communication. I’ve certainly learnt to be more patient as I work with clients on some very challenging problems or projects!
What additional advice would you give to current Doctoral Researchers at 小湿妹视频 London?
My advice would be don’t be put off applying for roles even if you don’t have direct experience. For consultancy or project management roles, include details of past projects and relevant experience from your PhD and this will help grab the attention of the recruiter.
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