Feeling stuck between academia and industry?
You're not alone.
IndustryCareerGuide was created by scientists who've lived that journey—navigating two worlds, learning by trial and error, and finding new purpose in solving real-world problems. Now, we want to help you do the same, with no jargon or sales pitches.
"I had a PhD and no idea what to do with it."
Five years of research. Dozens of papers. Zero guidance on what came next.
Career services told me "data scientist" or "consulting." But what does that even mean?
The problem nobody talks about
You spend years becoming an expert. You master techniques, publish research, teach students. Then you realize academia isn't for you—or can't afford to be.
So you start Googling. "PhD industry jobs." "Postdoc to industry." "What can I do with a biology PhD?"
You get the same recycled advice: "transferable skills," "networking," "be confident." But nobody tells you: What actual jobs exist? What do they pay? How do you get there?
How It Works?
Tell us about yourself
Take a short quiz; share your values, strengths, and biggest worries.
Get matched to real careers
AI analyzes your profile and recommends careers you might not have considered—with detailed explanations for each match.
Receive a clear plan
Get a personalized plan for specific skills to develop, courses to take, and resume tips for job applications.
Tell us about yourself
Take a short quiz; share your values, strengths, and biggest worries.
Get matched to real careers
AI analyzes your profile and recommends careers you might not have considered—with detailed explanations for each match.
Receive a clear plan
Get a personalized plan for specific skills to develop, courses to take, and resume tips for job applications.
Explore Popular Career Paths
Discover detailed career trajectories with skills, timelines, and salary progressions
See detailed career progression maps after taking our assessment
Why Trust Us
Built By Scientists, For Scientists
The team behind this platform has transitioned from the bench to biotech, from academia to startups, and from "I have no roadmap" to helping hundreds of PhDs do the same.
- •45+ career paths with detailed transition roadmaps.
- •10+ validated course and certification links per career path.
- •No cost, no BS—just tools we wish existed.
From the Founder
My transition to industry started six months before I even defended my PhD thesis. One application, one offer, one leap of faith from Philadelphia to San Francisco. Those 3 years at the California startup taught me something crucial: the skills that made me a good scientist could make me valuable in industry—if I knew how to frame them.
But life pulled me to Sweden, and the easiest visa path was a postdoc. Except this time, I brought industry with me—consulting for my former employer in California while working at the bench. I was living in both worlds simultaneously, and that's when I saw it clearly: the gap between academia and industry isn't about capability. It's about translation.
I founded a postdoc association because I kept meeting brilliant scientists who felt stuck. They had the talent, the work ethic, the problem-solving skills—but not the roadmap. When I was ready to transition back to industry, I applied to just two positions. I got one of them, and it has evolved into my current role: CEO of a deeptech startup developing analytical instruments. As a small startup, we have active collaborations with academic labs, and I continue to hear from friends trapped in "one more postdoc" cycles.
I've made this transition twice—once in the US, once in Europe. I know the uncertainty, the imposter syndrome, the fear of "wasting" your PhD, but I also know how to translate your skills and speak industry language. I made this platform to help you discover the industry career choices that align with your skills and values, and to position your skills for industry success. I hope it helps those of you standing at that crossroads find your path forward.
Ready to Start?
No cost, no strings. Try the assessment, explore your options, and see how your skills, values and job preferences match to different careers.
We're here for feedback, critique, and conversation—reach out any time.