Advice #1 — Action Matters More Than Theory

In the corporate setting, it’s crucial to remember that ideas are plentiful. For every concept you have, there’s likely someone else who has thought of it too. The key lies in execution. Your supervisors are primarily concerned with results, not theoretical discussions. Business is about action; plans often deviate from expectations, and frameworks are merely tools to assist in understanding reality. Therefore, focus on delivering results rather than getting lost in complex academic discourse.

Will I Regret Leaving Academia for an Industry Job?

This video discusses the emotional and practical considerations of leaving academia for a corporate role, providing personal anecdotes and practical advice.

Advice #2 — Keep It Simple

When communicating in a business environment, clarity is paramount. For instance, if discussing an increase in sales for a particular product during the pandemic, avoid convoluted explanations. Instead of detailing multiple factors, distill your message to its essence: "During the pandemic, people stayed home more, boosting the demand for home-use products. Consequently, this also led to increased viewership of related advertisements."

Remember, brevity and directness are valued in business communication.

Advice #3 — Be Decisive and Confident

In academia, it's common to hedge statements to maintain intellectual integrity. However, in business, decisiveness is key. Your colleagues and superiors expect clear recommendations. They want to know what you believe is the best course of action and why. Confidence in your assertions is crucial; hedging can undermine your credibility.

Advice #4 — Emphasize Speed Over Perfection

Unlike academia, where research can take years, the corporate landscape demands quick turnarounds. While precision is important, in most cases, minor errors can be corrected later. Therefore, prioritize delivering work promptly, even if it's not flawless. The business world often favors speed, as situations can evolve quickly, rendering extensive delays counterproductive.

Advice #5 — Embrace Every Task

Transitioning to the business realm often means adopting a more hands-on approach. Business tasks may not always be glamorous—data entry, scheduling, and other foundational tasks are vital. When you roll up your sleeves and tackle various responsibilities, it builds respect among your colleagues. Remember, every role contributes to the larger goal, and embracing this mindset can facilitate your success in the corporate world.

Do THIS Before You Leave Academia

This video outlines essential steps to take before making the transition from academia to industry, focusing on preparation and mindset shifts.

Ultimately, leaving academia is not just about changing jobs; it's about evolving your perspective and often improving your financial situation. Life’s responsibilities will continue, and adapting to a new reality is essential for personal and professional growth.

© Alvin T. 2022

Author's note:

This article was inspired by my conversation with Ashley, featured in Coffee Times Substack. For insights on transferable skills from academia to business, consider reading Ridley Cooper, PhD's How I Defected From Academia. The author is an editor at Japonica and writes on various topics, including society, culture, and modern work. If these themes resonate with you, consider subscribing for new stories via email.