🎓 Should You Leave Academia for Industry or Business?
If you're standing at that crossroads—wondering whether to jump into industry or build something of your own—this episode is required listening.
💡 In this conversation, Tory Wobber shares how she went from a Harvard PhD in biology to a leadership role in data science at Facebook and Google… and eventually became a sought-after coach helping other academics make the leap.
Here's Your Problem:
You’ve done everything right—grants, publications, multiple job market seasons—and it still feels like you’re losing.
When Tory faced this, she set a boundary, walked away from academia, and found a path that gave her both impact and freedom.
Her coaching program, Academic Exit, has helped over 100 PhDs (especially in the social sciences) transition successfully into industry jobs they actually enjoy.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
🔑 Decide if industry or entrepreneurship is right for you
🔑 Translate your PhD into real-world skills
🔑 Avoid the biggest mistakes academics make when leaving
🔑 Build a career rooted in your actual goals—not just survival
Whether you’re curious about data science, career coaching, or just desperate for a way out—this one’s for you.
Resources:
Join Tory's program, Academic Exit:
VictoriaWobber.com
AcademicExit.com
Connect with Tory on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-cpcc-0364682b/
Recovering Academics group:
Message Gabrielle Filip-Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellefc/
Ready to explore academic editing or coaching? → AcadiaEditing.com/map
4:27 - Tori's Journey From Harvard PhD to Industry Leader
7:07 - Academia's Unreasonable Expectations
10:18 - The Data Science Leap to Facebook
14:25 - Navigating Corporate Culture Shock
18:00 - Finding Your Fit Beyond Academia
22:30 - The Power of Career Coaching
26:00 - Avoid the Spray-and-Pray Job Search
30:00 - Your Next Career Chapter
","author_name":"Paulina Cossette"}