Land Your First Non-Academic Job: A PhD’s Guide to Career Success
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a scientist and traveling the world, studying evolution and conservation. I read about biology, watched all the documentaries available to a kid in the ’90s, and interviewed every biologist I ever met.
Nobody in my family had ever graduated high school; going to college was seen as the most significant deal anyone could take over. On the other hand, my family could not support me financially. I was lucky that I grew up in a country with a very inexpensive university education, but there were still bills to pay. Accomplishing my dream wasn’t going to be easy.
Against all odds, I made it happen. I completed my bachelor’s degree with honors. I spent a semester abroad in Finland. I earned my Master’s degree in Barcelona and moved to Australia and the US to complete my Ph.D. Then, I moved to the US, taking three different postdocs and/or teaching positions.
I made it!
I had accomplished my dream of becoming “a real scientist,” but something felt off. I let months and years go by as I told myself that it was normal to feel misaligned with my career occasionally.
But the feeling never went away. It actually grew stronger.
I eventually had to do some introspection to identify what was going on. The answer?
My career wasn’t aligned with my life purpose, the reason I became a scientist in the first place: To help make the world a better place by addressing the biodiversity and climate change crises.
That’s when I decided that I would leave academia and land a job that better fit my life purpose. But how.
Realizing I had no help available
When I left academia, I felt lost. I had dedicated years to research, teaching, and publishing, yet I struggled to see how my skills fit into the “real world.”
As I mentioned, leaving my academic career was the hardest decision I ever made. Ultimately, it took years of trial and error to figure out how to translate my expertise into a six-figure career, one that not only fulfilled my values but also allowed me to thrive financially and personally.
However, I still remember how lonely I felt when I decided that I wanted to transition out of academia. Feeling lost, I started looking for resources that would tackle my exact need, but I couldn’t find any.
That’s why something that I could have accomplished within a few weeks took me years to figure out. Further, I found it hard to deal with the emotions that came with changing a career that meant my whole identity at the time, to have no one in my circles who could relate to what I was going through.
This is why I created this course. I know what it feels like to be stuck, unsure of how to take the next step. I want to show you that another career path is possible. This isn’t a compromise; life as a PhD outside of academia can be as and even more fulfilling.
Let me help you turn your hard-earned academic achievements into a new adventure. You don’t have to start from scratch; I’ll teach you how!
Who Is This Course For?
- Academics who feel stuck and uncertain about transitioning to non-academic roles.
- PhDs looking for practical strategies to break into industry, non-profits, public service, or entrepreneurship.
- Anyone ready to translate years of specialized knowledge into a meaningful, impactful, and well-paid career.
What You’ll Learn
✅ Break Myths of Non-Transferable Skills: Discover how your academic expertise aligns with real-world needs.
✅ Explore Diverse Career Pathways: Learn how your background fits into industries like corporate roles, advocacy, public policy, and start-ups.
✅ Showcase Your Skills: Craft resumes, cover letters, and portfolios that comprehensibly highlight your impact.
✅ Network Like a Pro: Build meaningful connections across sectors and present yourself with confidence.
✅ Overcome Challenges: Manage imposter syndrome, transition guilt, navigate financial shifts, and adapt to new environments.
Course Structure
Module Highlights:
- Breaking the Myths of Non-Transferable Skills
Learn how to reframe your expertise and identify the versatile skills you already possess. - Mapping Your Academic Skills to New Sectors
Discover how to translate your academic accomplishments into the language of industries, non-profits, and beyond. - Exploring Career Pathways
Dive into actionable strategies for securing roles in industry, public service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. - Demonstrating Transferable Skills in Applications
Create resumes and cover letters that show your value clearly and concisely. - Networking Across Sectors
Build confidence in cross-sector conversations and learn how to navigate informational interviews. - Navigating Emotional and Practical Challenges
Address imposter syndrome, financial planning, and time management to make your transition smooth and empowering.
Why This Course Is Different
This isn’t just another “how-to” career course.
It’s a guided experience based on my own journey as a former academic who successfully transitioned into a career that aligns with my passions and values.
I know the challenges you’re facing because I’ve been there. That’s why this course blends practical strategies with real-world insights—and goes beyond just tactics. Each week, we’ll meet to troubleshoot obstacles, talk through setups, and navigate the emotions that come with career transitions. You won’t have to figure it all out alone.
This is about more than just landing a job—it’s about finding a path that honors your expertise and identity, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Your No-Brainer Guarantee
I’m so confident in this course that I offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you complete the course and don’t feel it helped you make progress in your career transition, I’ll refund your purchase—no questions asked.
Enroll Today and Take the Next Step in Your Career
✅ Lifetime access to all modules, lessons, and resources—learn at your own pace.
✅ Weekly support to troubleshoot challenges and navigate your transition with confidence.
✅ Practical exercises and real-world examples tailored to your academic background.
✅ A step-by-step roadmap to turn your skills into a fulfilling career beyond academia.
🎓 Special Offer: Enroll now and receive it at a special launching price.
Not sure if this course is the right fit for you? Let’s chat!
Book a free call with me to discuss your goals, challenges, and whether this program aligns with your needs. No pressure—just a chance to explore your options and get clarity on your next steps.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Leaving academia doesn’t mean leaving behind your passion, skills, or values. It’s about bringing them to a new stage where they can shine brighter than ever.
Join me, and let’s explore the opportunities waiting for you beyond the ivory tower.
Land Your First Job Beyond Academia
Transform Your Career with Confidence
This course empowers PhDs to successfully transition beyond academia by identifying their transferable skills, exploring diverse career paths, and securing meaningful roles in industry, non-profits, the public sector, or entrepreneurship.
Led by Dr. Silvia Pineda-Munoz, a former academic who aligned her career with her purpose—moving from academia to the non-profit sector, then into the public sector and entrepreneurship—students will gain expert guidance and personalized support through weekly sessions.
Unlock your potential and build a career that aligns with your passion and expertise!