From academia to industry: guiding PhDs across career bridges

MSCA Fellow of the Month

As a doctoral fellow in Humanistic Studies at the University of Rovira and Virgili in Spain, Debashish studies the possibilities for doctorate holders to move into industry careers.

A guide through the crossing process

The lines between academia and industry are blurring, and many young PhDs face limited opportunities in traditional academic roles. As a result, they are increasingly interested in new sectors to transfer their careers to. However, crossing that bridge often turns out to be quite challenging.

That's why Debashish and his team have developed HIRES-PhD (High Impact Research and Employability Skills for PhDs), a framework that helps to measure the employability of doctorate holders outside academia and guides them through that transition.

The project helped identify a set of key transversal skills such as workmanship, charisma, tenacity and empowerment, while also aiming to inspire universities in adapting their doctoral training to this new reality.

The project also strives to raise the perception of PhD value in non-academic institutions. It was conducted with the contribution of industry stakeholders.

A career at the juncture of research and business

During his Master in Business Administration in his native India, Debashish flew to Europe as an Erasmus+ student and developed a keen interest in academic research. He then started his doctoral research under the Martí i Franquès Doctoral Programme Plus MSCA COFUND project.

For Debashish and his team, the project is also an interesting inward look that allowed them to self-reflect on their own experiences with the dynamic job market. The project is an undertaking of the Group of Trainers for the Professionalisation of Doctoral Studies.

An advocate for quality education and a diverse workplace

Debashish raised funds for orphanages and co-founded a nature learning school that unlocks affordable and quality education for disadvantaged children.

Today, as a Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) member, Debashish is able to grow alongside brilliant minds across fields and nationalities.

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