Once upon a time, I wasn’t selected for a role I applied for because even though I had the skills and experience, I had not worked in the non-profit world.
That was it.
When the decision-maker sent that feedback, I thanked them for it and moved on with my day.
Here’s the reality: sometimes you have the skills, experience, and knowledge to be in that role. But selection processes can be so subjective that just ONE thing leaves you out.
That can be a bitter pill to swallow as an academic when you’re used to an “effort in, effort out” kind of system. And so, this kind of feedback can feel like a blow to the ego.
I’m in your inbox today to tell you to not get discouraged or beat yourself up if you ever encounter this problem. It’s NOT you.
Instead:
✅ Control what you can control.
✅ Be proud of your skills and experiences.
✅Don’t be afraid to stand out in any way you can. (E.g. My podcast/YouTube channel has been a way for me to stand out since 2021. The conversations that arise as a result of it always intrigue me.)
✅ Be encouraged by the fact that you’ve worked hard to get where you are.
In the latest episode of The Bold PhD Podcast, I banter with Dr. David Mendes da Silva of the Papa PhD Podcast about the top questions we’ve received as people who talk about post-PhD careers. We talked about:
– what to do if faced with quitting a PhD
– what to do when it is taking too long to find a job with your PhD
– what to say when an anyone tells you, you’re overqualified
– how to talk about your translational skills if you plan to switch to a non-academic role
– and a word of advice for mid-career faculty looking to switch from academia
Listen to or watch the episode here.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Gertrude Nonterah, Ph.D.
I am thrilled to announce that my book, Navigating the Pivot, is now live on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and a bunch of other platforms. Plus, you can request your local or university library to get the book! Order your copy here.