On this episode of The Bold PhD, host Dr. Gertrude Nonterah spoke with Dr. Jeff Malins, a neuroscientist turned AI scientist, about the complex emotions and practical realities of making the transition from academia to industry. Their conversation revealed both the struggles and rewards of leaving a faculty position to pursue an industry career.
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Discovering Unexpected Skills
Dr. Malins shared that his path into AI was anything but linear. Although he initially avoided computer science, a graduate-level programming requirement introduced him to R. To his surprise, he fell in love with coding and problem solving, skills that later became central to his career shift.
This lesson underscores the importance of remaining open to new skills during a PhD journey. Often, the competencies picked up along the way—whether in programming, project management, or communication—become the bridge to opportunities outside academia.
When Academia Becomes Unsustainable
After completing his doctorate, Dr. Malins worked as a faculty member at Georgia State University. His first semester of teaching coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified the stress of supporting students while managing heavy administrative and research demands. The experience revealed how unsustainable his academic role had become in terms of energy, balance, and personal fulfillment.
He pointed out that many PhDs reach this crossroads, where the emotional weight of academia—from burnout to constant overwork—forces them to consider alternative career paths.
Redefining Identity Beyond Academia
One of the biggest hurdles Dr. Malins faced in his transition was the “identity work” required to see himself as something beyond a professor. Many academics struggle with this, believing that their value lies solely in their research niche.
What helped Dr. Malins was recognizing the transferability of his skills. From programming to communicating complex ideas in simple terms, he realized that his abilities were not only relevant but highly sought after in the AI and healthcare industries.
The Practical Shift: From CV to Resume
Dr. Malins also discussed the practical challenges of presenting his experience to industry employers. He invested significant time revising his CV into a resume that emphasized transferable skills, outcomes, and real-world impact. He credited online resources (like The Bold PhD) and career counselors for guiding him through this process.
This adjustment highlights a critical step for anyone considering a transition from academia: learning to communicate your expertise in terms that resonate with industry audiences.
Life on the Other Side of Academia
Interestingly, Dr. Malins found that his daily work as a research scientist in AI is not vastly different from his academic roles. He still spends time analyzing data, coding in Python, and writing scientific papers. The biggest difference? Context. In industry, every project has a business or clinical goal, and the pace is often faster.
Yet, this shift brought unexpected benefits: better work-life balance, freedom from grant writing, and the ability to reclaim personal passions like painting.
Final Reflections
For Dr. Malins, the move from academia to industry was both an emotional and professional transformation. By embracing his transferable skills, reworking his professional identity, and leaning on mentorship and resources, he built a career that balances impact with personal well-being.
His story offers encouragement to anyone navigating the difficult but rewarding transition from academia: while the journey requires self-reflection and persistence, it can also open doors to meaningful, balanced, and impactful work.
Resources and Contact Information
Dr. Malin’s website: JeffMalins.com