Transition from Academia to Industry: A Personal Account

Abstract

A career in industry has become a widely accepted alternative for those of us trained in medicine and/or science who have traditionally focused on careers in academia. Like any career decision, consideration of a position in industry should include asking yourself a series of fundamental questions. A few of the key questions should include: 1) What kind of work environment do you find most enjoyable (e.g., patient care setting, basic research lab, team-oriented setting)?; 2) What are you focused on accomplishing in your career (basic research discoveries, contributions to clinical medicine, compensation)?; 3) Are you team oriented in your interactions or are you more of an Individual contributor? A successful career in any endeavor, including industry, starts with a careful and honest examination of what you are best suited for and inspired to do.