Dr. Isaiah Hankel: "Doctors of Science are in Great Demand in Business Right Now"
The International Conference on Physics and Natural Sciences "Open Readings" will be held for the 65th time this year. A special guest – the General Manager and founder of Cheeky Scientist, Dr. Isaiah Hankel – will be present, who strives to make it easier for people with doctorate degrees to move from academia to the business world. Although the scientist was very interested in immunology and biotechnology, however, his main focus has been on career development in business – his articles on the recruitment and career development of biotechnology researchers have been published in Harvard Business Review, Nature, Forbes, and The Guardian.
Dr. Hankel also writes books, creates podcasts, conducts training, and helps researchers find jobs in companies such as Amazon, Google, Tesla, SpaceX, etc.
Could you tell us briefly about your trip – what inspired you to establish the Cheeky Scientist?
The lack of support and training I experienced in the academic community when I had to look for a job. I felt misunderstood and rejected by my academic advisor when I told him I would like to transfer to a non-academic position. I wanted to do everything I could to prevent this from happening to other students in the future.
Do you think a doctor's degree is more of an advantage or a disadvantage when looking for a job in the non-academic community?
It is a huge advantage when you learn how to speak the business language in your CV and LinkedIn profile. Only then will you be visible to the best companies. Doctors of Science are in great demand in business right now, but most of them are still invisible.
What do you think a good career means in today’s world? What are the most important qualities and skills people should have to achieve it?
A career can mean a lot of things, but I think it mostly means sharing value with the world when you and other people benefit from that. Ideally, a career is an activity that brings not only income but also a sense of satisfaction.
Do you think the pandemic had a significant impact on the labor market? What will employers look for in the world after a pandemic?
Yes. The most visible effect is the significant decentralization of the workforce, with a significant increase in remote work and mixed workplaces. Employers will continue to look for employees who can work independently and have intrinsic motivation, i.e. be able to organize each day so that they could complete all tasks without having to be present in the office.
The Open Readings conference is aimed at young university students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programs. What is the most important piece of advice you could give them?
At the beginning of your academic career, give priority to job search and general career development. Do not wait until you finish your studies to start expanding your network of acquaintances with business professionals, as it may already be too late.
We would like to invite you to listen to Dr. Hankel's virtual lectures on the transition of students from the academic sector to business on 16 March, on the third day of the Open Readings 2022 conference, on the Zoom platform.
The conference is organized by Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics, Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology, SPIE Student Chapter of Vilnius University, Optica Student Chapter of Vilnius University, and European Young Physical Society Young Minds Section of Vilnius.