Free the PhD -

C. Sheena Sidhu

If you are looking to transition out of academia, I highly recommend Free the PhD! I had already done a lot of work in preparing myself mentally and updating my application materials so I could make the transition into a new career, however, I just wasn't able to make the final step. Something was missing, and so I joined the Free the PhD community and worked with Vania. Within three week I finally received a job offer! I am also appreciative that the support continued after the job offer and through the negotiation process. Making the transition out of academia does require prep work. I was able to do some of that on my own, but would have definitely benefited from the FTP materials and the FTP community from the start. If you are considering a new career path or feel suck in your job search, then join Free the PhD!

Rosaria Cercola

Leaving academia is not always easy, and as PhD students, we are not prepared for the job market. Free The PhD helped me so much!

I am absolutely satisfied with my whole experience with it. I got very useful suggestions on how to tailor CV and cover letter to a job offer, and brilliant tips on preparing for an interview. Vay goes out of her way to help PhDs finding a job they are passionate about. I will always be so grateful.

Sarah Guyette

Free the PhD has been immensely helpful in my career journey since graduate school. From resume editing to career counseling, they spent time helping me to discover, apply for, and get offered a Scientist position that was perfect for my skill set. When I decided I was ready to step away from the bench and into a customer-facing role, they helped me to leverage my experience to land the perfect position as a Field Application Scientist. The site has endless resources on alternative careers, and I would not be where I am today without having taken part in this program. I highly recommend Free the PhD to anyone looking to move away from the academia route and into a new and exciting career path.

Andrew Chang

Vay and the community at Free the PhD played a key part in helping me land my first industry science position from an academic postdoc. I first learned about Free the PhD through a career development workshop that Vay ran. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and unique style of de-mystifying careers outside of academia prompted me to join Free the PhD, where I was able to learn more about the basics of the informational interviews and the job interview process through her online courses. When I started actually applying for jobs, I received personalized one-on-one help to prepare my resume/cover letter, for the phone interviews, and all the way to my virtual “on-site” interviews. Most importantly, FTP kept me positive, motivated, and on track throughout my application process. I highly recommend this community for anyone (particularly those in academia) interested in learning more about or moving into industry!

Amber Wang

Free the PhD is an extremely helpful framework for PhDs thinking about transitioning into industries outside of academia. The modules are extremely well thought-out and provides actionable steps from exploring industry opportunities, forming connections, to writing an industry resume, applying to positions, going on interviews, and negotiating job offers. The platform also brings together PhDs actively looking for positions and PhDs in various industries to provide a supportive group during the transition period that further extends to working in the industry. Finally, Vania is extremely helpful and is always generous to share her ideas. I would recommend Free the PhD to anyone who is looking to transition or advance their careers.

Miguel Cueva

Joining the Free the Phd community was a monumental stepping stone in my career outside academia.
I joined Free the PhD while I was writing up my PhD thesis, because I needed mentorship and guidance to transition into an industry job that aligns with my particular career aspirations.
Free the PhD’s courses, that include, how to find the job, how to land the job, CV templates, how to network, informational interviews, how to prep for the interview, and how to negotiate your salary and contract, were invaluable. All are skills that I will use in the future.

Vay Cao (Free the PhD’s Founder), was extremely attentive, understanding and provided great advice and mentorship.
Advice that not only helped land a job in a startup compony, but she also helped me negotiate my initial salary and contract.

Free the PhD mentors give advise that is spot on!
The mentors’ personal and professional experience as PhD graduates that transitioned into an industry job (into different areas or departments) will help you understand how industry works depending from all aspects.

I look forward to continue to be part of the Free the PhD community!

Swagata Basu

I highly recommend Free the PhD for academics looking for resources and advice for transitioning to non-academic opportunities. The breadth of knowledge and ideas that Vania offers is extremely valuable and I learn so much from her and the FTP community of fellow science PhDs. From finding the career that best fits your goals and skillsets to crafting your resume and interview tips, there is so much this platform offers.

Rachael Parker

Free the PhD is an outstanding platform for career guidance and mentorship for researchers at early career stages. Working with free the PhD I gained more knowledge and guidance during my job search than from any other career seminars or services that I had previously used. The advisors go above and beyond to provide personal feedback and career direction, as well as to bring in outside resources and seminars that provide a broad range of career paths and backgrounds that you can learn from. Working with Free the PhD it is clear that the advisors understand the difficulties of the job search and understand that graduate students/postdocs do not always have the means to invest in expensive career counseling. The service that they provide at an affordable price exceeded my expectations. I only wish I had found this platform early in my career!