What happens after you land your first job post-PhD? For many researchers, the transition from academia is just the beginning. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Katerina Thomas joins David Mendes to explore how mentorship, self-awareness, and internal motivation shape the next stages of a PhD’s career journey.
Drawing from her own experience as a PhD in the life sciences now thriving in industry, Katerina reflects on redefining success beyond titles, finding mentors aligned with your values, and the importance of stepping into discomfort to grow. Whether you're still in academia or have already made the leap, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your career path and about what truly drives you.
💡 You’ll learn:
-
How to navigate career growth after leaving academia
-
The role of values-based mentorship in professional development
-
Why inner work is essential in career transitions
-
Strategies for making deliberate, fulfilling career choices
This episode is packed with career clarity insights for PhDs seeking purpose beyond their degrees.
👉 Listen and share with someone navigating their own post-PhD transition.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.