What happens when you’re wildly successful in academia—but realize you want something else?
In this episode of ConnectED, we’re joined by Dr. Ashley Ruba, a developmental psychologist turned UX researcher, coach, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia.
From studying infant emotion perception at the University of Washington to building a career and brand that empowers others to leave academia, Ashley shares an honest and deeply reflective look at identity, transitions, and choosing yourself.
We talk about:
➤ Her winding academic journey as a first-generation college student
➤ Studying thousands of babies (literally!) and managing research solo
➤ Creating work-life boundaries during grad school—and sticking to them
➤ Her transition into UX research and what’s changed in the field
➤ What no one tells you about grief, ego, and letting go of the “professor path”
Ashley also shares the emotional realities of career pivots, the importance of community, and how clarity often follows action—not the other way around.
Resources Mentioned:
➤ Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
➤ The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff
➤ Transitions by William Bridges
➤ The Professor Is In by Karen Kelsky
Connect with Dr. Ashley Ruba:
➤ Website: ashleyruba.com
➤ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyruba-phd/
➤ After Academia: afteracademia.com (coming soon or redirect from her main site)
Follow Me for More:
➤ Instagram: @connected.phd
➤ LinkedIn: Haille Trimboli
➤ YouTube: @theconnectednetwork
➤ Spotify: ConnectED Podcast
Share it, tag a fellow PhD, and leave a review. Every listen helps build a world where your PhD journey is valid—wherever it leads.
#PhDJourney #AfterAcademia #UXResearch #PhDToIndustry #GradSchoolLife #WomenInSTEM #FirstGenPhD #ConnectEDPod #WorkLifeBoundaries #AcademicTransition #HigherEdExit #AshleyRuba
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