33. Have a plan with Dr. John Southard

Dr. John Southard describes his difficult transition out of academia and into the business world and offers advice to others in similar situations. He discusses how he found the strength to move through the "academia hangover" he experienced, the challenges of hitting rock bottom financially, how he began his career transition journey by networking, and how he discovered that his research prepared him well for his new role in business. For PhD candidates, John emphasizes the importance of having a back-up career plan, the necessity of coming to grips with your financial reality, and the power (and drudgery) of networking. Find him on LinkedIn.