Interviewing in Industry vs. Academia

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Interviewing in Industry vs. Academia

• Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.
• Ohio University
• College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Purpose
To understand how the different cultures of
academia and industry influence the interview
process
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What are the similarities and differences between
the cultures of academia and industry?
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Academia

• Job description
• Teaching
• Research
• Service
• The relative importance of these three areas
  differs considerably among institutions

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Academia - Teaching

• Often looking to fill a specific teaching need
• Teaching experience and demonstrated excellence
  are highly desirable in teaching institutions
• Teaching loads vary considerably

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Academia - Research

• Independent investigator
• Collaboration with other faculty
• External funding expected/required
• Self-defined research area
• Self-imposed goals and deadlines
• Goal publications and external funding
• Outside presentations expected
• Tenure milestone

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Academia - Service

• Various faculty and institutional committees
  student advising public service
• Research-focused institutions
• Relatively light service obligations
• Teaching-focused institutions
• Can have significant service obligations

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Industry

• Job description
• Research
• Personnel management

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Industry - Research

• Broadly trained scientists with an arsenal of
  techniques
• Adaptability
• Multidisciplinary, interdependent research
• Creative thinking
• Strong sense of urgency and competition
• Management-imposed deadlines

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Industry Research cont.

• Research direction is defined by the company and
  is proprietary
• Goal generate revenue
• Outside presentations have to be approved
• Communication skills are very important

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Industry Employee Management

• Training laboratory workers
• Employee development

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Industry - Service

• Minimal within research tracks
• Committees related to research
• Some companies support and encourage outside
  public service

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Understanding the differences in cultures, what
should you emphasize during the interview?
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Academia

• Interview seminar is very important
• Show evidence of being independent
• Have a clear vision of future research
• Have a plan for obtaining external funding
• Research the interviewers show interest in them!

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Academia cont.

• Inquire about and suggest potential research
  collaboration
• Research institutions inquire about protected
  time for research
• Teaching institutions communicate your
  qualifications and teaching strengths determine
  teaching loads
• Clearly state your start-up needs

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Industry

• Be professional
• Polish the seminar presentation and know your
  audience
• Team player welcome interdisciplinary research
• Flexible stress your breadth of training and
  experience

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Industry cont.

• Clearly describe techniques and analytical skills
  that will assist the company in achieving its
  goals
• Convey a sense of urgency and desire to meet
  goals and expectations

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Summary

• Understand the differences in culture
• Present yourself in the context of the culture