Feb 26 2025 57 mins 5
Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD! In this positivity-charged conversation, we’re joined by Ashley Moses, a PhD candidate in neurosciences at Stanford University. Ashley is not only advancing her own research but she’s also created a precious resource, for herself and for her fellow graduate students – PhD Paths – where she shares the journey and career paths of over a hundred PhDs she’s interviewed and who have transitioned into non-academic jobs. During our conversation, you will learn about the importance of professional development during the PhD journey, about the power of networking, and the about what her interviewees are sharig about moving away from academia. Ashley’s story is a testament to the fact that pursuing a non-academic career after graduate school is not a failure, but rather the burgeoning and flourishing of the transferable skills you have developed in graduate school. Tune in to learn how you can embark on this journey one step at a time and find your own path beyond the thesis.
Ashley Moses is a PhD Candidate in Neurosciences at Stanford University. She is also the Founder of an incredible resource called PhD Paths, which shares the career paths of 100+ PhDs who have transitioned from academia to industry jobs. Ashley is on a mission to help past, present, and future PhDs find fulfilling careers.
What we covered in the interview:
- 🔍 Start Small, Think Big: Ashley emphasizes the power of starting with one simple step, such as an informational interview or a LinkedIn message to gradually build a robust and living network and lead to richer professional development opportunities during your PhD.
- 🤝 Networking is Key: Ashley made the importance of networking loud and clear. Meeting people, learning their stories, and understanding their decisions can open doors to opportunities you may not yet realize exist. Even one conversation can be transformative!
- 🎯 Find Your Tribe: Find a community that supports and shares your career goals – it is crucial for your professional journey and for your mental health. Whether it’s through LinkedIn groups like PhD Pathfinders or other networks, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide encouragement and shared learning to help you on your path.
Ashley’s journey is a testament to the potential we all have to shape our careers while completing our PhDs. 🌍✨
🎧 Listen to the episode to dive deep into Ashley’s inspiring work and insights!
🔗See the resources section below for her links!
This episode’s resources:
- PhD Paths | Website
- PhD Paths | Substack
- PhD Pathfinders | LinkedIn group
- Be Your Own Best Boss Coach | Enroll in the course!
Thank you, Ashley Moses!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Ashley, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:
Send Ashley Moses a message on Linkedin!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
You might also like the following episodes:
Claudia Belliveau – PhD Job Hunt Best Practices
Dr Vikki Wright – Being Your Own Best Boss in Academia
Matteo Tardelli – Identifying Your Core Values For The Job Hunt
Alessandra Wall – Positioning Yourself Outside Academia
