Interviewing in Industry vs Academia Richard E Klabunde

Interviewing in Industry vs. Academia Richard E. Klabunde, Ph. D. Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Purpose To understand how the different cultures of academia and industry influence the interview process 2

What are the similarities and differences between the cultures of academia and industry?

Academia Job description Teaching Research Service – The relative importance of these three areas differs considerably among institutions 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

Industry Job description – Research – Personnel management 8

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 9

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 10

Industry – Employee Management Training laboratory workers Employee development 11

Industry - Service Minimal within research tracks Committees related to research Some companies support and encourage outside public service 12

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

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! 14

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 15

Industry Be professional Polish the seminar presentation and know your audience Team player – welcome interdisciplinary research Flexible – stress your breadth of training and experience 16

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 17

Summary Understand the differences in culture Present yourself in the context of the culture 18