Moving into sales as a fresh PhD grad with 10 years of industrial experience [D]
Background: I am about to graduate with my PhD next year in Computer Science from an R1 university. My research background is AI in finance.
This article discusses the challenges faced by a PhD graduate in Computer Science with a background in AI and finance, who is struggling to find meaningful roles post-graduation and is considering a transition into sales.
What happened
A PhD graduate in Computer Science with a background in AI and finance is struggling to find meaningful roles post-graduation. They have been rejected by most grad programs and are being offered roles similar to their previous consulting work. They are considering a transition into sales, particularly in Deep Tech startups, but are concerned about the viability of such a move and are seeking advice on how to find meaningful roles post-graduation.
Why it matters
This situation is relevant to AI researchers and PhD graduates who are looking for meaningful roles post-graduation. It highlights the challenges of transitioning into sales after a PhD and the importance of finding roles that align with one's skills and interests.
- Transitioning into sales after a PhD may not be the best option for those seeking meaningful roles in AI or research.
- Finding roles that align with one's skills and interests is crucial for long-term satisfaction.
- Deep Tech startups may not be the best option for those seeking meaningful roles, as they may lack product-market fit.
- Networking and seeking advice from others in similar situations can be helpful in finding meaningful roles post-graduation.
The bigger picture
The individual's situation highlights the challenges of transitioning into sales after a PhD and the importance of finding roles that align with one's skills and interests. It also raises questions about the viability of Deep Tech startups and the challenges of finding meaningful roles post-graduation.
This article highlights the challenges faced by a PhD graduate in Computer Science with a background in AI and finance, who is struggling to find meaningful roles post-graduation and is considering a transition into sales. It raises important questions about the viability of such a move and the importance of finding roles that align with one's skills and interests.
Technical details
- PhD in Computer Science with a focus on AI in finance.
- Prior work experience as a data science and AI consultant.
- Publications in NeurIPS, ICLR, and Q1 finance journals.
FAQ
Is jumping straight into sales after a PhD a good idea?
It may not be the best option for those seeking meaningful roles in AI or research, as it may not align with their skills and interests.
How did people with many years of relevant job experience before a PhD find 'interesting' jobs after graduation?
They often sought roles that aligned with their skills and interests, such as research scientist or R&D roles.
What are the concerns about transitioning into sales in Deep Tech startups?
The concerns include the lack of product-market fit and the potential for failed startups, which may make it difficult to return to a tech role.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
Read the full story
Originally published by Reddit - r/ML on Sep 30, 2026.
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