In this episode of Exiting Academia, I sit down with someone who earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and made the jump into industry—ultimately becoming a Systems Engineering Manager. We talk about what it actually looks like to translate a highly specialized doctoral skill set into a role that’s broader, more cross-functional, and much closer to real-world product and program constraints. If you’ve been wondering whether your research experience “counts” outside the university, this conversation is meant to show you exactly how it can—when you learn to frame it correctly. I also zoom out to the bigger career-coaching takeaways: how to communicate impact instead of listing tasks, how to position your expertise for systems-level work, and how to think about leadership progression once you’re out. My goal is to help you build a clear, evidence-based path forward—whether you’re actively leaving academia or you’re still deciding. If you want more structured support, I also share where you can join our Patreon community and how to book a coaching session with me.