In this episode of Exiting Academia, I sit down with someone who earned a PhD in Immunology and transitioned into an Assistant Research Manager role. We talk through what that move actually looks like in practice—how to translate highly specialized academic training into a job title that’s common in hospitals, research institutes, and industry-adjacent teams. I focus on the story behind the pivot: what motivated the change, what skills carried over cleanly, and what needed to be reframed so hiring managers could immediately understand the value. I also zoom out to the bigger career-coaching lessons I want you to take away if you’re considering a similar path. Managing research is not “leaving science”—it’s often a way to stay close to the work while shifting toward coordination, stakeholder management, timelines, and delivery. If you’re a grad student or PhD trying to exit academia, this episode is a reminder that your experience already includes project management, communication, and leadership—you just need to name it in the language employers use and build a clear narrative for why you’re making the move.