In this episode of Exiting Academia, I sit down with someone who earned a PhD in Molecular & Human Genetics and then made a deliberate pivot into science writing. We talk about what it actually looks like to move from bench/academic training into a communications-forward career—where your value isn’t just your technical expertise, but your ability to translate complexity, tell the truth clearly, and meet real-world deadlines. If you’re a grad student or PhD who’s been thinking, “I like the science, but I don’t want the academic track,” this conversation is meant to give you a concrete picture of what “next” can look like. I also frame this transition the way I coach it: you don’t “leave” academia empty-handed—you take a portfolio of skills with you. We focus on how to identify those transferable skills, how to position your background so hiring managers understand it, and how to build a credible writing pathway (even if you don’t have a formal writing job yet). My goal is to help you move from vague interest to a clear plan: target roles, build proof of work, and make the switch without apologizing for having a PhD.