Navigating Career Transitions: Insights from Victoria Yell and Erin Crites on A2i Immersion Week

At A2i Immersion Week, the goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry for graduate students and postdocs, offering them invaluable tools and insights for their career transitions. This four-day experiential learning opportunity consistently yields transformative experiences, and we’re excited to share two compelling testimonials from recent participants, Victoria Yell and Erin Crites, who exemplify the impact of the program.

Victoria Yell’s Networking Revelation

Victoria Yell, a sixth-year Ph.D. student in plant biology, recently defended her dissertation titled, “The Contribution of Epigenetic and Transcriptional Regulators in Lignin-Modification-Induced Dwarfism.” Victoria attended A2i Immersion Week in June 2024, and her feedback highlights a significant takeaway from the event.

The most valuable lessons I took from participating in the immersion week were related to networking strategies. Previously I thought that I had to be close to someone to ask them for a referral. However, the willingness of A2i panel professionals to connect with us helped me realize that professionals are often happy to help whenever they can.

Victoria’s experience underscores a key aspect of the program: the power of effective networking. Many participants come to us with the belief that networking requires a close, established relationship. Through our immersive sessions and interactions with industry panelists, Victoria discovered that professionals are generally open and willing to offer guidance and support, regardless of how well they know you. This shift in perspective not only enhanced Victoria’s confidence but also equipped her with practical strategies for building valuable connections in her future career.

Erin Crites’ Career Exploration Breakthrough

Erin Crites, a fifth-year doctoral student in physics, shared her reflections on how A2i Immersion Week transformed her approach to career exploration. She noted:

“I learned so much about what types of jobs are available to me with a PhD, which I have struggled to find information about in the past. The industry speakers were really open to sharing their experiences and teaching us and giving space to ask questions. I left Immersion Week feeling motivated and supported in my goals to get an industry position – it really helped break down the overwhelming information and tasks of finding a job.

Erin’s testimonial reflects another crucial aspect of the program: the clarity and direction it provides. Many students like Erin struggle with understanding the full range of career options available to them. Through engaging sessions with industry experts and open discussions, Erin gained a clearer picture of potential career paths and felt empowered to explore various opportunities. The contacts she made and the insights she gained at Immersion Week have motivated her to continue her career exploration with renewed energy and focus.

Conclusion

Victoria and Erin’s experiences at A2i Immersion Week highlight the transformative impact of the program. By addressing common challenges such as networking and career exploration, A2i aims to provide participants with the tools and confidence they need to successfully transition from academia to industry. Their feedback not only affirms the effectiveness of our approach, but also inspires us to continue refining and expanding our efforts to support the next generation of professionals.