Name: Ana Costa (she/her)
PhD: Infection Biology, Humboldt University, 2018
What was your main area of research?
I studied the interaction of host and pathogen, specifically focusing on how the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and fallopian tube primary cell metabolisms interact.
What is your current job?
I am a Biopharma Consultant at Catenion in Berlin, Germany.
I manage projects with biotech and pharma companies focusing on research and development topics. I also manage 1 to 2 teams of 3-4 people in parallel.
I love the fact that every project is different and allows me to learn completely new things.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this job through my network.
PhD Graduate ➡️ Consultant
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
I never felt that academia was the path for me. I always saw my PhD as part of my education and not as a stepping stone to be a Professor/PI.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Understand that your PhD is part of your education – it’s not a ticket to Professorship land!
Use your PhD/postdoc time to create a network and to expand your skills set. How? Go to events, discussions, online courses, outreach activities, etc. There is nothing that aligns with your questions? Create it yourself and organize it.
Be targeted! Understand why you want to leave academia (not science) and why another path makes sense for you. If you are interested, then follow and learn about the field.
Reach out to people with jobs that Interest you. The worst thing that can happen is not receiving an answer.
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