Content Manager Loves the Novelty & Challenge of the Job

Name: Deep Sarkar (he/him)

PhD: Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 2018

What was your main area of research?

My PhD thesis focused on how ultra-high intensity and ultrashort laser pulses, lasting only a quadrillionth of a second, interact with matter that has been structured at the nanometer scale (e.g., nanometer thick rods) or nanometer thick films of metal.

What is your current job?

I am a Content Manager for Cactus Communications Pvt. Ltd. in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

My role as a Content Manager includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Managing and monitoring our resource pool of science communicators and content reviewers for their performance.

2. Keeping a close eye on the development of projects/custom jobs and ensuring their successful completion with end-to-end monitoring.

3. Managing queries/complaints from clients and resource allocations and configurations of jobs.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love the uncertainty, novelty, and challenges that come up with every new project.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

1. Reading academic papers and research articles

2. Content expertise

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

LinkedIn

PhD graduate ➡️ Postdoctoral research ➡️ Science communication

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

1. If you're a researcher in academia, try to involve yourself in science communication activities as much as possible. Read not only journal articles but also press releases published in online outlets for the general public.

   
   

2. Hone your writing skills constantly.

   
   

3. Attend and give talks at science outreach activities.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

It was a difficult decision, but I just wasn't interested in pursuing research anymore. I couldn't imagine myself dedicating the rest of my life to scientific research. The growing disillusionment and dissatisfaction with academia eventually pushed me out of it.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Plan ahead. Get clarity about your choice of alt-sci career you wish to pursue after your PhD.

Learn your concepts well and learn to sell yourself. Industries won't hire you just because you have a PhD.