National Technical Advisor Appreciates Industry Pay

Name: Maham Ashfaq

PhD: Economics, American University, 2025

What was your main area of research?

I investigated the impact of technology on reducing supply chain imperfections for small scale retailers in Pakistan.

What is your current job?

I am a National Technical Advisor for GAVI in Islamabad, Pakistan.

My job entails project management, advising, capacity building with senior leadership in the health sector, and data analysis.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I appreciate the salary of my job.

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

Stakeholder management and grit.

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

I applied online.

PhD graduate ➡️ Current job

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

Network!

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

It was a difficult decision, especially with the guilt of not pursuing academic research after spending years perfecting that craft. I chose to switch because of the low pay, and below par job prospects in academia in my home country.

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

1. Network, and do not hesitate to reach out to relevant people.

2. Make sure you are able to translate your academic learnings into skills that can help the company you are applying to. Polish your CV, put your skills upfront.