From PhD to Industry: Dr. Ashley Ruba on Leaving Academia, Transferable Skills, and Thriving Beyond the Ivory Tower

Send a textIn this episode, we explore what it means to leave academia and build a fulfilling career outside the ivory tower. Ashley Ruba, PhD, shares her journey from developmental psychology to UX research at Meta and entrepreneurship, founding After Academia to help PhDs navigate their own transitions. From overcoming identity challenges to discovering exciting opportunities in industry, Ashley’s insights are invaluable for anyone considering life beyond tenure.Episode HighlightsThe challenges of leaving academia and redefining identityPractical advice for starting a career transitionExciting roles and industries suited for PhDs beyond UXBuilding After Academia and lessons from entrepreneurshipNavigating career shifts as a neurodivergent professionalThe importance of design thinking in shaping a fulfilling careerAbout Ashley RubaAshley Ruba, PhD, is a UX researcher, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia, a program dedicated to helping PhDs build fulfilling careers outside academia. After leaving her own academic career, Ashley turned her experience into a thriving business, landing over 50 job offers for her clients and empowering countless professionals to find balance, purpose, and stability. She has also worked as a human factors engineer, content strategist, and startup consultant.Resources MentionedAfter Academia website: www.ashleyruba.comTED Talk: Do schools kill creativity? By Sir Ken RobinsonThe Future of Jobs Report 2025 World Economic ForumConnect with AshleyLinkedIn: Ashley Ruba’s Profile www.ashleyruba.comGet in TouchHave thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design. Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.