Lessons Learned Entering the Industry

As a leadership member of the Industry Committee in the American Phytopathological Society (APS), I developed mentorship toolkits in response to the APS Councilors' Challenge: Developing a Mentorship Toolkit for Professionals in Phytopathology. Our initiative connected industry plant pathology professionals as mentors with mentees, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and early-career professionals interested in industry roles. I had the opportunity to organize the 1-on-1 mentorship conversation series and also served as one of the mentors. A frequent question from students was, "How should I prepare for a career in the industry?" Many students are eager to pursue industry roles but feel unprepared, as universities often lack classes or resources specifically tailored to train students for these careers.

Having spent 12 years in academia as a graduate student and postdoctoral associate, followed by nearly 12 years in industry, I have observed substantial differences between these two environments. Looking back on my path, there are lessons I wish I had known earlier, insights that would have better equipped me for industry roles and eased the transition. Here are the key takeaways from my experience, and I hope they offer some value to those pursuing a career in the industry. (Note: I work in Ag-biotech, so my experiences may vary from those in other industry sectors.) 

1. "Speed Is the New Currency" 

In industry, speed is everything. As Marc Benioff said, "Speed is the new currency." This highlights the importance of speed in leading the market, whether launching a product, solving challenges, or meeting customer demands. We may all know that the industry has a faster pace than other fields, but we might not fully understand what it means unless we step into an industry role. Unlike research in academia, industry roles emphasize delivering marketable results aligned with goals, requiring a shift from prolonged planning to agile execution. Efficiency is key, achieved through streamlined workflows to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality. I didn't realize early on how much emphasis is placed on efficiency, which means doing more with less and faster. A successful role in the industry is often defined by how quickly we execute, innovate, and provide marketable value at scale. Those who can move quickly without compromising quality will always have a competitive edge.

2. "Fail Fast to Learn Fast"

Experimentation is the cornerstone of innovation. One of the most unexpected lessons was how much the industry encourages early experimentation. Unlike academia, where perfection is often the goal, industry thrives on quick learning cycles. Early testing and pilots are essential, even if conditions aren't perfect. Learning to simplify solutions and focus on practicality has been invaluable. The faster I experiment, fail, and adapt, the closer I get to achieving impactful and scalable results. Failure is acceptable, but the lessons learned from failure can be transformative. Rather than fearing failure, I simplify solutions and design scalable and cost-effective processes. After all, the faster I learn, the faster I grow. 

3. "Build the Plane While Flying It"

This metaphor perfectly describes the iterative nature of work in today's world, not only in the industry. One of the most significant shifts in my mindset was embracing the idea of working through uncertainty. In industry, people often start projects without knowing all the answers, and problems only become clear as they progress and solutions emerge through iteration. This iterative approach, usually seen in Agile methodologies, teaches us to take off first, adjust mid-flight, and improve constantly. The key is to remain focused, flexible, and proactive as you refine your approach. I learned this is a powerful way to innovate because progress happens in motion, and constant iteration leads to better results than waiting for a perfect plan. "Perfection is the enemy of progress".

4. Rapid Adaptation is Crucial

Projects in academia often have a long runway. In industry, priorities can shift overnight due to changing markets, customer demands, or new technologies. Initially, I struggled with the fast pace of change, but I've learned to see it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and improvement. Flexibility and agility are the best tools for anyone who wants to thrive in an unpredictable environment. Instead of resisting change, lean into it; it's where growth happens.

5. "You Are Not Alone"

When students ask about working on industry projects, I often stress the importance of collaboration. In contrast to the sometimes solitary nature of academic research, industry projects depend heavily on teamwork. Whether brainstorming, troubleshooting, or delivering outcomes, success is always a collective effort. One crucial lesson I've learned is to remain calm under pressure and seek support from the team. When encountering challenges or setbacks, I reach out to team members, whether they have relevant experience, offer a listening ear, or provide strategic insights. I've found that problems become more manageable when we collaborate and utilize each other's strengths to find solutions.

6. Effective Communication Is Essential

Communication is one of the most underrated skills in the industry. While academia celebrates technical depth, the ability to tailor messages to different audiences is equally crucial in the industry. Whether presenting to a technical team or pitching to stakeholders, your ideas must connect with your audience. I've found immense value in mastering the skill of bridging the gap between technical jargon and real-world business impact. Investing time and effort into improving communication skills is invaluable when preparing for industry roles.

Final Thoughts

Stepping into the industry isn't just about applying your technical expertise; it's about adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires collaboration, communication, and flexibility. Of course, strong leadership, soft skills, and a basic understanding of project management are also invaluable assets for anyone planning to work in the industry.

I wish I had known sooner that failure is part of the process, speed matters, and change is constant. But most importantly, I wish I had understood the value of teamwork and effective communication.

If you're considering entering the industry, embrace these lessons early. While the transition is not always easy for someone, it can be one of the most rewarding journeys with the right mindset.