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An important decision researchers may come across is whether to pursue a career in industry or academia. This decision may be easy for some. However, it can be very challenging for others. If you’ve struggled with this question of which career path you’ll choose after completing your formal education, you’re not alone.
Academia and industry are two distinct career paths. Academia is more focused on learning and discovery, while industry is more focused on practical applications and business objectives. As such, there are several fundamental differences between working in industry and academia. It’s crucial that you understand the nuances and examine your skills, qualifications, personality, and career goals when deciding to ensure you choose the right career path for you.
Below are seven (7) key differences between academia and industry.
- Responsibilities
In academia, you have more freedom to choose your research topics and methods, but you also have to deal with grant writing, publications, teaching, and administrative tasks. In industry, you have to follow the company’s objectives and deadlines. However, depending on the size of the company you work for, you may have more resources and support. - Intellectual Freedom
In academia, you enjoy intellectual freedom, which allows you to choose how you’d spend your time. This freedom, however, means you’ll also have the responsibility of securing funding and resources. In industry, your time is strictly driven by a product or business objectives, but you do not have to secure your own funding and resources as they will be supplied by the company you work for. - Career Advancement
Typically, a career in academia can allow you to progress toward either tenure and professorship, or toward a postdoctoral scientist. The academic career ladder can be difficult to achieve because funding is scarce and only a handful of universities or institutions that may specialize in your discipline.
Industry career opportunities are broader, however, and can range from research and development to product marketing to clinical trials, medical affairs, to legal patenting and so on. In industry, you also have the opportunity to climb the organisational ladder in a more predictable manner. - Workplace Culture
Academia focuses primarily on research and discovery, for learning and/or exploratory purposes. In contrast, industry’s objectives centre around clinical/practical applications for patients by integrating both science and business insights.
Both workplaces have unique demands and pressures. Academics are under immense pressure to be self-starters, continually publish their research, and promote or advocate for their work. In industry, your pressure is typically driven by deadlines, as teams work together to solve problems on often tight project timelines according to bigger product and business goals. Therefore, it’s important for people working in industry to have excellent communication, people, and organisational skills to manage projects within budget.
The pace of work also differs between academia and industry. In contrast to the fast-paced nature of drug development and clinical trial execution, academic timelines tend to be longer, more flexible and concentrate more on long-term goals and education. - Flexibility
In academia, you are mostly self-directed and can set your own schedule, but you may have to relocate frequently for academic positions depending on funding availability. In industry, you have to adhere to the company’s policies and expectations, but you may have more stability and opportunities for career advancement. - Collaboration
In academia, you can collaborate with other researchers in your field or across disciplines, but you may also face competition and pressure to publish. In industry, you work as a team with people from diverse backgrounds and skills towards a larger, shared objective, but you may also have to deal with confidentiality and intellectual property issues. - Salary
Finally, another key difference between academia and industry is salary. On average, industry salary is higher than academia. A Life Sciences Salary Survey in 2014 found that American, Canadian, and European researchers who worked in industry made about 30% more than those in academia. Besides the base remuneration, industry salary package often includes allowance such as car or living allowances depending on your role, and bonuses if the project is successful and/or is delivered within projected timelines.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whichever career path you choose, academia or industry, as long as it is the right one for you.
If you are still unclear about which career path is right for you, we can help. Click here to contact us or email us via info@clueoclinical.com or call us at 1300 39 22 06 to have a free confidential discussion about your career options.
If you already decided that a career in clinical research industry is right for you but are unsure how or which role to apply for to break into this industry, click here to find out the best clinical research job for you, or check out our signature Industry-Bridging Programs, or call us at 1300 39 22 06 and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
References
- Industry vs Academia: Which Career Path is Right for You? (northeastern.edu)
- 2014 Life Sciences Salary Survey | The Scientist Magazine® (the-scientist.com)
- Career insights from a recent move to research in industry
Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen, PhD
Sue is the founder and CEO of Clueo Clinical Pty Ltd. She has 15 years of combined experience in clinical and pre-clinical research and development, training and management. She is passionate about patient-centric science, clinical research, education, and helping others find their career passion and succeed in life.
She is an avid learner, an authentic networker and wants to empower the next generation to reach their fullest potential in Australia and around the world.