“A PhD Is a Substantial Training Opportunity, Not Just a Sprint to the Finish”

In our interview, Katie Riddoch shares their journey from their doctoral studies (exploring human-robot attachment) to a role as a User Experience Designer at an aerospace company. Realising in their second PhD year that they loved qualitative research and creativity, Katie explored user research roles through internships. Though not in her dream sector, Katie notes that her industry role allows her greater flexibility of working, improved financial stability, and greater potential for impact in the real world – all things they value highly. To those considering a role outside of academia, Katie encourages others to undertake informal interviews with people already working in the career, and trying out roles through internships. First and foremost however, they advise taking time to reflect on personal “must haves”, before leaping into a new role/sector.