“Leaving Academia Doesn’t Permanently Close Doors”

In our interview with Ashleigh Johnstone, she shares her journey from a PhD on martial arts and cognition through to an industry role, and then back to academia. Exploring options during the pandemic, Ashleigh worked in sales at an online research platform before returning to academia for university teaching. She values direct student interactions and university access initiatives. Ashleigh notes the openness needed adjusting to business discussions. Ashleigh encourages informational interviews and mental flexibility between sectors. She advises focusing on enjoyment not the “perfect” first job.