“The Idea of a More Immediate Impact of My Work Was Very Appealing”

In our interview with Sebastian Similä, he shares his career journey from his doctorate studies in psychology to his work in product management. He now works at a company in the area of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. Seb reflects on the realization during his PhD that he didn’t want to commit to an academic career indefinitely. Instead, he was drawn to a field where he could have an immediate impact and harness the skills he had developed during his studies. The transition was challenging but rewarding, leading him first into user experience and later into product management. He highlights that there are more career paths available than one might initially perceive, encouraging those in academia to explore alternatives that align with their passions and skills.