“Having a PhD Doesn’t Mean You’ll Impress People with Your Education: It Means You Have to Impress Them with How You Apply It”

In our interview with Bonnie Lakusta, she shares her journey from exploring psychosis and addiction to a consultant evaluating health and social programs. Planning for clinical work after her PhD, Bonnie struggled to find a role before pivoting into evaluation. She values her small, collaborative team and learning about impactful initiatives. Bonnie continues applying research skills such as data analysis and communication in her evaluation work. Though she sometimes has to explain the value of evaluation, her clients’ passions for their initiatives keep Bonnie engaged. Bonnie encourages gaining work experience prior to starting a PhD program, in order to better inform one’s motivations and goals. She advises articulating the transferable skills developed during PhD training to counter potential employer assumptions.