Pathfinder Career Narratives is an ongoing series tracking the career choices and experiences of doctoral graduates. You can see all of the posts in the series here. You can find all the Pathfinder resources and opportunities here. Today’s blog is written by Dr Peder Gedda, AIML Data Operations at Apple. You can find Dr Gedda on LinkedIn.
Name: Peder Gedda
Doctorate subject area and year of completion: Asian Studies, 2020
Role and employer: AIML Data Operations, Apple
Approximate salary bracket for this type of role: Undisclosed
I enrolled in the PhD program with the ambition of becoming a tenured professor. The department I got admitted to is one of the best in the world in my field and I was extremely fortune to be able to do so. After a few years in the program, I came to realize that I adored what I studied but not the academic industry and the politics. I had decided to leave academia before I completed my dissertation, and once it was finished I did so. This took place in the middle of the pandemic, and it was hard to orient to the job market. Finally, I found a job at Apple AIML Data Operations and decided to take it. Having explored many areas and options, the timing for the position at Apple was perfect.
I had several mentors along the way, and it helped a lot to be guided by such individuals before and during my tenure at Apple. During my time at Apple, I have had to develop new skills and deploy analytical tools in new ways. A big part of working for a company like this is the colleagues. I’ve made lifelong friends among my peers here, and many of us socialize outside of work on a weekly basis.
A regular week goes something like this: I start working early, and do the bulk of my daily work before lunch. This is for pragmatic reasons as I’m an early morning person and my mind is sharp and clear. I interact with my team mates and other colleagues every day as the job requires it.
My main fear about the job when I began was that it would be so distant from what I was used to as a researcher, and that I wouldn’t be able to learn what I needed to do . As it turned out, my PhD background had equipped me nicely for this type of activity and applying the same learning strategies that I did in grad school made life a lot easier. This professional trajectory can sometimes be frustrating; for example, the landscape of open offices in the corporate world can make finding time for focused work more challenging. Sometimes the work can get quite repetitive which can cause stress. The hardest thing is to change perspective about what we do, and why. My presence in the company is on a commercial basis, and once I’m done with my 8 hours I shut my computer and go home. Work never comes home with me and it’s something I truly appreciate.
For PhD-holders seeking to join the corporate sector, I recommend a few things. The first is to recall that what you’re selling is a set of skills. Secondly, companies are prepared to pay handsomely for the skills you nurtured during your grad school years. Thirdly, be able to articulate yourself in the language of the industry you’re interested in. Fourth, you must be prepared to show results in what you’ve done. No one will pay you for your participation in an activity, but they will pay you for the results you brought about. Finally, recall that career transition takes time. So, be patient and have a long term perspective in mind.
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