Oxford University

Switching Hats

Education EN ↓ 6 episodes

The Switching Hats podcast series offers an exploration into the career trajectories of PhD holders who have ventured beyond academia, shedding light on the transferable skills and insights gained through their doctoral journeys. Each episode features an in-depth interview with individuals who - after completing a PhD - have transitioned into diverse fields, such as: data science, archival work, career advice and much more! The conversations focus on how these professionals discovered new career paths, navigated the challenges of leaving academia, and utilized their PhD skills in their current...

Author

Oxford University

Episodes

From neuroscience to data science: shifting perspectives with Dr Aleksandar Ivanov  17.11.2025 26:08

Aleksandar began his PhD in neuroscience but soon discovered that experimental science wasn’t the right fit - so he made the leap into data science. Curious about the company he’s working for and the sector as a whole? Listen to find out more! Hosts Linus Milinski and Chiara Toschi sit down with Dr. Aleksandar Ivanov, a data-scientist working for Faculty AI and former PhD student at Oxford. Aleksa...

Bringing history to life: the unique work of an archivist with Dr. Alexa Frost 10.11.2025 26:35

Interested in uncovering the past and keeping history alive? Join us to explore the unique role of archivists and learn how to prepare for a career in this fascinating field of work. Hosts Linus Milinski and Chiara Toschi sit down with Dr. Alexa Frost, an archivist at the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. She shares her journey from historical research to embracing the unique perspective archiv...

What the recruiter really thinks: Dr Holly Reeve on hiring decisions and team building  03.11.2025 20:00

We continued our chat with Dr Holly Reeve, this time asking her about her role as staff recruiter for her company. What skills does she look for? And how can an academic experience help you to land a job? This is the second part of our chat with Dr Holly Reeve, the CEO and co-founder of HydRegen. In this new instalment, we ask Holly about her perspective as a recruiter for her company. What does s...

How I became a CEO: a chat on career goals and achievements with Dr Holly Reeve 28.10.2025 29:52

Where does the journey to becoming a CEO begin? Dr Holly Reeve looks back at her career and shares the path that led her to start and lead her own company. Dr Holly Reeve is the CEO and co-founder of HydRegen, a chemical manufacturing company with a focus on sustainability. In this episode with hosts Linus Milinski and Thomas Nicol she looks back at her beginnings and what now seems to be a very s...

What is it like to be a careers advisor? A conversation with Dr Susan Black 22.10.2025 32:50

Susan was a post-doctoral researcher in biochemistry, before she decided to change gears and go into the career advisory sector. Curious about the move? Look no further! Tune in for all the tips, insights, and a fun peek into the world of career advice. Hosts Linus Milinski and Thomas Nicol sit down with Dr. Susan Black, a career advisor at the University of Oxford. Susan shares her personal journ...

Switching Hats: Introduction 11.09.2025 9:25

Welcome to Switching Hats, a podcast all about career transitions from academia to other exciting sectors. Meet the hosts and learn what’s coming up in this new series! Welcome to Switching Hats, a podcast exploring the wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional academic paths. Hosted by postdoctoral scientists from the Research Careers initiative, this series offers guidance and inspir...