Deep Thoughts With Michelle Handy
Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy is where behavioral science, tech, and design converge to inspire personal growth and drive innovation. Join Michelle Handy, Ph.D. and her expert guests as they unpack candid stories, share practical insights, and explore cutting-edge strategies to help you thrive personally and professionally. Perfect for mid-to-senior professionals navigating leadership, creativity, and career transitions.
Deep Thoughts With Michelle Handy
From PhD to Industry: Dr. Ashley Ruba on Leaving Academia, Transferable Skills, and Thriving Beyond the Ivory Tower
In this episode, we explore what it means to leave academia and build a fulfilling career outside the ivory tower. Ashley Ruba, PhD, shares her journey from developmental psychology to UX research at Meta and entrepreneurship, founding After Academia to help PhDs navigate their own transitions. From overcoming identity challenges to discovering exciting opportunities in industry, Ashley’s insights are invaluable for anyone considering life beyond tenure.
Episode Highlights
- The challenges of leaving academia and redefining identity
- Practical advice for starting a career transition
- Exciting roles and industries suited for PhDs beyond UX
- Building After Academia and lessons from entrepreneurship
- Navigating career shifts as a neurodivergent professional
- The importance of design thinking in shaping a fulfilling career
About Ashley Ruba
- Ashley Ruba, PhD, is a UX researcher, entrepreneur, and founder of After Academia, a program dedicated to helping PhDs build fulfilling careers outside academia. After leaving her own academic career, Ashley turned her experience into a thriving business, landing over 50 job offers for her clients and empowering countless professionals to find balance, purpose, and stability. She has also worked as a human factors engineer, content strategist, and startup consultant.
Resources Mentioned
- After Academia website: www.ashleyruba.com
- TED Talk: Do schools kill creativity? By Sir Ken Robinson
- The Future of Jobs Report 2025 World Economic Forum
Connect with Ashley
- LinkedIn: Ashley Ruba’s Profile
- www.ashleyruba.com
Get in Touch
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Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.