When I graduated with my PhD, I faced an unexpected challenge: four months of unemployment from May to August, combined with the daunting realization that the career path I envisioned seemed out of reach. Landing a job with Harris County felt like a stroke of luck, and I’m forever grateful to Ana Yáñez Correa Ph.D. and Jim Bethke for taking a chance on me!
My academic resume was perfectly aligned with an Assistant Professor position (7 publications, one solo author, and 4 first authors), but translating my experience into practical, actionable insights for local government was a steep learning curve. My initial days at Harris County were overwhelming—I felt like a deer in headlights, struggling to convince elected officials and senior police officers of my value as a newly minted PhD.
It soon became clear: my ideas needed to be cost-effective to make an impact. Government agencies often face "unfunded mandates," where ideas without associated funding can fall flat. If you're looking to transition out of academia, consider contacting local agencies and offering your expertise at no cost (This is helpful for us and them). It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills and make a real difference without imposing additional financial burdens on these agencies. Plus, it can lead to robust partnerships for grant opportunities that will naturally lead to publication ideas.
Looking back, I wish I had proactively offered my services to local police departments or other criminal justice agencies. Helping them improve their systems at no cost or even discussing grants and other opportunities could have demonstrated the value of my advanced degree and potentially led to significant efficiencies and cost savings for the agencies involved.
Practical experience often outweighs academic credentials in the real world. If you’re navigating a similar transition, focus on how you can provide value in a way that aligns with the financial constraints of your target organizations.
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