Acadamia vs. Industry - supervisors role

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In summary, there may be a non-financial incentive for supervisors to guide their Ph.D. students towards an academic career rather than industry. However, this may vary depending on the discipline and the individual's perception of success.
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Acadamia vs. Industry -- supervisors role

Is there an incentive for supervisors to guide their Ph.D. students to follow an academic career rather than move to industry?
 
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Is there an incentive for supervisors to guide their Ph.D. students to follow an academic career rather than move to industry?


Yes, but I think it is mostly non-financial - there may be financial benefit if their area of study is bigger and more prestigious, but every researcher in the same field is also (sometimes indirect) competition for limited dollars. I don't think either of those have much impact, but I'd be interested if others disagree.

You didn’t specify a discipline, but assuming you’re discussing physics, many professors see industry as failure and academia as success, and some part of their ego is tied up in getting students into academic positions. Obviously this varies by individual, by specialty and by institution.
 

1. What is the main difference between a supervisor in academia and a supervisor in industry?

In academia, a supervisor is typically responsible for guiding and overseeing the research of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. They may also be responsible for securing funding and publishing papers. In industry, a supervisor's main role is to oversee and manage the work of employees, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

2. How does the level of control differ for supervisors in academia and industry?

In academia, supervisors have more control over the direction of research projects and the methods used. They have more academic freedom and can often pursue their own research interests. In contrast, supervisors in industry have less control and must adhere to the goals and objectives set by the company.

3. What are the key skills needed for a supervisor in academia?

A supervisor in academia must have strong research skills, the ability to secure funding, and excellent communication skills to effectively guide and mentor students. They should also have a deep understanding of their field of study and be able to provide guidance and advice to their students.

4. How important is industry experience for a supervisor in industry?

Industry experience is highly valued for supervisors in industry as it provides them with a deeper understanding of the business and industry-specific skills. It also allows them to better understand the challenges and needs of their employees, which can help them be more effective in their role.

5. Can a supervisor transition from academia to industry or vice versa?

Yes, it is possible for a supervisor to transition from academia to industry or vice versa. However, it may require additional training and adjustment to adapt to the different roles and responsibilities. It is also important to consider the cultural and organizational differences between academia and industry when making such a transition.

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