Name: Robert Cortes (he/him)
PhD: Cognitive Neuroscience, Georgetown University, 2023
What was your main area of research?
I studied the enhancement of creativity and reasoning using brain stimulation and cognitive training.
What is your current job?
I am a Consultant at Bain & Company in Austin, Texas.
I work together with companies to solve complex business problems through strategic initiatives, organization transformations, and operational improvements. I help private equity funds determine the attractiveness of potential target companies (market and competitive landscape).
I love the fast-paced environment focused on problem solving and driving results. Projects are 2-8 weeks instead of 2-5 years as in academia and the incentives are based on creating real-world change rather than online journal publications that are difficult to access and read as a non-scientist.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this job through friends from undergrad who had worked in consulting and consulting recruiting events directly focused on PhD applicants.
PhD graduate ➡️ Consultant
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
I wanted a career more focused on tangible real-world impact completed on a shorter timescale that would allow me to utilize my full potential. In addition, academia does not allow much control over your life (location, job security, etc.), which was important to me and my family.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Start networking (LinkedIn cold outreaches) and preparing (practicing for interviews) as early as possible in your PhD.
The best move is to do an internship related to the career you want to transition into, as this will distinguish you from other PhD applicants without that experience.
Utilize your university’s career center, they will likely be more helpful in finding and preparing for industry opportunities than academics within your department.
For consulting, good resources include: Fishbowl, Wall street oasis, Preplounge. You can do most of the preparation on your own using online resources, there are lots of helpful resources out there.