By Caroline Rende, Associate Director, Graduate Career Exploration
PhDs are increasingly seeking career paths where their analytical rigor, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual curiosity can thrive outside the traditional academic track. At our recent PhDs with Purpose event, Dr. Nare Janvelyan (Chemical Physics, ’18) shared a comprehensive look into her journey from academia to consulting, and ultimately to venture investing with a focus on climate and early-stage technology.
Here are the top takeaways and advice as you consider pathways beyond the lab:
Charting a Nonlinear Path: Consulting as a Bridge
Dr. Janvelyan’s first post-PhD role was in management consulting- a field prized for its fast-paced, quantitative challenges and client-facing work. Consulting was not a destination, but a critical bridge. “I realized my heart was really in climate solutions, though I knew I didn’t want to be in a lab. Consulting let me build business skills and clarify what I wanted long-term,” Dr. Janvelyan shared.
This echoes a common theme for PhDs: the first step out of academia can be exploratory, allowing you to build new skills while keeping your options wide open.
Discovering Venture Investing: A Serendipitous Path
Venture capital (VC) wasn’t always on Dr. Janvelyan’s radar. It was only after seeing a classmate thrive at a VC firm, and networking with founders, that she began to envision herself in investing. Her curiosity, especially about climate tech innovation, kept her learning and growing. “I kept my eyes and mind open—reading climate newsletters, tracking innovation trends, and meeting founders. Venture wasn’t something I planned, but something I grew into,” she reflected.
For PhDs, it’s an important lesson: the skills you build early on whether business-oriented, technical, or network-based can open unexpected doors.
What Does a VC Actually Do?
In VC, Dr. Janvelyan evaluates startups rooted in novel technology and assesses:
- Market Size: Is this a new market, or a solution that could transform an existing one?
- Founding Team: Do they display grit, curiosity, and resilience? Will you want to spend 5+ years working closely with them?
- Technology: Is it transformative, scalable, cheaper, and genuinely better (not just different)?
At Voyager (her firm), technical depth is vital, but so is a founder’s drive and vision. “We always meet the team before investing. The relationship is central. Much of your decision comes down to trust and interpersonal fit,” Dr. Janvelyan emphasized.
Life as an Investor: Structure, Flexibility, and Relationships
Comparing academia, consulting, and venture:
- Academia offers flexibility but can be isolating.
- Consulting is structured, intense, and team oriented.
- Venture combines the two: hours are long and unstructured, but the energy is high and mission driven.
Relationship-building also plays a central role. Investors are constantly networking with founders, fellow investors, and potential co-investors- often in informal, surprisingly friendly environments.
Hiring Tips for Aspiring VCs
- Show Initiative: Track early-stage companies in your target field. What would you invest in, and why?
- Get Informed: Read VC-focused newsletters, follow sector trends, and attend (or organize!) relevant events.
- Highlight Your “Edge”: Firms look for unique backgrounds that fill a need. In deep tech or biotech, PhDs are highly valued.
- Build Your Network: Don’t be daunted- most people in VC enjoy sharing their journeys. Authentic interest goes a long way.
Dr. Janvelyan noted, “Venture roles are rare and highly competitive, even more so than consulting. Find your specialty, and network strategically.” It’s important to note that startups are inherently risky, and so is investing. Dr. Janvelyan explained, “If a company struggles, transparency and quick action- like controlling burn rate- matter most. Founders who communicate early and clearly earn our respect, even if things get tough.” Students should assess the kinds of risks they are willing to take when considering lean startups especially.
Career Transitions: Advice for PhDs
- Critical Thinking is Key: Technical skills are important, but your ability to ask good questions and rigorously analyze data stands out in any setting.
- Tailor Your Story: For consulting, firms expect to train you on the “business” side; highlight your analytical skills from your PhD.
- Be Persistent: The job market is tough, but it’s not personal. Stand out by tailoring your job search and networking intentionally.
- Experiment to Learn: If you’re torn between one sector or research, get involved in graduate student groups, case competitions, and networking to test where you thrive.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Janvelyan’s story is one of purposeful pivots, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for high-impact work. For PhDs considering life beyond academia, her advice is a reminder: the door to new careers often opens through skills you already have- critical thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
Stay curious, keep building relationships, and don’t be afraid to forge your own unique path.
Want more resources or events like this? Check out programming from the Mignone Center for Career Success, your first stop for PhD career advising, events, and networking opportunities. Be sure to join for our next PhDs with Purpose: Careers in Media & Journalism featuring Dr. Clint Smith ’20 to be held virtually on Tuesday, December 2nd at 12:00 PM Eastern.
