Often, students transition from university to industry after completing a degree, with a range of skills that prepare them for acquiring new specialised skills, relevant to their future workplaces. However, in academia, students are exposed to a teaching methodology within a controlled environment that does not properly represent the skills required for a real-world job. For this reason, the transition to an industrial real-world environment that requires fast, robust, inexpensive, and compact solutions can be challenging without a gradual adaptation period. In this scenario, an industrial PhD is a good alternative, allowing students to learn inside a workplace scenario and providing training that significantly increases their value to a company upon completion, compared to a traditional university-based PhD.
The activities I undertake for this company are an important part of my studies, learning the physics behind specific products. It involves a lot of engineering, mechanics, electronics, and photonics working together. Unlike my previous experience in university labs, where I had to find solutions by myself or seek help, here I have a team ready to assist with any problem. A typical day begins with clocking in using Factorial, a software that tracks working hours and activities of the employers. After planning my day, I start with activities related to my PhD project or help my colleagues with their tasks. Although collaborating on different projects is beneficial as it provides me with a lot of knowledge, it sometimes leaves me with less time for my own research. However, this balance prepares me for my professional life, reminding me that the PhD is just another step, not the end goal. One positive aspect is that I have a particular role within the company as a student, and this is respected in terms of my responsibilities. Gradually, I am gaining more participation in other projects with my partners, and I am grateful to be here because of the supportive environment.
Team-building activities are another highlight, providing a break from daily pressures and allowing for casual interaction with colleagues, making the day more enjoyable. At the end of the day, I can leave my work for the next morning, which the discipline helps manage, recharging my energy for the next day. Overall, my experience at FYLA is enriching, blending academic pursuits with practical industry experience, and personal and professional growth are in equilibrium.
