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I recently interviewed for L7 EM at Google and had 4 great interviews and one not so great system design. I submitted external referrals all of which gave great feedback. The recruiter said the next step is team match/interviews and then the HC. Anyone in a similar situation? What was the result? Google
Easily would make double in industry year 1 compared with what you get as a research professor in academia. With modest career success, in 5-10 years you’ll be making more than a reasonably paid tenure track professor except perhaps at the very top research institutions in academia. And completely disagree with the notion that you’ll be selling out in industry - I’m doing more fascinating, impactful science than I could ever do with moderate grants in academia. Good luck
I think it depends on your area of research. I have a background in psychology and work in big tech after working in academia. My pay is roughly four times what I made in academia. Even if I was to hang out for a tenure track position I would max be making 70% of what I currently make. Also, work life balance in industry is significantly better. I still teach as an adjunct as that was what I enjoyed most about academia. So for me working in industry and teaching on the side is the best of both worlds.
You won't regret it. I couldn't even get any postdoc when I graduated in 2010 because my pi could not get grant, no government money for research after financial crisis. I worked in public health department at state government for peanuts. Now I work for a major pharma and make 3 times as much .
If you’re looking to becoming a (assistant) professor one day then stick with it. But if money is the motivation, I can almost guarantee that you would make almost double your pay jumping from a Post Doc research associate to a pharma/biotech scientist. However, eventually when you become a professor and get tenure you’d be making as much, if not more, than would in the industry.
You might have a ceiling though. Ph.D is limitless and those cohorts of yours can become your boss one day if you’re in the biopharma industry. I don’t know how banks work though, but I’m sure a terminal degree gets you much further in any industry.
I think the difference is close to this: academia is more like living in the country (generalization) and industry is more like living in the city. Sure you will make more living in the city, but there are hidden costs associated with it. If you are bored and being paid less than works for you, the switch sounds like a good thought. If you are really looking forward to your future as a professor, maybe a side hustle of sorts makes more sense to help hold you over. Hope that helps!