What does it take to pivot from a career in academia to thriving in tech in Israel?
Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi joins us to share her inspiring and practical journey, full of resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery.
Key Questions Explored in the Episode:
How do you successfully transition from academia to the tech industry?
What skills are most transferable between such different career paths?
How can hobbies outside of work contribute to professional and personal growth?
What are the cultural differences between working in Israel and the US?
How can professionals embrace continuous learning and career adaptability?
Summary of the Conversation: In this episode, Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi walks us through her multifaceted career journey from academia to startups, technical writing, and ultimately product management at Microsoft. She shares candid insights about the importance of resilience, curiosity, and skill transfer throughout her career shifts. Yael also discusses how her hands-on hobbies enhance her well-being, how cultural differences shaped her experiences in Israel and the US, and why embracing new challenges and continuous learning is critical for career success. This episode is packed with relatable advice for anyone navigating career changes.
About The Guest: Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi is a former research organic chemist who transitioned into tech, first as a technical writer and now as a product manager at Microsoft. Her journey spans academia, startups, and major corporations, and she brings a unique perspective on adaptability, skill-building, and cultural navigation in global work environments. Beyond her career, she is passionate about hands-on creativity, including carpentry and sewing.
Key Takeaways:
Skills from academia, such as research and problem-solving, are highly transferable to tech.
Career growth often requires embracing unexpected opportunities and being willing to pivot.
Hobbies and hands-on creativity play a critical role in maintaining personal well-being.
Cultural awareness is key when working in international environments.
Continuous learning and resilience are vital for long-term career success.
Time Stamps: 00:00 Meet Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi 01:29 Skills and Lessons from Academia 02:53 Navigating Failures and Successes 06:30 Transitioning from Academia to Industry 08:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life 10:12 The Maker Spirit 14:23 Startup Journey and Lessons Learned 26:56 Career Seasons and Personal Growth 34:16 Unexpected Career Shift to Technical Writing 36:05 Navigating Contract Work at Microsoft 38:23 Transitioning from Technical Writing to Product Management 40:17 Understanding Product Management 42:47 Holocaust Remembrance and Moving to Israel 44:43 Cultural Adjustments and Personal Growth 47:26 Self-Sufficiency and Family Values 52:42 Adaptive Technologies and Hackathons 54:13 Communication Styles and Cultural Clashes 59:47 Embracing Challenges and Continuous Learning 01:03:00 Advice for Young Professionals
Links for the Guest:Connect with Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaelschuster/
Learn more about Rhydl and Dr. David Leitner at: https://www.rhydl.com
Ready to embrace your next career adventure with confidence and curiosity?
Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights and inspiration!