Quantum computing’s development is creating a ripple effect beyond the technical. In a previous article, we explored the technical side of this technology: focusing on the need for new quantum algorithms, the current state of the industry, and the beginning convergence of quantum and AI. This time – drawing upon other, recent engagements – we’ll shift the focus to the human and social side. We’ll explore how STEM PhDs can carve out new career pathways in business, how the quantum and high-performance computing (HPC) communities continue to make contact, and the role of quantum computing for catalyzing economic development.
Event: University of Chicago myCHOICE webinar
Topic: “Careers in Business Development for STEM PhDs”
The myCHOICE program at UChicago gives STEM PhDs education, exposure, and experience to alternative, non-academic career pathways. I participated in a webinar about my experiences working in business development as a Physics PhD. Doing this webinar was particularly interesting because had you told me even 5 years ago that I would be doing the kind of work I do today, I would have said you were crazy!
- STEM students have much to contribute to business development. They can develop novel technical insights and more easily assimilate the technical advances of their industry. This allows them to stay on top of advances in their field in an interesting way.
- However, learning how to translate those insights into non-technical ones is non-trivial. So focusing on how you communicate to others matters a lot!
Two things which helped me were the 'Assertion-Evidence' approach, which focuses on designing slides with a clear statement at the top and visual evidence below, and this video on communicating science through better slide design:
