Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast
Welcome to the Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond.
Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths.
We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys.
Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom.
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Episodes
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.2 || Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 2)Join us for Part 2 of our deep dive with Professor Na Zou, Assistant Professor at the University of Bath! If you're a student, PhD candidate, or aspiring academic, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.We pull back the curtain on how Professor Zou leveraged her student activities to secure a job offer immediately after her Master's degree. Then, we dive into the often-challenging but critical PhD experience, discussing how to successfully navigate multi-disciplinary research projects and make them work for your long-term goals. Perhaps most importantly, Professor Zou reveals the paramount importance of networking at academic conferences and shares how her exceptional presentation skills led directly to powerful word-of-mouth recommendations that were instrumental in landing her subsequent academic positions.Learn directly from her firsthand experiences on how to strategically approach career development in academia and beyond. This episode offers a roadmap for anyone looking to build a global career and navigating through complex career phases. In this episode, we'll explore:∙ The unexpected career benefits of active student participation∙ Navigating the visa process and settling into a new city∙ Strategies for PhD students tackling complex, interdisciplinary research∙ Why honing your presentation skills is a non-negotiable for career advancement∙ How professional referrals, born from excellent work, can create new opportunities.∙ Importance of mastering the art of networking at academic conferencesDon't Miss Part 1: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBrJR6vLts&list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk] - Hear about Na Zou's academic foundations and her strategic career planning.Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content.🎙️ About This Episode's Guest:Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of BathLinkedIn: / nazou Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?... Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy⏰ Episode Chapters:0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction02:11 Student Activities at IDEON15:55 Getting a Job 18:59 Moving to Stockholm 20:04 Why a PhD?29:14: The PhD interview 34:59 PhD Journey begins 37:40 Initial challenges in the city 48:38: Managing multi-disciplinary project during PhD58:40 Job offer 01:04:18 Reasons for choosing Academia 01:11:18 Shall academia prep for industry? 01:18:48 Networking at conferences01:23:25 Fun Trivia 01:29:40 Final Thoughts🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links:University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/home Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/studyIDEON - the innovation hub https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/research-and-innovation/innovation-and-entrepreneurship/innovative-environmentsPrezi for making presentation: https://prezi.com/DEMOLA: https://www.demola.netBocconi University, Milan, Italy : https://www.unibocconi.it/en/applying-bocconi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13526854705&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Uxdcs1u7yqHPJ0AGzAPVcQeAat&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVh2aajbelTzQ81-luwsy7z2jzF9fITEmqrMCxhfE6xzljYeT3erErkaAiBjEALw_wcBCopenhagen Business School, Denmark : https://www.cbs.dk/enEsade (Barcelona and Madrid), Spain: https://www.esade.edu/enINSEAD, France: https://www.insead.edu/executive-education/masters-and-execed?CampaignId=GGL_Search_A&SiteId=GGL&CampaignName=EUR-DE[EN]_GGL-Brand[GEN]-INSEAD-Pure_MT-Phrase&AdId=JOINTBRANDPURE&device=c&term=insead%20business%20school_(e)&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18956356993&gbraid=0AAAAAD6tgXybdrRC03ia64I0sAW1a8RUs&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVhPRfzphTH8Ob6nvFz4hrwqSz81uuQBjX1vXstqAsGv3WGAuQaAYloaAkOOEALw_wcBHEC, Paris: https://www.hec.edu/enRotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands https://www.rsm.nl/👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd#️⃣ Hashtags:#DecodingPhaseTransitions #DPTPodcast #CareerJourney #PhDLife #Academia #CareerStrategy #DrNaZou #UniversityOfBath #Economics #InternationalEducation #AcademicCareer #InternationalCareer #ResearchLife #CareerPlanning
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 1)
Welcome to Part 1 of our inspiring conversation with Prof. Na Zou, an Assistant Professor at the University of Bath's School of Management. In this episode, we dive deep into her foundational academic journey, from her school days to dual Bachelor's degrees in China, extending to her Master's studies in Sweden. Discover the early decisions, cultural transitions, and strategic thinking that shaped the initial phases of her remarkable career.
🎙️ About This Episode's Guest:
Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of Bath
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazou/
Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?pli=1
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8Hgq0hsAAAAJ&hl=en
Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy
⏰ Episode Chapters:
0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction
0:33 Introducing Dr. Na Zou: Her Academic Journey
1:57 Choosing Economics as a Career Path
5:55 Childhood and Early Life in China
11:43 The Role of Parents
14:39 Impact of Siblings' Career Journeys
30:00 Schooling and Navigating Exams
47:12 Challenges and Learnings Up to Her Master's Degree
53:31 Adapting to a New Culture & Academic System in Sweden
59:08 Practical Tips for Adapting to a Master's Curriculum Abroad
1:02:44 Master's Thesis and the Impact of Her PI
1:13:20 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to Part 2: The PhD Journey
🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links:
IELTS Test: https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org
University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/admissions/bachelors-and-masters-studies/masters-degree-studies
Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services
👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd