I'm a 34-year-old guy transitioning from geological engineering to web development. I've been focusing on front-end skills for over a year now. Previously, I was committed to academia, completed my master's degree, authored a scientific article, and presented at conferences. Now that I've decided to fully leave that field, I'm unsure if I should still include my publications in my CV. I believe they might showcase my soft skills and English proficiency, which is important since I'm based in a non-Western country. I mostly apply for jobs with local companies but occasionally look overseas. Would keeping these publications clutter my CV, or are they valuable in my situation?
2 Answers
I made a similar career shift and chose to keep my old work on my CV, but I made it subtle. A hiring manager appreciated that my research background showed I could learn complex subjects and think independently. I suggest putting your publications in a smaller section that doesn’t overshadow your tech skills, like under 'Other Experience' towards the bottom. It makes for a nice bonus in your profile, especially if you’re applying for positions abroad.
You should definitely keep them, but maybe change how they’re presented. Try to highlight the skills you gained from those experiences rather than diving deep into academic specifics. It could show that you can manage complex projects and communicate effectively, both of which are great assets in tech.
Thanks for the insight! I added a section for my three publications at the bottom of my CV. Currently, I’m also focusing on projects from The Odin Project and have just started exploring coding. I appreciate the advice!