Industry as a laboratory
Tommy Langen's PhD journey has been enriched by using the industry as laboratory during his studies. Here, Tommy shares his insights into the unique opportunities this dual role as a PhD candidate and an engineer has provided.
Early Involvement and Collaborative Projects
Tommy was ealy involved in companies, he has for example been part of H-SEIF 2 (Human Systems Engineering Innovation Framework) project throughout its life and through the PhD. This collaborative framework aims to help engineers and designers create innovative systems for human use. Being part of this project as beneficial for his PhD research on “Conceptual Modeling to Support Human Systems Integration for Manned-Unmanned Systems in the Norwegian High-Tech Industry." He entered a dynamic research environment with companies and other students. His journey started with research together with eight industry partners (from the H-SEIF 2-project), then a closer research collaboration with KDA, so a three-month contract at SEMCON, followed by a partnership with YETI Move, and ultimately led to a position at KDA, where he is currently finalizing his Kappa. These experiences provided Tommy with diverse perspectives on his research, as each company had different priorities and operational focuses. Balancing the dual roles of a PhD student and an industry professional was not without its challenges. Tommy had to navigate the differing demands of academia and industry, often feeling split between the two. The onboarding process in each company required him to quickly adapt to new environments, learn new domains, and integrate into different industrial cultures. Despite these challenges, working in the industry allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The exposure to industry priorities and challenges gave him a deeper understanding of what is needed in the field. Navigating the demands of both roles enhanced his resilience, time management, and problem-solving abilities, contributing to both personal and professional growth.
New Perspectives and Research Impact
Tommy's tasks included modeling and visualization to present systems effectively. He had access to key employees for interviews and company data, which were crucial for his research project. The hands-on experience revealed that while processes might look streamlined on paper, they are often more dynamic in reality. Collaborating closely with industry professionals allowed him to discuss perceived problems and potential solutions, validating his assumptions through real-world feedback. Being in a company while researching was not without difficulties. The industry often focuses on delivering specific goals, while academia tends to have more long-term objectives. This creates a dilemma where gaining goodwill from industry requires delivering short-term wins to access valuable data and insights. Tommy was willing to make extra efforts to obtain this data due to its high value.
Value to the Industry
Employing a PhD student can bring significant advantages to a company. While engineers often dive straight into technical details, we can take a step back to provide an overview and clarify the problem being addressed. This broader perspective can lead to more effective solutions. "My employers have been very open about wanting to incorporate my research and knowledge into their work. This openness has led to improvements in various areas, as elements of my research have been integrated into their development processes”. Having a PhD has made it easier for me to find relevant information and academic literature, pushing the company to stay at the cutting edge of technology and research. It allows the company to quickly find and apply the latest research, ensuring they remain state-of-the-art in their operations.
Recommendations for Other PhD Students
For other PhD students considering a similar path, it's important to ensure that your industry work is value-creating and relevant to your research. If your research methodology involves using the industry as a laboratory, being employed in a 50/50 position for a period of 6-12 months can be beneficial. Balancing time between industry work and research is crucial. Workshops and events can also be valuable for maintaining a dialogue with industry partners.
The Value of Being Part of INRESCOS
Being part of INRESCOS makes it easier to connect with multiple industry professionals, not just those from companies you are already in contact with, but also others facing similar issues. This network can potentially have internship/work opportunities during the PhD but also after graduation. PhD Courses like “Reflective practice in Research context” are highly relevant as they teach you to understand and reflect on your own work experiences as a researcher and an engineer. Learning presentation techniques and communication skills is beneficial when presenting both to academic and non-academic stakeholders. These courses provide small techniques that boost your confidence, help you frame your presentation to better engage the audience, and make you more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. It's somewhat surprising that courses on presenting research to different audiences don't earn study credits. Given that dissemination of your research is a fundamental part of a PhD, such courses should be mandatory. It would be beneficial to tie these courses more closely to presenting at conferences and defending the thesis. INRESCOS also offers activities with peers in similar situations. It's valuable to step back and discuss with others to gain perspective, even if they are not in the same research field. Interdisciplinary discussions can be helpful, as we face similar challenges, and an outside perspective can offer new insights. INRESCOS should be seen as an opportunity, with the possibility to choose elements directly transferable to completing the PhD, as that is the ultimate goal. Every hour not spent writing the thesis is time you need to make up later.
The Transformative Role of Alumni Networks
Tommy reflects on the multifaceted benefits of alumni networks, highlighting their value for both current PhD candidates and the broader academic and industrial communities. He believes these networks are excellent tools for maintaining open lines of communication between academia and industry, which is important for cultivating collaborations, sharing knowledge, and staying updated on industry trends and technological advancements. Alumni who have successfully transitioned to industry roles can serve as inspiring role models for current PhD candidates. One key benefit of alumni networks is the mentorship and guidance they offer. Alumni can provide valuable insights and advice, particularly for candidates looking to use industry as a laboratory and need placements in companies. In addition, alumni networks provide platforms for interaction through conferences, workshops, and seminars. This exchange can lead to fruitful collaborations and a deeper understanding of industry needs for PhD candidates. Furthermore, alumni networks help bridge the gap between academia and industry by showcasing the value of PhD candidates beyond theoretical knowledge and in this way change traditional perceptions of PhD holders, demonstrating their wide range of valuable abilities.