I am finishing up my PhD in plasmonics. I want to find work in the photonics field of optical design and development, but I acknowledge that this requires specific skills such as familiarity with optical design softwares, that I have not obtained from my PhD. How crucial is it to know job-specific skills ahead of applying for a position (as opposed to fitting the role based on transferable skills, for example)?
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Thanks for the question! While you may not have obtained specific optical design software skills during your PhD, you can still acquire them through various avenues and, in many instances, employers recognize the value of candidates with varied academic profiles. To boost your profile for optical design ahead of applying for positions I would suggest looking for training programs/resources offered by industry organizations or companies specializing in optical design software. These programs often provide hands-on experience and practical training. Many software providers offer extensive documentation, video tutorials, and example projects that can help you learn and practice. Look for some offered by Zemax and CODE V.
Apart from self study, I would recommend opening your professional network to those in the optical design field. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals already working in the field. Engage with them, seek advice, and inquire about potential job opportunities. You could also join professional organizations such as the Optical Society (OSA) or the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), and participate in their events and forums. Hope it helps!
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