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The decision to pursue a PhD is a significant one, and the journey that follows is filled with challenges, growth, and transformation. In this blog, I will share my story and answer some questions about my career that I hope will provide insight into the reality of pursuing a PhD.
The Beginning: Why did you decide to pursue a PhD in the first place?
It all started in 2016 when I decided to leave my home country, Lebanon, and move to France to complete my Master's in Condensed Matter and Nanophysics at the University of Strasbourg. During my Master's and internship, I realized how deeply I was attracted to research and the desire for discovery. These few months of research helped me acquire a lot of knowledge and skills, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy my intellectual curiosity. I felt that pursuing a PhD was the best way to contribute original knowledge to the field, challenge existing ideas, and ultimately make a meaningful impact. It was then that I decided to pursue a PhD and joined the THz Photonics Group at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics, and Nanotechnology (IEMN) at the University of Lille.
Tell us more about your PhD and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your PhD?
During my PhD, I worked on the development of an on-chip integrated THz photoacoustic gas sensor for food quality control. This work was part of the Interreg Terafood project, a collaboration between IEMN, the University of Ghent, ULCO, and Vmicro. The idea behind the project was brilliant, and it was amazing to be a part of it. However, the challenges were many. It was a completely new application for the team, and it was my responsibility to develop it. This demanded a lot of work and effort. Over the course of three years, I faced many failures and delays. Despite these setbacks, my motivation and perseverance remained intact. Finally, after two years of hard work, we started getting great results. We developed a THz photonic resonator with one of the highest quality factors at that time, which was very promising for achieving the gas sensor.
After these significant results, we began to attract media attention, and yes, we were featured on Euronews: TERAFOOD : la technologie pour lutter contre le gaspillage alimentaire | Euronews .
One year later, just a few months before my PhD defense, I received my first successful results for the detection of H2S gas. It was the glory after a long, tough battle. This was the cherry on top of completing my PhD and obtaining the title of Dr. in Electronics and Photonics from the University of Lille, with more than 3 published papers and 9 talks at international conferences.
What was the transition like after completing your PhD?
Just after my PhD, I decided to continue in research and started a Postdoc position at the Centre for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology (C2N), where I worked on the development of optomechanical resonators. After one year of this successful and great experience, I decided to quit academic research and embark on a new journey.
This decision was frustrating. As a PhD, I had spent years perfecting my ability to ask complex
questions, analyze data, and think critically. But these same skills may not always translate directly to industry and business sectors.
Despite my hesitation, I took the decision and joined Optonlaser as a technical sales engineer. Though sales might seem like an entirely different world from research, I quickly discovered that many of the skills I honed during my PhD were directly applicable in the sales environment. My technical expertise, problem-solving mindset, and communication skills helped me to succeed in this role. I also acquired new skills from the customer perspective and business side.
Today, I am a Senior Application Engineer at Synopsys. In this role, I use all the technical and business skills I’ve learned since my PhD and up until my last position in sales. I am currently focusing on developing new applications in optics and photonics simulation. I also provide training and support for customers and prospects in this field.
What advice would you give to someone considering a PhD?
If you're considering pursuing a PhD, my advice is to ensure that your decision is driven by a genuine passion for the subject and a strong desire to contribute new knowledge. A PhD is not merely a degree; it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in solving complex problems, exploring innovative ideas, and achieving significant milestones. Be prepared for long hours and rigorous work, and understand that the process will challenge you in ways you may not expect. Patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace setbacks—as inevitable aspects of the journey—are essential. It is also important to remain confident and determined, trusting that you are the expert in your field. Belief in both yourself and your research will propel you forward. Lastly, while academia is one potential path, a PhD equips you with a diverse skill set that opens doors to a wide array of opportunities across many industries.
What can you say about your life after a PhD?
As I look back on my career journey, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come—from the early stages of my PhD to my current role in optics and photonics application. Every phase has brought its own challenges, growth, and learning experiences. Although I never expected my PhD to lead me into a career in application engineering and sales, I am thankful for the valuable skills and experiences I’ve gained along the way. To anyone considering a similar journey, I encourage you to stay open-minded and embrace the many unexpected opportunities that a PhD can unlock for you.