From Academia to Industry: Reflections on an internship at Qualcomm Cambridge

After settling into my internship at Qualcomm Cambridge, I’ve been struck by the contrast between academic research and working in industry. Coming from a PhD background, the shift in environment and expectations has been both eye-opening and rewarding.

One of the most noticeable differences is the level of collaboration. In academia, while there is certainly teamwork; co-authoring papers, discussing ideas, and attending conferences, the core of a PhD is deeply individual. Your thesis is your own, and you are the driving force behind your project. You set the direction, manage the timeline, and ultimately carry the responsibility.

In industry, however, everything is built around teamwork. Projects are developed by large, often geographically distributed teams. Your work must integrate seamlessly with others’, which means regular code reviews, sync meetings, and constant communication. It’s a shift from being the sole owner of a project to being a contributor to something much larger. At first, this change in mindset was a challenge, but it’s also been refreshing. I already feel like a valued part of the team, and that sense of shared purpose is incredibly motivating.

What’s made this internship particularly meaningful is the nature of the work I’ve been given. Rather than being handed a side project to keep me busy, I’ve been trusted with a task that directly contributes to a real, ongoing data project. Knowing that my work will be used and implemented by the company has made a huge difference. It’s not just about learning new skills, it’s about applying them in a way that matters.

This experience has shown me how much value there is in stepping outside the academic bubble. I’ve learned to adapt, to collaborate, and to contribute in a new context and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward.