The founders of OSSC Corporate Member
FindLight, both PhD alumni of the University of California, Irvine, recently returned to their alma mater to present an engaging talk titled “Life After PhD: From Research to a Global Photonics Marketplace”, bringing together members of the Optical Society of Southern California (OSSC) alongside UCI graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and university staff.
Organized by the campus OPTICA/SPIE student chapter, the event created a collaborative space for discussion around career pathways beyond academia, particularly within photonics, deep-tech industry, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on their own professional journeys from academic research to building a global industrial marketplace, the speakers shared practical insights into navigating transitions from the laboratory to leadership roles in technology and business.
Throughout the talk, the founders reflected on their early research experiences, the challenges and opportunities involved in launching a technology company, and the evolution of FindLight as a platform connecting photonics suppliers with buyers of optical and photonics equipment worldwide. Emphasis was placed on how the analytical thinking, resilience, and problem-solving skills developed during doctoral training translate directly into impactful careers across industry, startups, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The session concluded with an active discussion and Q&A, where attendees from both OSSC and the UCI community explored topics such as entering industry after a PhD, building companies in highly technical fields, and identifying the skills most valued by employers in photonics and semiconductor ecosystems. The strong engagement underscored a shared interest in strengthening connections between academia, regional professional societies, and the broader technology industry.
By participating in events like this, FindLight and OSSC continue to support knowledge exchange, mentorship, and professional development for the next generation of scientists and engineers, helping translate cutting-edge research into meaningful real-world innovation.