Taking the Leap: From (astro)physics to industry / Focus Carrriere science 2025

Friday 4 Apr 2025, 10:30 → 13:00 Europe/Zurich

Aula (Observatoire de Geneve)

 

After 16 years in physics, Andri decided to take the leap into the world of a Fortune 25 company. 

Join this session to hear about her journey in physics: what she loved, the transferable skills she gained, and what she wasn’t a big fan of. She’ll also share the A-B-Cs of how she landed a job at a corporate giant!

What is it like working there? What are the key learnings (beyond just the tech)? And, on the side of parachutes and kids, discover how Andri launched her empowerment coaching business  to help even more people take the leap!

This session promises to spark curiosity, plant seeds for thought, and leave you with a dash of adrenaline about the exciting possibilities out there!

 

Bio:

When I was a child, my Dad wanted me to become a Doctor, while I wanted to become a Physicist. I became a Doctor in Physics, and now we're both happy."

From a Particle Physics PhD at Imperial College London to 8 years of postdoctoral research at Oxford University and CERN, Androula (Andri) Alekou learned to embrace and even chase change. Her most significant career pivot came in 2020, when, after 16 years in Physics, she made the bold leap into the corporate world of a Fortune 25 company, working as a Data Lead in Analytics.

Beyond her work in Analytics, Andri wears many hats: she’s a 3-Dan Martial Arts instructor, a licensed Skydiver, and a proud Mom of 2. These diverse experiences have shaped her unique perspective on personal growth and resilience.

Over the past few years, Andri has been channeling this perspective into her Coaching business, guiding others to face their fears and enjoy life to the fullest. Having experienced first-hand the challenges of leaving her own comfort zone, again-and-again(-and-again!), at different life stages, Andri fully empathises with the courage needed to 'take the leap' into what may seem unknown at the time. Now, Andri’s mission is clear: to empower others to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, to dare to dream boldly, and to pursue a life of unwavering bravery and determination.