Advanced degrees (MA or Ph.D.) are held by 75% of data scientists, and data scientists have more PhDs than any of the other job titles in related fields. These facts indicate that what I considered my own personal and specific career journey is quite common. It also means that many other fresh academic graduates face the same challenges I faced when looking to kick off my career in the industry. After 10+ years in academia, and even though I carried out my Ph.D. at a small biotech startup, I was deeply puzzled by the confusing job titles, requirements, and lack of appreciation for my academic experience. Different work methodologies, work environments, and even the core way of thinking and approaching problems may sometimes seem like a barrier too high to cross as a researcher. However, by understanding the industry mindset, how it differs from the academic one, and the expected gaps, you, as a researcher, can successfully land the job you are aiming for and succeed in it. In this roundtable, we will discuss the challenges and provide practical tips on how to overcome them.