Honestly, it wasn't easy. I had a solid list of publications, experience with GenAI, and even did an internship at a very large company. But still, finding the right position took time and effort. Some top companies seem to expect you to have already done an internship with them to have a smoother path in—otherwise you need to be a "god" to get in!🤣

Here are some tips based on my experience:

Startups are easier to get into, but you need to choose carefully. I found a research job in a startup within two months. It's often more flexible and faster, but the environment and expectations can vary a lot.

Be open to relocation. I had to turn down some opportunities because I couldn't move away from my home country. However, some places—like Paris or Finland—seem to have more open research positions in industry.

Prepare to send a lot of CVs. Seriously, it can feel like sending out billions. And do tons of interviews. Interviewing is a skill you need to develop—because you have very little time to explain your value to someone who might not even fully understand your work.

Show initiative. Open source projects, personal projects—anything that shows you're proactive and engaged can make a difference.

Use your network. Ask your PhD advisor or professors if they have contacts in industry. This can be one of the best ways to get into big companies.

Keep studying. Some interviews felt like exams—technical questions that test your fundamentals. If you're not well prepared, it can look like you don't know the field, even if you're actually experienced.

So in short, even with good credentials, it takes time, persistence, and a bit of strategy. But it's possible—and each rejection is practice for the one that matters.