Comment by sightbroke

I would think there's almost more pressure in academia compared to private sector to sell your work as valuable.

By that I mean, in order to advance in ones career (assuming an intensive research track) one needs to bring in research money (i.e. regularly apply for funding) then publish research that came from that funding.

That funding needs to be managed (so basically a small business with allocating costs to equipment, labor, etc).

Then "sell" that published research at conferences.

Then manage/mentor a variety of students (because that's a key part of your labor supply).

And maybe even teach on top of that.

In private sector you just need to focus on your work making your boss/company money and if you want to manage people, learn how to communicate (listen and speak).