What Can You Do With A PhD? Career Path For PhD Graduates

One of the things prospective PhD students think about is the career prospects – what can you do with a PhD?

PhD graduates can get into various roles after graduation, including:

• Research
• Academia
• Industry R&D
• Consulting
• Policy & advocacy

This article delves into the versatile career paths available to PhD graduates. We’ll also explore how the skills honed during a PhD can be applied in various sectors, showing the diverse trajectories that can shape the professional journey of a PhD holder.

What Can You Do With A PhD?

Career Path	Key Activities
Research and Academia	– Conduct further researches – Publish papers – Oversee projects – Teach and mentor
Industry Research & Development	– Develop products – Collaborate with teams – Manage projects
Consulting	– Analyze data – Improve products/services – Advise companies
Entrepreneurship	– Start companies – Develop products/services – Manage projects
Policy & Advocacy	– Research and develop policies – Analyze data – Write briefs – Advocate for changes

Research and Academia – Postdoc, Research Associate, etc.

Embarking on a career in academia after completing a PhD can be both exhilarating and daunting.

Many PhD graduates go on to pursue postdoctoral positions, which are often seen as the stepping stone to a full-fledged academic career.

A postdoc, short for postdoctoral researcher, is a temporary position that allows you to:

• conduct further research,
• deepen your expertise, and
• publish more peer-reviewed papers.

This work experience is crucial in the highly competitive academic job market.

For those with a penchant for academia but seeking slightly different paths, becoming a research associate or assistant professor might be more appealing.

These roles involve a mix of research and teaching, requiring you to not only oversee research projects but also impart knowledge to the next generation of students.

The workload is significant, often extending into nights and weekends, but the reward comes in advancing your field and mentoring like-minded graduate students.

Networking plays a vital role in navigating these career paths. Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for connecting with faculty members, fellow PhD graduates, and professionals in your field.

Engaging in informational interviews can provide insider details about different career options, helping you make informed decisions about your future career.

Industry Research & Development

Venturing into industry research and development (R&D) offers an exciting career path for PhD graduates keen on applying their expertise beyond academia.

In R&D, the focus shifts to developing new products or enhancing existing ones, often in fast-paced, innovative environments.

The transition from a PhD program to an R&D role in a company can be a rewarding shift, bringing your research to life in practical applications.

PhD graduates in fields like life sciences, engineering, and data science find themselves in high demand in sectors ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to tech and energy.

For instance, a PhD in chemistry might lead to a career in developing new drugs or materials, while a PhD in computer science could land you in a cutting-edge tech company working on AI or machine learning projects.

The work involves not just conducting research but also:

• collaborating with cross-functional teams,
• overseeing project timelines, and sometimes even
• managing budgets.

This blend of research, project management, and teamwork requires a diverse skill set, combining deep technical knowledge with strong communication and leadership abilities.

Consulting

Venturing into consulting after a PhD is a compelling career path for many graduates looking to apply their expertise in a dynamic environment. In consulting, PhDs can bring to their clients a unique blend of:

• deep analytical skills,
• expert knowledge, and
• problem-solving abilities.

This can be especially valuable in fields like data science, life sciences, or any area where specialized knowledge is a significant asset.

For PhD graduates, consulting offers a variety of roles, from data analysts to policy analysts, where you can help companies navigate complex challenges. You could find yourself developing strategies to:

• improve a product or service,
• optimizing operations, or
• advising on policy development.

The work is often project-based, giving you the chance to dive into diverse problems and industries.

A PhD also equips you with robust research skills, critical in a consulting role where you need to quickly understand a client’s needs, gather and analyze data, and present findings in a clear, actionable manner.

These are the moments where your academic training in conducting research, writing, and public speaking pays off.

Entrepreneur

Entering the entrepreneurial world as a PhD graduate can be an exhilarating pivot, where academic prowess meets the dynamic pace of business innovation.

Many PhDs channel their deep, research-based expertise and analytical skills into creating startups or developing novel products and services.

This blend of academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit often leads to groundbreaking ventures in tech, finance, science, biotech, and beyond.

For example, a PhD in life sciences might leverage their years of research to innovate in healthcare, developing new medical devices or therapies. Similarly, a data science PhD could use their expertise to start a tech company focused on advanced analytics solutions.

These ventures not only capitalize on the PhD’s specialized knowledge but also on their ability to:

• conduct thorough research,
• oversee complex projects, and
• solve intricate problems.

The transition from academia to entrepreneurship demands a shift in mindset, from the pursuit of scholarly knowledge to the fast-paced world of business.

Yet, the rigorous training of a PhD program provides a strong foundation in research, critical thinking, and perseverance—qualities essential for entrepreneurial success.

Policy & Advocacy

PhD graduates can wield their deep knowledge and research skills to influence and shape public policy. This career path allows you to apply your expertise directly to societal issues, bringing about change at various levels.

Whether it’s environmental policy, healthcare reform, or educational policy, your PhD equips you with the ability to analyze complex data, evaluate policies’ effectiveness, and advocate for evidence-based solutions.

As a policy analyst, for instance, you might work for:

• think tanks,
• non-profit organizations, or
• governmental agencies.

There, you research and develop policies that address key societal challenges. Your days could involve analyzing data sets, writing policy briefs, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively is crucial, especially when translating academic research into actionable policy recommendations.

PhD graduates in this field often find themselves at the forefront of advocacy efforts, working alongside like-minded professionals to lobby for policy changes.

Engaging with the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders requires not just expert knowledge but also strong public speaking and written communication skills.

Career Prospects for PhD Graduates

Pursuing a career with your PhD gives you a unique set of transferable skills applicable in academia and beyond. Whether you aspire to a professorship, a research-focused position in industry, or an entrepreneurial venture, the PhD experience lays a robust foundation.

Remember, the journey from grad school to career success varies a lot, but with the right blend of research expertise, teaching experience, and networking, you can become successful in your chosen profession.