We have all read the statistics about how the job market for tenured professors is shrinking and how graduates, particularly those from lower-tier programs, should have a backup plan in the event they are unable to land a job in academia. The good news is that backup plan can be a position in the corporate world and Ph.D.s can, and indeed are, hired for positions outside of academia on a pretty regular basis.
We hope the following helps you whether you are already in a Ph.D. program or evaluating your Ph.D. options.
The first step in landing a job outside academia is to identify your transferable skills. What can you take from your education and apply to the private sector? Hopefully, it’s a long list that includes strong analytical skills, strong writing skills and expert knowledge in your field.
The second step is explore your options. Social media is definitely your friend for this endeavor. Find Ph.D.s in the private sector and reach out to them to arrange informational interviews. Let them know your plans and ask them their thoughts on your options. One favorite question to ask them is what is it they know now that they wish they knew before they did their dissertation. Cast a broad net and consider opportunities in the public sector and the nonprofit sector as well as within various industries and various sized organizations from start ups and small, family-owned companies to the Fortune 500.
Once you have completed these steps, it’s time to utilize the same job search strategies and resources as the other students at your university and be tenacious about securing some job offers!
