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July 15, 2019

Seeking Employment with Your New PhD

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and are now the proud holder of a PhD. Now what?

In today’s job market, PhDs are hired not only as professors, but also as:

• Researchers in STEM fields, plus many other academic and non-academic areas
• Directors of nonprofits or government agencies
• A wide array of positions within business and consulting organizations

What you’ll need for applying within academia

The route to obtaining an academic position is more standardized than it is for non-academic positions. To apply for such a position, you will need to gather:

• Transcripts
• Letters of reference
• Seminar presentation

A potential employer in academia will require you to interview and present your research. If you are seeking a tenure track position at a research university, you will need evidence of first-authored publications in academic journals. Presenting at conferences and/or having gained funding from grant writing are also advantages. You may also need to present your experience with teaching, conducting research, and/or grant-writing.

The importance of making connections (for academic positions)

Having conversations with professors at conferences, seminars, guest lectures, etc. can lead to a referral that makes all the difference for you. Do not underestimate the power of connections. That doesn’t mean you have to already have established close relationships with important people; but it means you have to initiate communications with them to build relationships. One referral can lead to another, and to another that results in an offer. It means staying in touch with contacts after you have met them – sending them articles of interest and keeping them informed of your accomplishments.

The importance of making connections (for non-academic positions)

For non-academic positions, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to connect with people who may be in a position to provide leads and introductions. Hiring managers are usually required to publicly post positions. However, everyone who recruits for open positions is seeking referrals from respected colleagues. It makes their job easier and ensures less risk than selecting interviewees from a pile of resumes.

Yes, you must have an effective resume that outlines the results of your efforts, not just your actions. And, yes, you need to write cover letters that target particular individuals within an organization and that make the case that you will contribute to the entity’s mission. However, you strengthen your chances of obtaining an interview when you have already communicated with individuals who work in that company, who can speak to the hiring manager on your behalf. And, if you don’t get the position, keep in contact with those you have met as other positions will open up.

Bottom line

As the author of What Color Is Your Parachute wrote many years ago, “Organize your luck.” By taking the initiative and not just depending on mailing out resumes, you create those connections that allow “luck” and a job offer to occur.

Is pursuing a PhD the right move for you? Do you need help deciding what your next steps should be? Work one-on-one with an experienced Accepted consultant who will walk you through the steps of applying to a PhD program and position you for you chosen career. Explore our Graduate School Admissions Consulting Services for more information.

Related Resources:

• Choosing the Best PhD Program , a free guide • How to Get Into Grad School, and Get Jobs After Grad School , a podcast episode • PhD Admissions 101

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45 Graduate Degree Jobs That Pay More Than $100K

Earning an advanced degree can lead to six-figure salaries in some fields, like law, medicine and tech.

Getty Images |

Discover high-paying graduate degree jobs.

Graduate school is a major time and money commitment. But the return on investment can be well worth the cost , as a more advanced credential may help open the door to lucrative jobs. Here are a few examples of careers, listed in alphabetical order, where a graduate degree  can lead to a job with an annual salary of more than $100,000 in the U.S.

Getty Image |

• Aerospace engineer

Individuals who are fascinated by space exploration might enjoy a career as an aerospace engineer . Though only a bachelor's degree is necessary for an entry-level position in this field, jobs in research and academia typically require a graduate degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $122,270 in 2021, and the BLS predicts that jobs in this field will increase 6% between 2021 and 2031 – a growth rate that matches the average among all U.S. occupations.

(Getty Images) |

• Anesthesiologist

When a patient needs surgery and must be put under anesthesia, the doctor who ensures that the patient is safe and feels as little pain as possible is an anesthesiologist . The job of this highly trained specialist sometimes requires making life-or-death, split-second decisions, so good judgment is paramount. The average salary among anesthesiologists in 2021 was $331,190, and the BLS predicts that the number of jobs in this field will increase by 1% between 2021 and 2031.

• Architectural or engineering manager

When a building is constructed or a machine is made, the person in charge of the project is often an architectural or engineering manager. Architectural managers typically need a master's degree in architecture. Although it is possible to get an engineering management position with only an undergraduate degree, it is common for people who want to advance to seek a management-related graduate degree such as a Master of Business Administration, or MBA . According to the BLS, the median annual wage within this profession in 2021 was $152,350, and a 2% increase in jobs is projected within this field between 2021 and 2031.

An astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial bodies using telescopes and other devices, and may be an expert in such areas as black holes or asteroids. An astronomer's goal is to increase understanding of the universe through compelling research. In exchange for this scholarly work, an astronomer can expect to receive a six-figure salary, according to the BLS, which reports that the median annual wage in this field was $128,160 in 2021. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs in this field will be 6% higher in 2031 than in 2021, on par with the average growth rate predicted among all U.S. occupations.

(Brett Ziegler for USN&WR) |

• Biochemist or biophysicist in the wholesale trade industry

Biochemists and biophysicists are scientists who research the chemical and physical aspects of living organisms. They often work in laboratories, using devices like lasers, microscopes and X-rays to investigate scientific questions. In 2021, the median annual salary among U.S. workers in this field who were employed by wholesale companies was $126,470, according to the BLS . The demand is high for biochemists and biophysicists in general, with the number of jobs expected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031. Working in this field in independent research and development ordinarily requires a Ph.D. degree .

• Chief executive

Though becoming a CEO entails taking on an intimidating amount of responsibility, being in charge often results in a generous paycheck. The median salary among chief executives in 2021 was $179,520, and these positions often come with stock options and performance bonuses. However, these leadership roles will likely become more scarce in the near future. The BLS predicts the number of chief executive jobs will be 7% lower in 2031 than it was in 2021. The education required to become a chief executive varies widely depending on industry – and so does the salary – but executives at big corporations frequently have MBA degrees.

• Computer and information research scientist

People interested in inventing new technology and coming up with clever applications of existing technology may want to consider a career as a computer and information research scientist. These scholars and innovators, who typically have a graduate education, sometimes create new computing languages and find ways to optimize how people use technology. The median salary in this field was $131,490 in 2021, and employment will be 21% higher in 2031 than in 2021, the BLS predicts .

(iStockphoto) |

• Computer and information systems manager

Computer and information systems managers, sometimes called IT managers , are responsible for directing the maintenance and improvement of their organization's technology systems. Though it's possible to work in this kind of management position with only an undergraduate degree, many organizations require an advanced degree. The median annual salary among IT managers was $159,010 in 2021, according to the BLS, which estimates 16% growth in the number of these jobs from 2021 to 2031.

• Computer hardware engineer

Though it's possible to find a job as a computer hardware engineer with only a bachelor's degree, some employers require a master's degree. Experienced workers in this profession – which focuses on designing computer equipment – may choose to pursue an MBA. The median U.S. salary in this field in 2021 was $128,170, according to the BLS, which estimates that the number of jobs for computer hardware engineers will be 5% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Data scientist

Data scientists collect and analyze data, which is then used to make decisions within a company. While this profession requires at least a bachelor's degree, many employers prefer candidates to have a master's or doctoral degree . Not only do data scientists make six figures – $100,910 in 2021 – they are also high in demand: BLS predicts the number of jobs in this field will increase by 36% from 2021 to 2031.

A career in dentistry is one of the top job options in the U.S., according to the U.S. News Best Jobs rankings. The first step on this career path is admission into an accredited dental school. However, dental doctoral programs tend to be highly selective. In order to practice dentistry, candidates must fulfill the licensing requirements in their chosen jurisdiction. U.S. dentists earned a median salary of $163,220 in 2021, per BLS data. The BLS projects 6% growth in this occupation from 2021 to 2031.

Economists conduct research and offer analysis on various financial topics such as employment, wages and the economic impact of proposed laws or regulations. Workers in this field took home a median salary of $105,630 in 2021, according to the BLS. The number of U.S. economist jobs is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, per BLS data .

• Environmental engineer for the federal government

Environmental engineers design technology and facilities that help protect the environment, provide guidance on pollution cleanup efforts and conduct environmental inspections. Those who work for the federal government often receive six-figure paychecks. The median annual wage for federal environmental engineers was $110,240 in 2021, according to the BLS, and employment of environmental engineers in general is expected to grow 4% between 2021 and 2031.

(Getty Stock Images) |

• Family and general practitioner

One of the advantages of becoming a primary care doctor is the opportunity to forge a long-term bond with patients and guide them through various health challenges, ranging from minor ailments to major issues. Family and general physicians tend to have numerous regular clients. The average salary among U.S. family and general practitioners was $235,930 in 2021, and employment of physicians and surgeons will likely be 3% higher in 2031 than it was in 2021, according to the BLS.

• General internal medicine physician

Primary care physicians who typically work with adults are known as general internal medicine physicians. They can diagnose and treat illness and usually provide nonsurgical care. They are experts at recognizing the signs of problems with a person's internal organs such as the stomach, kidneys, liver and digestive tract. The average salary among these types of doctors in 2021 was $242,190, the BLS reports . Employment for general internal medicine physicians is expected to be 2% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• General pediatrician

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating children, including injuries and diseases. The median salary among U.S. general practice pediatricians in 2021 was $198,420, which is less than the average salary among doctors in general. According to the BLS , the number of jobs for general pediatricians will be 1% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Human resources manager

Human resources managers oversee the hiring process within an organization, discuss company benefits and mediate conflict among employees. The median annual wage among human resources managers was $126,230 in 2021, with the highest salaries being in the professional, scientific and technical services industries, BLS reports . Jobs in this field are expected to grow 7% between 2021 and 2031.

• Industrial production manager

Manufacturing facilities have many moving parts, so they can be challenging to run. Someone who joins this profession can expect to come up with strategies for increasing productivity and ensuring safety at manufacturing facilities. According to the BLS, the median salary among industrial production managers in 2021 was $103,150. Employment in this field is expected to be 3% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Information security analyst

Given data breaches at corporations and in governments, information security analysts play a vital role in shielding confidential information from hackers. In 2021, the median salary among information security analysts was $102,600, the BLS reports. Employment within this field is expected to surge: The BLS predicts that the number of jobs available to information security analysts in general will be 35% higher in 2031 than it was in 2021.

• Judge and hearing officer

Judges and hearing officers render legal verdicts, giving them tremendous power and authority in the courtroom. According to the BLS, median annual wages among these professionals came in at $128,710 in 2021. The BLS predicts that employment within this field will be 1% lower in 2031 than in 2021.

• Law professor

Law professors are responsible for training the next generation of attorneys, such as through law school clinics where J.D. students get a chance to apply their legal knowledge. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for this line of work was $123,470 in 2021, and the bureau also notes that employment in this field is likely to be 9% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

A law degree can lead to jobs in many different fields , such as aviation law, bankruptcy law, construction law, environmental law, intellectual property law, real estate law or tax law. The median salary for attorneys was $127,990 in 2021, according to BLS data . This occupation's outlook for growth is 10% from 2021 to 2031.

• Marine engineer or naval architect for the federal government

Aspiring shipbuilders may want to pursue a career as a marine engineer or naval architect . According to the BLS, the median salary among individuals who held this type of position for the federal government in 2021 was $104,920. The BLS predicts that employment in this field overall will be 4% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Marketing manager

Business leaders who help promote companies often earn enormous salaries. According to the BLS, the median salary among marketing managers in 2021 was $135,030. A marketing manager determines the level of demand for a particular product or service, identifies potential consumers and markets that a company can sell to and helps set the price for whatever a company is selling. Employment within this field will be 10% higher in 2031 than in 2021, the BLS projects .

• Mathematician

Those with a graduate degree in math  might research mathematical theories or work to apply mathematical techniques in fields such as engineering and management. Mathematicians brought home a median annual salary of $108,100 in 2021, according to BLS data . The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for mathematicians will stay the same from 2021 to 2031.

• Medical scientist focused on research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences sectors

Someone who dreams of making a scientific discovery that can save lives may enjoy a career as a medical scientist. This kind of scientist specializes in conducting research that clarifies what causes illness, what prevents sickness and which therapies work best. According to the BLS, employment within this occupation, excluding epidemiologists, will be 17% higher in 2031 than in 2021. As of 2021, the median salary among medical scientists concentrated on research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences industries was $102,210, the BLS reports.

• Mining and geological engineer focusing on oil and gas extraction

Careers in the oil and natural gas sectors can lead to large paychecks. Mining and geological engineers who specialized in extracting oil or gas from the earth had a median salary of $131,020 in 2021, according to the BLS. The BLS predicts that overall employment for mining and geological engineers will be 2% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists deliver anesthesia to patients and provide related care before, during and after medical procedures. According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists earned a median salary of $195,610 in 2021. The BLS predicts the number of nurse anesthetist jobs, which require at least a master's degree, to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031.

• Nurse midwife

A nurse midwife focuses on providing primary care to women and newborns. These professionals often perform gynecological exams and provide family planning assistance, and typically offer prenatal care and deliver babies. Their median salary in 2021 was $112,830, according to the BLS , and employment is expected to be 7% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

(Morsa Images | Getty Images)

• Nurse practitioner

There are many kinds of nurses , and some do not need to have graduate degrees. Nurse practitioners , however, are required to have graduate credentials. These highly trained nurses can assess, diagnose and treat patients, and they ordinarily specialize in treating a particular area. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $120,680 in 2021. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for nurse practitioners will skyrocket, increasing by 46% between 2021 and 2031.

• Obstetrician-gynecologist

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN , is a doctor who focuses on women's health issues. They can help women by providing birth control, addressing fertility problems, performing cancer screenings of sex organs and overseeing the pregnancy and childbirth processes. The average salary for an OB-GYN in 2021 was $296,210, according to the BLS. Employment within this profession is expected to be 2% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Operations research analyst for the federal government

People who love math may thrive in a career as an operations research analyst . Someone with this job designs analytical models that can decipher complicated data and determine the most efficient way to run an organization. Among people who held this position in the federal government in 2021, the median annual pay was $120,950. Plus, the job outlook for this profession is bright. According to the BLS, overall employment among all operations research analysts will likely be 23% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Optometrist

Optometrists perform eye examinations, prescribe glasses or contact lenses and may provide vision therapy treatments. These medical professionals brought home a median salary of $124,300 in 2021, according to the most recent BLS data. The number of jobs for optometrists is projected to increase by 10% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This growth is expected to be driven partly by an aging U.S. population.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

There are many types of dentists. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained to perform surgeries on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gum, neck or head. The median annual salary for this kind of surgeon was $208,000 or more in 2021, according to the BLS, which predicts that employment in this field will be 5% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Orthodontist

Dentists who specialize in aligning crooked teeth using braces and other techniques are referred to as orthodontists . The median salary among these health care providers in 2021 was $208,000 or more, according to the BLS, and employment in this occupation will likely be 5% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

Pharmacists fill drug prescriptions, consult with patients about their medication and provide some immunizations, in addition to other tasks. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $128,570 in 2021, according to BLS data. The number of jobs for pharmacists is projected to increase by 2% between 2021 and 2031.

• Physician assistant

Physician assistants work in teams with other medical practitioners to provide patient care. They aren't full-fledged doctors, but graduates with these degrees can examine, diagnose and treat patients. Becoming a physician assistant requires rigorous graduate education, though not as much schooling as required to become a doctor. According to BLS, these workers earned a median annual salary of $121,530 in 2021. The number of physician assistant jobs is projected to grow rapidly – by 28% – from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS.

Someone with an interest in the scientific laws that govern the universe may enjoy a career as a physicist. The science of physics often touches on complicated philosophical questions about how the universe began and why the universe looks the way it does today. In 2021, the median salary for physicists was $152,430. According to the BLS, the number of jobs for physicists will likely be 8% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

Podiatrists are experts on treating health conditions that affect the lower extremities of the human body, such as feet, ankles and lower legs. The median annual wage among these professionals was $145,840 in 2021, according to the BLS, and job growth within this field is expected to increase 2% from 2021 to 2031.

• Political scientist

Someone who is fascinated by politics, wants to study how governments function and is concerned about government mismanagement might excel as a political scientist . These individuals often analyze government policies and practices and sometimes study voter behavior. The median salary among political scientists in 2021 was $122,510, the BLS reports . Employment within this field is expected to be 6% higher in 2031 than 2021, according to the BLS.

• Prosthodontist

Dentists who specialize in helping individuals with missing or damaged teeth are called prosthodontists . These dentists can also address missing gum tissue. The median salary among U.S. prosthodontists in 2021 was $100,950, according to the BLS, which predicts that employment within this occupation will be 5% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Public relations or fundraising manager

Public relations managers protect and promote the reputation of a company or person, while fundraising managers work to raise money for an organization. According to the BLS, the median salary among public relations and fundraising managers in 2021 was $119,860. Employment within this field is expected to be 8% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

• Software developer

Because of the increasing influence of technology on the way Americans work and live, demand is rising for individuals who are skilled at creating software. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for software developers , along with quality assurance analysts and testers, will be 25% higher in 2031 than in 2021. Median pay for these tech experts was $109,020 in 2021.

Doctors who cut people open and perform operations have a highly stressful job that requires a steady hand. Becoming a surgeon requires years of specialized training after medical school. According to the BLS, the average salary in 2021 among U.S. orthopedic surgeons – excluding pediatric – was $306,220, and the number of jobs for surgeons in the U.S. will be 3% higher in 2031 than in 2021.

Veterinarians

Not only do veterinarians address injuries and illnesses of household pets, some provide medical care to livestock and other wild animals. In addition to advising owners about the health of their pets, these professionals also administer vaccines and perform surgeries. The median salary among veterinarians in 2021 was $100,370, with the number of jobs in this field expected to increase by 19% from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS data .

Learn more about applying to grad school.

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This article delves into why PhD graduates would want to pursue a career in industry-related areas instead of academic settings. We also list some viable job options for those coming out of STEM programs or other disciplines, and touch upon how PhD consultants can provide helpful advice that will be appropriate to your situation, especially if you are not yet accepted into a doctoral program.

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Article Contents 11 min read

Why transition from academia to industry.

Figuring out how to find a job after grad school is rarely easy, but expanding your horizons and considering new options may be a life-changing decision. At first, you may feel fear about leaving academia, but. More and more doctoral graduates are making the change to industry positions rather than remaining in academic settings, especially if they come from STEM fields.

Want to know the difference between a Masters vs PhD? Watch this video:

It may not be what you initially pictured when writing your grad school career goals statement , but industry jobs can provide you with a worthwhile career. Similar job hunting skills will benefit you no matter where you choose to look for employment. There is not one singular way to do this and it also depends on your chosen discipline. The important thing to remember is that there is a whole world out there for you to explore when it comes to your professional future. Here’re some of the reasons you should consider industry jobs after PhD:

More Opportunities

You will often be told to be very sure of your decision when wondering "should you pursue a master’s or PhD?" . This line of thinking usually comes from the fact that graduate degrees are a boatload of work and effort without a guaranteed payoff at the end of it.

One of the biggest reasons why many PhD holders are now working in industry is because the job market is very competitive. The academic job market is generally competitive, but is now even more so due to less full-time, tenure-track positions available for the amount of PhDs to fill them. These applicants may not have found a viable postdoc position or had enough teaching experience to secure a job in academia. Whatever the case, working in an industry sector is much broader and PhDs can use their training in a variety of ways that differ from academia.

Now that you’re more aware about why those who have earned a doctorate can move away from academic careers, what are some of the industry jobs that be of interest to you? There is truly no list that will be 100% complete, as the amount of opportunities are endless. Nevertheless, here are some great examples of industry jobs one can have after completing a PhD:

1. Scientist/Researcher

For STEM graduates, this will be a very obvious option right off the bat. Just because you are no longer in the academic job market, does not mean you cannot participate in research at any level. If you acquired a background in research while completing your PhD, there are positions that will accommodate this. A wide variety of industries are all about what is new and value innovation, and their research and development departments will reflect these principles.

Another positive about industry research positions as a scientist is that you do not necessarily need to worry about how to get a tenure-track position. In academia, you have the added pressure of trying to achieve tenure and meeting research expectations while teaching and participating in university events. This is not the case for industry. Industry research science positions can be as fulfilling and have as much of a positive impact as academic positions. The same can be said for engineering-related positions of a similar nature. In other words, there are research careers available to you outside of academia. 

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Chief Materials Scientist
• Genomic Research Scientist
• Immunogenicity Scientist

2. Data Analyst

As a PhD, you are perhaps able to analyze data better than most other candidates. Many organizations want to use the information they collect to make better decisions about the future, whether it is related to customers, statistics, or otherwise. As a data analyst, you will use your data to solve problems and be an essential part of your company. This job requires analytical, numerical, and technical skills to successfully perform. Ideally, this position will combine your affinity for data collection with conventional business knowledge. 

• Strategic Initiatives Analyst
• Supply Chain Master Data & Solutions Analyst
• Planning Analyst

3. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Advanced scientific knowledge is beneficial for many fields, especially for matters related to health care. Working in regulatory affairs means that you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining government approval for drugs, nutritional products, medical devices, and more. This is a position that combines research with a legal touch, as you will be filling out paperwork and ensuring that whatever product you are working with follows regulatory guidelines. If you are detail-oriented and good at dealing with deadlines, this option might be of interest to you.

• Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Senior Quality and Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Director of Regulatory Affairs

4. Pharmaceutical Roles

In a similar vein, STEM PhDs in particular can find work in the pharmaceuticals industry. While you not be as familiar with the medical field specifically or have not been to any of the pharmacy schools in the US or Canada, this does not mean that your skills cannot benefit a pharmacology company. For instance, a medical science liaison meets with doctors and other practitioners to create strategies that enhance health outcomes. They also may be responsible for producing medical equipment, assessing clinical samples, and enable drug distribution, among other tasks. While some MSLs can have a medical degree or be a Doctor of Pharmacy, any PhD related to research science can be relevant to a position of this sort.

• Medical Science Liaison
• Pharmaceutical Data Scientist
• Clinical Information Science Associate Director

5. Consultant

Consultants are professionals that can provide advice to companies or clients in need of hitting specific targets or achieving certain goals. Consulting roles can be related to almost any professional field. Some of the most common consulting firms are related management consulting, financial consulting, human resources consulting, and academic consulting. Since you have a PhD and are likely well-versed in how higher education admissions work, becoming a grad school admissions consultant could be beneficial to your career. Consulting firms usually employ a team of experts that are usually hired on a contract basis to a particular client. In the case of academic consulting, your clients will likely be prospective students looking to get into competitive graduate school programs. Since you have already gone through the process yourself, your input on a graduate school statement of purpose and interview prep could be much appreciated.

• Academic Consultant
• Associate Workflow Consultant
• Change Management Consultant
• Organizational Measurement & Evaluation Consultant

6. Professional Writer

Regardless of discipline, your academic training has probably left you with superior writing skills, which can be essential to industry as well. Writing skills are always necessary for companies around the world. Content writer jobs are available in various capacities and are adjacent to many other fields, such as communications and marketing. As digital content becomes more prevalent, well-written newsletters, social media posts, blogs, product descriptions, press releases, and more could be used to build a brand’s presence online. Writing jobs could also be more specified, such as becoming a medical writer or business writers. Therefore, there is a wide range of opportunity for PhDs who can write effectively.

• Medical Writer
• Grant Writer
• Technical Writer

7. Marketing

Moving on from content writer jobs, these skills are also incredibly useful in marketing environments. PhDs could potentially have the ability to share creative ideas to promote company products or services. For example, one way to do this is to establish some of the best affiliate marketing strategies and how they will benefit your organization. Marketing roles, like other types of positions, could also be somewhat related to academia, as colleges and universities need their own marketing too. As someone who has been a student through multiple stages, you can garner enough expertise to assist with implementing marketing strategies to increase student enrollment . Pretty much every business needs marketing measures, and you can definitely participate in those using the training from your doctorate degree.

• Marketing Communications Coordinator
• Marketing Science Supervisor
• Digital Marketing Manager

8. UX Designer

A user experience designer is a relatively new type of job that is broad and, once again, can apply to multiple professional fields. The exact specificities of this role can depend on the company, but its main objective is to make a product useful and easily accessible to multiple parties. The most common type of UX design is for company websites or apps. This job can be performed through testing of various kinds, creating prototypes, making ideal customer personas through conducting user research, and more. Keeping the end user in mind is key to success in this field. In this role, you are essentially collecting data and using it to improve the product at hand.

• Senior Product Designer
• Website UX Designer
• UX Researcher

9. Entrepreneur

If you are a business-savvy PhD, starting your own enterprise may be the path for you. Make sure your business is related to a field you are passionate about and that is feasible to begin on your own or with a small number of colleagues. Over your studies, you can develop the necessary skills to succeed in business, such as data collection, identifying trends, and solving problems to move forward successfully. Once you identify what the relevant market needs and how your business will operate, you can learn more about the best business growth and development strategies to assist with creating an organization that will last. While networking is also crucial to finding academic jobs, these skills can also evidently be applied to entrepreneurship. Connecting with others is sure to be an advantage whether you work in academia or industry.

• Startup Entrepreneur
• Small Business Entrepreneur
• Large Company Entrepreneur

9. Product Manager

Another role that is related to business is a product manager. As it is a newer field similar to UX Design, it is probably another avenue where your PhD can be useful that you may not immediately think of. In this job, you would be identifying how a product or service will be successful and how this fits into the larger business objectives of the company. It requires a lot of teamwork and not having control of every decision. The power of being able to influence without necessarily having the most authority is crucial to success in this position, as well as asking the right questions and empowering the team around you. This kind of role will be especially useful for STEM PhDs, who can work in electronics, aeronautics, IT and biotechnology, among other fields.

• Assistant Product Manager
• Senior Product Manager, International Payments
• Product Manager, Digital Enrollment

10. Sales Positions

Salespeople often have qualities that you will embody as a PhD, such as analytical and problem solving skills. Any job in sales requires some form of persuasion, which may have been necessary for you when you were writing essays or learning how to prepare for a thesis defense . You may also have the necessary experience for it, depending on what you studied and what you will be selling. For STEM graduates, working in technical sales will make the most sense. In this kind of role, you will be selling software, hardware, or IT services. These roles are not limited to STEM, however, as there are sales roles that exist in many fields. You can also work in a fundraising department oversee major gifts to your company, for example. A doctorate degree can be seen as more credible and add to your overall sell capabilities while confirming your knowledge about the product at hand. Positions within sales can also have a lot of variety, such as remote sales jobs or ones that necessitate travel.

• Sales Representative
• Senior Technical Sales
• Cyber Security Sales Specialist

11. Publishing

While many of the jobs listed above can appeal to STEM or business disciplines, a PhD in the arts or the humanities can lend themselves to jobs in a broad number of fields, including the publishing industry. Whether these publications are academic or not is up to the job itself, but your primary responsibilities would be to approve project acquisitions, manage budgets, oversee departments, and more. If you’re passionate about books or other forms of publication, and want to transition to an industry setting, the publishing industry may appeal to you.

• Literary Agent
• Publishing Manager
• Publishing Production Coordinator

 Conclusion

While it can seem pretty daunting to make the jump from academia to industry, there are tons of PhD graduates doing the same. Working outside of the university might not be the first thing you think of when you initially answered “Why do you want to do a PhD?” in your grad school interview, but plans can change over time. The skills and experience you have garnered over the years can translate rather well to a variety of industries, so be careful not to limit yourself or sell yourself short. Completing a doctorate degree is a massive achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. However, this does not mean you will have a job fall in your hands. You must still search and put the necessary effort into planning out your future. If you are not yet enrolled in a PhD or other graduate program, using a grad school advisor to create a plan can make a world of difference. At the end of the day, the first step is knowing what your options are so you can prepare as best as possible. What you decide to do with that information is up to you.

Finding a job in an industry setting is not any more or less difficult than finding a job in academia. What’s important is adjusting your skillset, mentality, and perhaps your approach to finding a job. Industry jobs have a slightly different process for assessing who the best candidates are, so you must appeal to that.

The main differences are the exact types of roles and responsibilities you will have, salary expectations, the larger goals of your position, work structure, and management style.

Try and find what types of jobs your discipline and background will excel in. If certain skills that you do not have are requested again and again, work towards gaining those skills to become more appealing to those hiring.

Industry jobs do tend to focus less on your academic qualifications, such as the amount of times you have been published. However, this does not mean that you can’t have a research resume available for any positions that may relevant or to prove your skills in that area.

Using your network effectively is important when searching for any job opportunities. If you know anyone who has made the change from academia to industry after earning a PhD or has hiring experience in this domain, their advice will probably serve you well. 

There are postdoc positions that relate to industry-related jobs, rather than academic ones. These can give you beneficial experience that will aid you in finding a more permanent role down the road. Review the postdoc interview questions to get a sense of how to secure that spot.

Yes, slightly. The questions you receive may be a little different or focus on skills and attributes related to that particular position instead of mainly your academic accomplishments.

There are recruiters who will be able to assist candidates just like you. If you are currently enrolled in a PhD program, you could also ask academic advisors or trusted faculty members for their input. If you have not yet applied to a PhD program, trained experts can strategize with you to maximize your chances of acquiring a great education and career. These trained experts can help with application documents such as a PhD motivation letter . They could also be useful for interview preparation and providing tips that will be valuable at any stage of your education or professional career.

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• CAREER COLUMN
• 08 April 2024

How two PhD students overcame the odds to snag tenure-track jobs

• Violeta Rodriguez 0 &
• Qimin Liu 1

Violeta Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Qimin Liu is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University in Massachusetts.

Researching the institutions you’re applying for can help you personalize your application. Credit: Getty

Academic careers are meant to follow a set trajectory: PhD student, postdoctoral researcher, tenure-track job. But when we were thinking about what to do after our PhDs, we decided to skip the postdoc stage and go straight for tenure-track jobs owing to visa restrictions (Q.L., an international student at the time) and financial considerations (V.R., who had the looming pressure to pay student loans while supporting a family). Our mentors and peers were sceptical. A faculty member advised one of us (Q.L.) against it. Even we weren’t sure we could do it — but we did. By the end of our PhDs, we had received 15 tenure-track offers between us.

At a professional-development workshop, we were able to tell the discouraging faculty member that we would be starting our laboratories, not working as postdocs. His response — “I guess I was wrong” — was a moment of vindication for us. In proving others wrong, we had also disproved our own doubts of success.

We’ve previously shared our advice for maintaining an organized and successful job hunt . Here, we aim to demystify the interview process, showing that, even when the road seems impossible, there are routes to achieving your goals. We think that, with determination, support and a clear understanding of one’s values and goals, the academic-job market can be navigated successfully, even for those who, like us, choose to forgo the typical postdoc route.

Divas, captains, ghosts, ants and bumble-bees: collaborator attitudes explained

PhD students aspiring to tenure-track positions must recognize that, beyond the standard interview preparation, you should have a good record of research. We were unusual PhD graduates: by the time V.R. applied, she had published about 90 peer-reviewed papers after working full-time as a data analyst before starting her PhD (she also worked part-time during the PhD). In addition, V.R. had received several nationally competitive awards and fellowships. Q.L. had published more than 25 peer-reviewed papers, released 2 software packages (with more than 30,000 downloads), developed 3 web apps for statistical analysis and received prestigious research awards and funding.

Both of us also had master’s degrees in quantitative methods.

We aim to demystify the pre-interview screening and on-campus interviews. Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, and so we provide practical advice and insights on the basis of our personal experiences.

Research the institutions, departments and locations

Before a prescreening interview, do your homework on the institutions and departments. Familiarize yourself with faculty members and their research. Identify centres and institutes that complement your work and early-career programmes that would help you as you launch your career. Also, research the location and be ready to answer questions about why you want to live there. For example, we noticed that interviews were more likely to come from universities in states that we already had ties to — by having studied there or having lived in a nearby state. Personal motivations might make or break an interview; because faculty searches are costly, the search committee might take into consideration the likelihood of you coming to, living in and staying around the area.

People, passion, publishable: an early-career researcher’s checklist for prioritizing projects

Don’t start your job talk from scratch

Job talks are central to the faculty job search. The talk typically summarizes the core themes of your research and discusses your published, ongoing and future work as a cohesive and engaging narrative. At the end of the talk, you should have convinced the department that your work is important and fundable, that you will thrive at their institution, that you would be a great fit as a colleague and that you can teach students. Using materials from previous talks can ensure that you are familiar with the details, help you to feel more at ease and hopefully allow you to discuss your work more confidently. V. R. used some of her slides from talks she gave for her master’s degree, qualifying exams and dissertation proposal. Q.L. made slides from past posters and presentations that had already been refined and rehearsed.

Anticipate common interview questions

Prepare for a range of interview questions, and have a cohesive story ready about your research and why moving to that institution fits with your future research. In first-round online screening interviews, it was common to get questions about our teaching philosophy, future goals and fit with the department as well as why we would want to live in that particular location. We received fewer questions than we expected during in-person interviews; those were more about allowing us to ask questions about the department, culture, institution and what it’s like living in the area. We both had lists of questions that we asked depending on whether we were talking to, students or faculty members (junior, senior, out-of-area or teaching).

Demonstrate enthusiasm and engagement

Show genuine enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to contribute to the institution’s academic community, both ahead of and during an interview. Engage with the interviewers by asking thoughtful questions about their research, departmental culture, teaching or the resources available. This demonstrates your interest in becoming an active and valued member of the department. Many in-person interviews involved one-on-one discussions with faculty members, as well as group interviews with students. V.R. learnt the hard way that yes, some might even ask inappropriate, and sometimes illegal, questions — on topics such as age, marriage or children. It’s helpful to have prepared answers, or deflections, for such questions.

Violeta Rodriguez is now a tenure-track assistant professor. Credit: Violeta Rodriguez

Prepare for on-campus interviews

If you progress to the on-campus interview stage, prepare extensively by reviewing the itinerary, schedules and departmental expectations. Plan interactive and engaging research and teaching presentations tailored to the specific audience, showcasing your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Bring a notebook or tablet to write questions and answers to consider if you get an offer. Have your travel bags ready, because interview offers might come with little notice.

Prepare to be tired

Our interviews generally lasted one or two days. There is talking, walking and eating! Even when you are excited about a particular interview, the process can take a toll on you. If you can, schedule some rest time, and wear professional but comfortable clothes and shoes during interview days.

A year in the life: what I learnt from using a time-tracking spreadsheet

Negotiate job offers effectively

If you receive job offers, you must negotiate effectively to secure the best possible terms. Look up salary expectations and the cost of living in the area to inform your negotiation. Consider negotiating not only the financial aspects, but also your teaching load, research support, start-up funds and professional-development opportunities. Communicate your needs and expectations while remaining professional and open to a collaborative negotiation process. Be ready to negotiate over the phone or through e-mail.

Leverage multiple offers

If, like we did, you find yourself with multiple job offers, it’s essential to understand that each offer can serve as leverage in negotiations. Sharing — without fully disclosing the names of the places where you have other opportunities — can prompt institutions to improve their offers. Approach this carefully, ensuring that you communicate in a way that is professional and not confrontational. Express enthusiasm for each opportunity while highlighting your desire to make the best decision on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation of all offers. We used these negotiations as opportunities to find the institutions that would best support our research.

Three actions PhD-holders should take to land their next job

Seek guidance and support

Throughout the job-search process, seek guidance and support from mentors, faculty advisers or career consultants. They can provide valuable insights, review your negotiation strategies and offer advice from their own experiences. When considering benefits across multiple institutions, such as health insurance and retirement plans, we consulted financial advisers to determine our best paths.

Overall, we think that, with a strategic, personalized approach, complemented by a willingness to learn from each experience, PhD students can enhance their appeal to hiring committees, turning the daunting journey towards tenure-track positions into a series of informed, strategic steps. And if you can find a friend during this process, as we found in each other — to vent to, compare notes with, talk you out of your moments of self-doubt and offer encouragement — consider yourself extra lucky!

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01047-y

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins graduate programs again ranked among nation's best

'u.s. news & world report' includes 38 jhu programs among the top 10 in the u.s. in its annual rankings, including no. 1 ranked programs in nursing and public health.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University has 38 graduate schools, academic programs, and specialties ranked among the top 10 in the nation, including nine with No. 1 rankings, according to the latest edition of "Best Graduate Schools" from U.S. News & World Report , published earlier today.

Two schools at Hopkins—the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing —earned No. 1 rankings overall, and the School of Education entered the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Portions of the publication's annual list were released today but rankings for schools of medicine and engineering were delayed and will be released at a later date.

Among the new rankings released today:

The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Its master's degree programs tied at No. 1, up from No. 2 last year. In gerontology, the school moved up two spots to No. 1 for primary care, and up one spot to No. 2 for acute care. In other specialty areas, the School of Nursing's doctoral programs ranked:

• Psychiatric/mental health: No. 1
• Family: No. 3 (tied)
• Leadership: No. 4 (tied)
• Nursing Anesthesia: No. 36 (tie)

Public Health

The Bloomberg School retained its longtime No. 1 overall ranking among public health programs—it has held the top spot since 1994, the year the rankings began. In specialty areas, the Bloomberg School ranked:

• Environmental Health Sciences: No. 1
• Epidemiology: No. 1
• Health Policy and Management (Public Health): No. 1
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: No. 1
• Biostatistics: No. 2

Johns Hopkins tied at No. 8 in the Education category, up from No. 13 last year. The school also tied at No. 23 in higher education administration programs.

Public Affairs

Overall, Johns Hopkins programs in public affairs tied at No. 39. In subcategories, Johns Hopkins tied at No. 6 in Health Policy and Management (Public Affairs), No. 11 in International/Global Policy and Administration, and tied at No. 35 in Public Policy Analysis.

U.S. News & World Report updates some of its rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. Among the republished rankings for Hopkins, which are still current:

Biological Sciences

Hopkins is tied for No. 6 overall with six top 10 specialty rankings:

• Molecular biology: No. 3 (tie)
• Cell biology: No. 4
• Neuroscience: No. 4 (tie)
• Immunology: No. 5
• Genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics: No. 6 (tie)
• Biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology: No. 8

Biostatistics

Hopkins is ranked No. 1 (tie) for Biostatistics at the doctoral level. (Note: U.S. News & World Report also ranks biostatistics as a sub-category of public health, where Hopkins is No. 2.)

The university is tied at No. 20 in Chemistry and ranks No. 9 in the Biochemistry subcategory.

Computer Science

The university is tied for No. 24 overall and tied at No. 21 in the specialty of Artificial Intelligence.

Earth Sciences

The university is tied at No. 30 in Earth Sciences.

Johns Hopkins' program in economics is tied at No. 22.

English tied at No. 13 overall with the following specialty rankings:

• Literary criticism and theory: No. 3
• British literature: No. 10 (tie)
• American literature after 1865: No. 17

Health Care Management

The university is No. 7.

Johns Hopkins ranks No. 10 overall, with the following specialty rankings:

• African-American history: No. 3 (tie)
• Cultural history: No. 4 (tie)
• U.S. Colonial history: No. 5 (tie)
• Women's history: No. 6 (tie)
• African history: No. 7 (tie)
• European history: No. 7 (tie)
• Modern U.S. history: No. 16 (tie)

Mathematics

Johns Hopkins is tied at No. 20 in Mathematics with the following specialty rankings: + Analysis: No. 18 (tie) + Algebra: No. 23 (tie) + Applied Math: No. 25

Overall, the university is tied at No. 13 with the following specialty rankings: + Living Systems: No. 5 (tie) + Cosmology: No. 7 + Condensed Matter: No. 13 (tie)

Political science

Overall, political science is tied at No. 41. In sub-categories, Johns Hopkins ranked: + Political theory: No. 8 (tie) + International politics: No. 24 (tie)

The university's graduate program in psychology is tied at No. 12 overall and tied at No. 5 in the subcategory of behavioral neuroscience.

Overall, sociology is tied at No. 29. The sub-category of sociology of population is tied at No. 17.

Posted in University News

Tagged u.s. news and world report , university rankings

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