In the final years of a doctorate, job prospects can feel like a gamble. PhDs are now more likely than ever to end their formal education without an immediate plan for their future. While the concept of job security might be obsolete for many millennials, making the leap into employment after years of academic study comes with its own set of unique challenges.
Research and training in a particular field means that the vast majority of PhDs are specialists who could only thrive in roles that align with their area of expertise. But rather than choosing from a range of potential career paths, many are faced with the decision to pursue a particular company as their employer – not just any company but one which aligns with their interests and goals.
The PhD Job Hunt: Facing a Changing Employment Landscape
For many, the prospect of finding a job after completing a PhD can seem daunting. The pressure to secure a position that uses and develops their existing skill set can be magnified by the fact that employment prospects are currently at a ten-year low and the number of available jobs for PhDs is actually lower than the number of people completing their doctorates.
An aging population has meant that fewer students have been drawn to the more rigorous study of a PhD. The result is that there are now more PhD holders than ever before, but fewer opportunities due to an economic slowdown. The impact of the 2008 financial crisis still lingers, with fewer companies willing to invest in research and development. Despite these challenges, there are still many career paths open to PhD holders.
Considering Company Culture and Fit
When weighing up potential employer options, PhD candidates may feel that a job is a job. That sentiment could be a costly mistake, though, as companies with a healthy culture enjoy significant benefits.
– A company’s financial outlook is strongly linked to its employees’ general satisfaction with their roles. A positive company culture could also mean that PhDs’ research could grow and develop due to the financial support it receives.
– Employee retention rates are significantly higher at companies with healthy cultures, meaning that PhD candidates are less likely to feel the need to move on after a short time.
– Positive employee discussions online, such as on review sites, are another sign that a company has a strong culture.
– PhD candidates should pay attention to company culture during the interview process, too.
– If a company feels like a bad culture fit, it could be a sign that the business is unstable and could be less likely to support its employees’ research and development.
Finding the Right Research Environment
The type of research that PhDs engage with can vary considerably, with many choosing to specialize in a particular field. Whether in the laboratory or in the field, a PhD involves a significant amount of research. This is likely to be the basis for many candidates’ decision to pursue their doctorate in the first place. Regardless of the motivations for doing research, PhD candidates should consider the type of research they have been engaged with during their studies.
– If a PhD candidate has focused their research on a particular industry or area, they could be well placed to pursue career opportunities related to that field.
– If a PhD candidate has done interdisciplinary research, they may have a wider range of career options open to them.
– Some companies are now placing more emphasis on PhD candidates whose research has a direct application, meaning that a focus on research with a more academic bent may not be as beneficial.
Establishing Career Advancement Paths
There has never been a better time to be in the academic research game. Many companies are now turning to PhDs, they are also looking for fresh ideas and innovative approaches to solving problems. This translates into a wide range of career advancement paths for PhD candidates. Whether through pursuing an academic career or working as an independent researcher, there is no shortage of career paths available to those with a doctorate.
If a PhD candidate is keen to pursue a career in academia, they should consider whether the company they are considering joining could help to advance their research in a way that would make the PhD worthwhile. For those who want to work for companies and organizations, there are also a number of factors to consider. The types of projects PhD candidates work on now could be indicative of the type of work they will do in the future.
Summing Up
The decision to pursue a particular company as a potential employer is not one to be taken lightly. After years of dedicated research, doctoral candidates must be sure that any employer is the right fit for them.
The best way to do this is to carefully consider all the factors that are important to you. Choosing a company that aligns with your interests and goals will help to ensure that your doctorate is more than just a stepping stone to a PhD. The more effort you put into finding the right employer, the more likely it is that you will be happy in your new role.
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