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•       Resources       15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD Program

15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD Program

15 tips and advice on making it through a phd.

It can be extremely challenging to complete a PhD program while maintaining physical and emotional health. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that 50 percent of all doctoral students drop out of graduate school without completing their degree. Some schools report a 90 percent attrition rate. Common reasons for dropping out include academic shortcomings, students who change their career path, or those who lose interest in their pursuit. Some students have the ability to complete their degree but opt not to. One cause is the discovery of a poor job market for professors or private organizations in their fields. The Chronicle reports that math and science students leave in their third year. Some 25 percent of dropouts in Arts and Humanities occur after three years, potentially leaving candidates with high student debt and despair. This guide offers examples of concrete, accessible, and practical actions that can alleviate many problems that overwhelm doctoral students.

15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD

There is a legion of experts that offer advice on making it through the years of your PhD program. Many agree on the necessities of maintaining a balance of academic pursuits against routine personal outside activities that foster physical and emotional health. Here are 15 suggestions:

1. Establish a routine you can follow.

It’s crucial to stay on track. Your best option to do so and keep peace of mind is to create a schedule that you can follow – and commit to following it. Get up and do your work on schedule, just as you’d report for a job. Devote segments of your routine for research and reading pertinent literature in your field. Add time in your schedule to include sound sleep, good nutrition, exercise, socializing and recreation. Remember you’ll have other obligations such as attending lectures, symposia, commuting, parking, cleaning your living space, shopping for supplies, meeting with study groups and peer collaborators. At the same time, build a realistic schedule so you won’t work yourself into fear frenzy.

2. Start writing from day one.

Your writing practice and research methodology can put you ahead of schedule on your dissertation. That’s because learning to write comfortably in a scholarly fashion should become a second nature. To eliminate last-minute furies, organize your research times, round up and cite sources properly, and create a number of drafts. Writing at least 30 minutes daily can allow you to consolidate your notes and findings, and note discovery of areas that require additional research. Plus, much of what you write goes directly toward your understanding of your subject matter. Because of your other commitments to teaching, collaboration, and outside activities, keep a writing routine and stick to it. At the same time, read smarter, understanding how the literature fits to your purposes. In reading and writing, look for key points, not bulk.

3. Create a positive community.

Decide from the begging that you can’t afford to collaborate or socialize with friends or peers that exude negativity. Braggards or chronic complainers can sap your energy or even cause you to adopt negative thinking or comparisons with the progress of other PhD candidates. Lead your own research, but seek advisement from people that you can trust, who have your best interests at heart. Join groups involved in your major field of study with which you can share academic as well as social issues. A positive community can bring you out of isolation, and isolation can foster fear or despair.

4. Build effective networks.

Along with creating a positive community, get on with networking from the very beginning of your program. You’re going to spend four or five years at the university, giving you ample time to forge and grow partnerships with working professionals, educators, junior faculty, and peers that contribute to your evolving knowledge base. They can offer suggestions to explorer literature, research trends, and potential opportunities for publications, conferences, and workshops. Remember to investigate online tools and communities as part of your networking as a way to make yourself known as a colleague. Create your professional/research profile at places like LinkedIn or join a LinkedIn Discussion Group. Speak with presenters at seminars. Connect with authors you discover in your literature research and participate in career groups outside your usual sphere at the university. Finally, consider taking informational interviews as a means of understanding the workplace, getting your name out there, and connecting with potential employers.

5. Put money woes to rest.

Having ample money to get you through your program can be difficult, even excruciating. But just knowing solid funding resources can give you some comfort and save precious time. Have a financial plan and do the legwork vital to your economic survival. Don’t let finances overwhelm your primary purpose of discovering your interests, focusing on your expertise, and making progress. Financial aid options for doctoral students are available at the U.S. Department of Education . You may need to combine several opportunities to cover your total expenses, including grants, scholarships, loans, fellowships, housing costs, and securing teaching and research assistantships. Some grad students make money tutoring but you’ll have to consider the time against your routine and academic schedule. GoGrad provides detailed PhD cost estimates broken down by professional field, along with scholarship/grant/fellowship search tools.

6. Make sound nutrition your ally.

Rutgers University advises students to find other ways to palliate stress than by overeating – even healthy foods. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and all your meals at the right portion sizes. Cut out junk food and sugary treats that create the craving to keep eating them. That goes for alcohol, too, which can contribute to a decline in your health and create another source of worry. Student and faculty events often include drinking, so proceed wisely, even if peers call you a wimp. Vary your meals and include a free day for eating what you want without guilt. WebMd suggests that students include berries, oats, milk or yogurt, salmon, dark green veggies, walnuts, beans, and dark chocolate. Coffee is okay in small doses (8 oz) and without lots of sugar. Latte and mocha drinks are satisfying but often contain large amounts of sugar. Green tea can wake you up, if you don’t want to overdo coffee, but eschew energy drinks or other stimulants that make you jittery.

7. Add exercise to your routine.

Exercise, even moderate, can do wonders for both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Among its benefits, regular exercise fights stress, improves memory retention, and boosts your mood (particularly in winter). Researchers at Colorado Tech report that exercise increases “the number of brain cells in the hippocampus, which controls the formation, retention and recall of memories – all essential for student success. In most adults, the hippocampus starts to shrink in the late twenties, leading to memory loss over time.” Exercise can also add to your social bandwidth if you have regular workout partners or participate in intramural team activities. Remember to stretch. Consider taking a yoga class or Pilates workout. Do some running, weight lifting, swimming, or join a rowing group. Hike with friends or colleagues. Get out the mountain bike. For best results, get in a 30-minute workout at least three times a week. Time Magazine reports that cardiovascular exercise can positively affect depression, anxiety and mood disorders. And you’ll sleep better, too.

8. Learn how to deal with rejection.

Rejection in an PhD program is a routine, unwanted emotional downer. But how you react to it is crucial. Unsolicited advice can feel abusive. Competition for internships, fellowships and publications can stress you out to the point of collapse. Coping tools include not taking rejection or undue criticism personally and chalking it up to experience. It can soften the blows as they come. Comparing yourself to other candidates can be toxic. As with athletics, there will always be someone better than you. But you’re not pursuing your colleagues’ goals, dissertations, or even the identical degree – you’re pursuing personalized knowledge and skills for your life after the doctorate. Barbara Robson, an Associate Editor for two academic journals, writes in Quora that most papers (80 percent or more) are rejected and that there’s an element of luck in getting published. If your paper is rejected by a journal, find another suitable place to submit it. If you’re passed over for a conference, don’t sent a hate letter or academic rebuttal. Move on.

9. Choose a qualified graduate advisor and mentor.

Finding the right mentor and dissertation advisor is pivotal to your academic success and survival. The Gradhacker Blog at Inside Higher Ed suggests that you choose an advisor that shares your research interests and career path. Ask about their success rate in graduating students that they mentor. Check out whether they walk the walk by viewing their list of publications, conference presentations, and other research accomplishments. Find out if they’re available for ongoing advising. Explore their aptitude as a mentor and the personal chemistry toward working together. Are they hard to communicate with, abusive or condescending? Are they unable to otherwise maintain a productive and respectful relationship during the time you’ll be in the program? Not all accomplished professors make for good advisors. Some may be too wrapped up in publishing or attending conferences to meet with you. You should leave advising sessions feeling more focused, energetic about your research and dissertation, and armed with strategies for accomplishment.

10. Build in time for family and friends.

There’s an old joke where a friend asks if you can hang out and you say, “I’m in a PhD program so ask me again in five years.” It’s vital to maintain relationships with family and friends. They can sustain you and keep you from deadly isolation. At the same time, they can be distracting. It’s useful to maintain balance by scheduling time with family and friends while sticking to the need to bear down on research and writing. The PhDStudent Forum says when possible to combine family or friend events around studying. For example, take study time for yourself during a longer visit to family to keep your academic momentum. Visit a coffeehouse where you can study along with family and friends that also like reading in public. Be sure to communicate clearly about your schedule and find ways to book in indispensable phone calls and visits. Join friends for exercise or recreation.

11. Set aside time to pursue non-academic interests.

Yeah right, when is that supposed to happen? It happens when you make it happen. To maintain a sane equilibrium, devote some time to routinely indulge in things you like doing. For example, work in the garden, take a massage class, learn photography, play live music, go kayaking, join a cooking class, volunteer in civic or advocacy activities or learn a foreign language. Build something with your hands. Play scrabble. Paint to indulge your playful or creative side. Take a dance class. Learn meditation or improve your ping pong game. Because it can be near impossible to turn off your PhD brain, relegate it to background noise. That way you might have breakthroughs or discoveries that emerge when you return to work.

12. Arrange and maintain a peaceful learning environment.

Living alone may create a peaceful learning atmosphere, but not if you have noisy neighbors above, next door, or below you. Yet you can develop a horrible sense of cabin fever if you isolate at home. Wherever you reside should be comfortable and workable. Clutter can be a source of stress. According to Inside Higher Ed , living with roommates can save on expenses, but comes along with its own set of challenges. Roommates can have other routines and schedules that introduce unwanted noise, emotional drama, unwanted guests, or social habits that can send you off the edge. Research potential housemates carefully, allowing a back-up plan for dealing with inevitable problems. Developing a friendly but direct communication strategy can help. Or, you can create a work zone in your bedroom that lends for privacy. If necessary, you can find a quiet study environment in a library carrel or small café. The same suggestions apply if you’re living with family.

13. Address your emotional health.

According to Inside Higher Ed , there is a mental health crisis in graduate education. Grad students are six times more susceptible to anxiety and depression than in the general population. The study found that “transgender and gender-nonconforming graduate students, along with women, were significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression” than their straight or male counterparts. A poor work-life balance can be a powerful contributor to burnout and depression. The worst thing you can do when you experience mental health issues is to keep them to yourself or feel like a failure for having them. Seek out the campus counseling center (student health center) or a trusted outside mental health organization for personal counselling. Join their emotional support groups. The National Grad Crisis Line (877 472-3457) provides free intervention services, confidential telephone counseling, suicide prevention assistance, and referral services. Look into NAMI on Campus Clubs which are student-run mental health support organizations.

14. Deal with expectations

Who you are, ultimately, is not a PhD student. Your grad program is what you’re currently pursuing. The Indiana University guide to thriving in graduate school suggests that you shrink overwhelming expectations into bite-size challenges. It’s normal for doctoral students to think that they’re an imposter among experts. Johns Hopkins University found that striving to meet your expectations can cause low self-esteem, procrastination, guilt and depression. You may find yourself unable to meet your expectations for perfectionism, so modify your plans to hit deadlines with your best effort. The guide further advises to straighten out the expectations that others may have for you. This can be especially true with families and people who provide financial or emotional support.

15. Make conferences a part of life.

Opportunities to attend conferences and presentations are richly rewarding. First, you become part of the greater community in your research niche and you can build a lifetime network of colleagues. You can also gain a greater understanding of the professional options available to you. Even attending conferences out of your niche area can stimulate ideas and send you home refreshed. Participating in panels is a great way to network and demonstrate your expertise. Attending job fairs is another way to network while exploring the professional environment. By networking at conferences, you can set up additional meetings with experts by phone, virtually, or before the next conference. It doesn’t hurt to cite conferences and your own presentations on your CV.

From the Expert

What are PhD students afraid to talk about?

The number one thing that PhD students are afraid to talk about is the lack of progress that they are making on their PhD dissertation. This was certainly true in my case and also in the case of many of my classmates whom I spoke with. The dissertation is such a big project with different stages in it and requires such self-discipline over a sustained period of time. When I got past my embarrassment about it and started speaking to others about it helped a lot and I found a way forward.

Another thing that PhD students are afraid to discuss is their ambivalence about being in a doctoral program and whether they've done the right thing and whether they should continue. These are all important questions that such students need to be aware of and speak to others (counsellor, friends, etc.) about.

What was your greatest challenge and how did you succeed?

As mentioned, my greatest challenge in relation to completing my PhD was getting through the dissertation process. Two things really helped me get over the line (and came from speaking to friends and classmates). (1) Since my dissertation was quantitative, I hired a statistics advisor that I met with on a regular (weekly or fortnightly) basis and this helped me make good progress in that it served to provide much needed structure (and assistance with statistical analysis). (2) I fired my dissertation chair and found a new one that I had a much better working relationship with. My new chair was more knowledgeable about my dissertation subject area and also he was much more supportive. I made significant progress with him and thereafter completed my dissertation in a relatively short time frame.

What are good ways to alleviate stress and anxiety?

There are a number of ways that I think will help with stress while working on one's phd. The usual suspects are approaches such as regular exercise, good diet, fun activities (e.g. movies), counselling and/or talking to friends and/or family.

However, I think the best approach that one can take is to get steadily work through each aspect one-by-one of the PhD program towards completing it. A useful way to think about it (with both the dissertation and the PhD program itself), is to not get overwhelmed by the size of this enormous project but instead cut it up into separate pieces and focus on each piece at a time, complete it, and then move on to the next piece.

How did you handle the challenges of extreme competition?

My tip for students who are experiencing high levels of competition is to try put it all into perspective: Do your best to get the finest resources (internships, grades, etc) that you can but know that once you're out in the profession, some of those things might really matter that much in the bigger picture. So, one can be just a 'pass' in your doctoral program but then get out into their profession and make a big splash.

What can you recommend to keep interest or inertia up so you’ll finish the PhD/Dissertation?

‘Cut up the sausage' and focus on/work on it a piece at a time; Locate assistance or supportive individuals and meet with them regularly and ongoing throughout; Create 'deadlines' and milestones for yourself to work towards and have these other (helpful) individuals assist in keeping you accountable.

Find ways that work for you that help to bring structure into this enormous unstructured (or scantily structured) project called a PhD -- and especially its dissertation. At the end of the day, it's really about just getting through it and into the next (and bigger) stage of your profession. Just do your best while you're in it and don't get too caught up in the moment.

Additional Resources & Help for PhD Students

You should realize that you can’t do everything on your own. To do so is a recipe for financial despair, insurmountable academic challenges and poor overall wellbeing. At the same time, you may need to sift through the wealth of outside resources to find the one that addresses your concerns. The following links will connect you with financial options, bulletin boards in your field, and academic resources. Find tips for time management, exam preparation, and help with emotional issues that can and will arise:

• GoGrad Guide to Paying for Your PhD : Students are currently paying upwards of $80,00 in tuition to complete their PhD. Use our guide to research your financial aid options.
• PhinisheD : This free, comprehensive bulletin board is devoted to PhD students struggling with completing their degree. Find links for reference guides, financial aid, health and well-being tips, and writing guides.
• National Grad Crisis Line : It’s for when the going gets rough. The National Grad Crisis Line at (877) 472-3457 was founded in 1988 to provide free mentoring, confidential counseling, and referral services.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : The CDC offers a pithy, wide-ranging college resource for maintaining wellness through sound nutrition and exercise. It offers diet plans, activity guidelines, and stress-prevention tips.
• U.S. Department of Education : Learn about financial aid for graduate or professional students including grants, loans and scholarships. The page links to government sites for applications and additional financial resources.
• ThoughtCo : This site is packed with articles on graduate school written by experts. Topics include prepping for comprehensive exams, time-management skills, and dealing with procrastination.
• Meetup : Student Meetups provide free, online listings for students to connect PhD candidates seeking peer support. Join an existing group or start one at your university.
• GoGrad : Discover tips for PhD students who want to complete their degrees online. Featured affordable online doctoral fields include business, computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing and psychology.
• The Grad Café : As host of graduate-school forums, the Grad Café operates a peer-run group that discusses the advantages and negative aspects of living alone or sharing housing.
• PhDJobs : Register for free and post your VC. Search among 1,600 current listings for PhDs and sign up for job alerts or information about post-doc programs.

101 Health and Wellness Tips for College Students Rutgers University

12 Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Grad School PsychCentral

CAPS Grad School Survival Guide Indiana University

Mental Health Crisis for Grad Students Inside Higher Ed

Modest Advice for New Graduate Students Medium.com

Surviving PhD and Postdoctoral Programs: Tips to Guarantee Success! Enago Academy

The Crucial Issue of Doctoral Non-completion The Chronical of Higher Education

Top 10 Smart Foods for College Students WebMD

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What Next After PhD? Decoding Your Life After a PhD

Acquiring a doctoral degree is undoubtedly a momentous occasion worthy of celebrations—students can relax, unwind, and let go of the many stresses associated with the past few years of hard work. But soon, these celebrations are followed by questions on the steps needed to grow professionally after a PhD. In this post, I hope to guide you toward finding an answer to the question “What comes after a PhD?”

So what does life after a PhD look like? It is inevitable that your PhD will leave you with an array of skills that are transferable across different sectors. These could be technical skills that are domain-specific and, more importantly, broad skills such as project management, data analysis, and effective communication. Often, it takes a while after a PhD for students to acknowledge that they are indeed equipped with these skills. Hence, it is a good idea to create a portfolio, mapping different skills to the projects and tasks that were undertaken during and after your PhD.

Choosing the next step in your career and life after PhD would then trickle down to your personal preferences and leveraging your skills tactfully. If you’ve felt stuck with the question of what to do after a PhD, here are some career options to consider:

• Postdoctoral fellowship. After a PhD, if you are keen to continue doing research, you can pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in an academic institution and then work toward securing a tenure-track professorship. And while this path surely has its perks, especially if you want to set up your own research lab, it may be helpful to know that this is not the only worthwhile career path in life after a PhD.
• Industry research. If you are not keen on research in academia after a PhD, you can opt to join the industry directly or after a few years of academic or industrial postdoctoral fellowship. If you choose this life after a PhD, you may need to invest additional time and energy in understanding the differences in work ethic and culture between industry and academia. However, orientation to these aspects is usually part of the training that you might receive as a new employee. Upon entering the industry, you can expand your portfolio by exploring sales and marketing, product development, and business development options.
• Publication support. If you envision your life after PhD to be closely associated with research, but not directly involved in it, you can opt for careers in publication support, and work with publishers/journals or organizations specializing in scholarly communications.
• Science journalism and social outreach. If after a PhD, you are keen to explore your communication skills and contribute to filling the gap between science and society, you can opt for a career in science journalism/communication and can look for organizations that are involved in science outreach and social engagement.

If you have wondered about your career after a PhD, by now it may be clear that what comes after PhD is not a question you should stress about as there is no dearth of career options. However, here are a few additional points to consider helping you shape your life after PhD and to ensure that your career choice aligns well with your personal preferences.

• Financial aspirations. Financial perks vary drastically across the above-mentioned career options, and it is important to understand your personal financial goals before deciding what to do after PhD. Choosing an option that will help you grow both professionally and financially will keep you happier in the long run.
• Working in a team vs. working solo. As a PhD student, you may be used to working on your own and taking complete ownership of your projects and ideas. You may not always have this option in your life after PhD. It is important to acknowledge your preference regarding the change that might occur in an organization where you are expected to engage in teamwork and share credit for your ideas.
• Fixed work hours vs. flexible work hours . The doctoral journey is filled with unpredictability and you might have started getting used to the flexible work hours. However, after a PhD if you are planning to work in an organization where fixed work hours are a norm, then you might want to relook at your preferences and reconsider what to do after a PhD.
• Hierarchical vs. non-hierarchical work environment. This can be an important point to consider when assessing where you can thrive the most in your life after a PhD. A structured work environment, like an established company with a defined hierarchy may provide you security, stability, and opportunities for a steady rise up the career ladder. On the other hand, working in a non-hierarchical or non-structured environment like a start-up may require you to perform a variety of roles simultaneously, give you the flexibility and chance to explore new domains and acquire new skills regularly, and could be rewarding in its own way after a PhD.

Through this article, we hope you found an answer to the common conundrum of what’s next after a PhD. Ultimately, for a happy and satisfying life after PhD, adopting a growth mindset will take you far in your career, no matter which direction you choose.

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How to Do a PhD Later in Life: A Primer on What to Expect

By Sara K. McBride

For many people, completing a PhD is a lifelong goal. However, not everyone can do one in their 20’s. Many of us have to wait until later in life to make the leap into this major commitment. It is critical to know what to expect when going in and some of the challenges and benefits of being a mid- or late-career student, which aren’t often talked about. I’d like to share my observations from both my personal experience as a late-30’s PhD student and those of my fellow PhD students in my program who ranged in age from early 20’s to age 70.

First, I need to say that, no matter what, you should avoid paying for your PhD on your own. There is a large number of fellowships and scholarships that will offer annual stipends and full tuition to incoming students. Self funding for 4-7 years is a huge responsibility. You don’t have to bear this cost alone if you seek fully funded PhD programs that support students financially.

Also, remember, take the bits of wisdom that are useful to you and leave the rest behind.

The Benefits

You’ve got different types of work experience. If you have had a lot of life experience, you can apply numerous skills from whatever field you worked in before coming back to academia. Knowledge of project management, accounting, communication, writing, public speaking, software programming, publishing, writing grant proposals, networking, team management…the list goes on and on of skills you might have learned in the workplace that applies to your PhD. Remember: a PhD is not a marathon, it’s a triathlon, that involves different skills at different times. So your skills in the workplace really help!

Resilience in the face of failure. You are going to fail…a lot. And, if you have worked in a variety of different environments, you’ve probably built up different ways of coping with failure. And you will also be familiar with rejection, which is also a critical part of academia. Peer review is a tough process at all stages of learning, and, if you’ve had a few years of working in harsh environments, this will help you pick yourself up again and keep going forward.

You know yourself. You have a separate identity outside the confines of academia. For me, I knew I had been successful in other spheres and so I did not feel as much of a let down when I submitted my dissertation. I knew a life outside the PhD endeavour and so, I didn’t have any missing identity problems of submission that I have seen other people who have never been outside of academia struggle with. Having a separate life and identity can be a real benefit.

There’s no FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) . I had spent 15 years working and travelling around the world, doing various things. I never envied anyone else’s experiences while I was writing my dissertation, because I had similar experiences already. There was no “what might have been” longing within me to distract myself.

You know what you want. I’ve found that most “later in life” PhDs are really clear as to their intentions and motivations. This makes it easier to focus your time and attention to complete your dissertation.

The Challenges

You need to park your ego. Now that you are a PhD student, you are no different in the eyes of the academy to your 23 year old peer. Your experiences and previous job titles no longer matter. You’ll have to leave your ego at the door and really humble yourself to learn from your supervisors, as well as the potentially younger and less experienced students around you. Learning can be a painful process, especially when you feel you have achieved so much in another field. This was a real struggle for me but honestly, it was also very liberating to leave my past behind and just embrace being a student again. Listen to your supervisors and your fellow students; you don’t know it all in academia (no one does).

Some doors are now closed to you. It is true, once you get that PhD, you can be perceived as being “over qualified” and there for, unhirable for many jobs out there. Be prepared for these doors to close and not re-open. There are really exciting new doors that are now available to you but these might be different than you were expecting. But before you start, make sure you are quite happy for those doors to be closed permanently.

Sacrificing your high earning years is tough. If you are doing a PhD later in life, you might be sacrificing earning potential for those years. This can have long ranging impacts on your ability to afford a home or your retirement plans. So be aware of the financial hit that you are about to take.

You may be older than your advisors/supervisors. It is true; you might have more experience and maturity than the supervisors on your committee. But here is the thing: they have more experience than you in academia. No matter where you are at in your PhD process, respect the pathway of those ahead of you, even if they are younger in age. Even if you disagree with your supervisors or advisors, do your best to always remain respectful in those disagreements. Remember: 90 percent of your happiness during a PhD will be based on your relationships with your committee, so do your best to be a great student.    

You will feel really uncomfortable. I felt (and still feel) pretty stupid most of the time in research; it makes me feel deeply uncomfortable at times. If you were a highly competent professional in your last career, you might not remember when the last time it was that you felt utterly out of your depth…and stupid. So be prepared to feel stupid, it will happen. The best thing you can do is admit to this feeling and pushing forward until you no longer feel uncomfortable.

You’ll be a bit rusty. If you’ve been out of school for more than four years or so, your research brain may be a bit rusty. The advantages of doing a PhD right away is that your brain has been primed to work in the research environment and you’ve developed habits based on this. Academia changes rapidly; methods, informed by technology, can force you to learn new things. It may take time to come back up to speed and you may feel behind before you even begin. This is okay, keep going!

For me, doing a dissertation was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It challenged me and I certainly struggled. But I do not regret the decision I made to pursue a PhD. Hopefully the above will give you an understanding of what you are in for if you decide to do one later in life. It can be a rewarding pathway, especially if you know what to expect before going in. Accept the journey you’ve put yourself on and bow your head to the experience. If done properly, the PhD can be a transformative time in your life.

Dr. Sara K. McBride is a Mendenhall Fellow at the U.S.G.S in Menlo Park. Sara has 20 years of experience as a professional communicator and disaster responder, having recently shifted careers into social science research.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Law and Justice from Central Washington University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and her Ph.D. from Massey University in English and Media Studies. Sara McBride is an employee of the U.S. Geological Survey but the above views do not represent the USGS’s position and is not an official statement from the organization. This post was not sponsored.

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Life after phd: what are your options, published by steve tippins on april 20, 2019 april 20, 2019.

Last Updated on: 7th June 2024, 05:20 am

Congratulations, you completed your doctoral degree. It has been years in the making and now you are there. This is a time to relish what you have done and congratulate yourself. It’s also a time to consider what your next steps are. While you may have started your PhD program with future goals in mind, chances are you forgot that life after PhD existed. But now you’re here, and it’s time to consider what to do. So what are your next steps? What comes after you get your PhD?

Personal Life After PhD

I deliberately put this section first. Mostly because, while pursuing a PhD, many people forget that they can have a personal life. Now that you’ve completed your PhD, it’s time to consider what you want your life to look like. Unless you want it to look the same as it did during your PhD program, I recommend taking some time to find yourself again as a whole person, separate from your PhD program. Here are my recommendations.

You did it. This goal has probably been on the horizon for years. Many people think about completing a doctorate well before they enter a program. Then there is coursework and a dissertation to write. You have sacrificed a great deal to get to this point. Take some time for you now to celebrate.  

Thank those who helped you get here . Take yourself and those who were part of the journey out for a celebratory meal. Perhaps there is a trip that you have been putting off until this moment? I have seen a lot of t-shirts lately that say “Phinished.” Let your pride show.

You have been hard at work on this degree for years. Once you have celebrated, it’s time to take stock of where you are and what you want to do. It may be much different than when you entered your program.

So, take a moment to breathe. Look around you (literally and figuratively) to see what things look like now. Learn to take time to do nothing. This can be very challenging for people who have been so dedicated to the accomplishment of a goal, but it is essential if you are to have space to figure out your next steps.

Find Yourself Again

Remember how you used to like to  _______ (insert your favorite activities here)? Now you can go back and find these things again and maybe get involved in new things. No need to feel guilty any longer for taking time for yourself.

Professional Life After PhD

After you have paused to congratulate yourself and breathe a little I encourage you to jump into the possibilities that await you. Not only have you accomplished a major milestone, you have used and developed many skills to get here. Use everything that you have learned to show the world what you can do. How do you do this? Here are some of your options.

You wrote a dissertation, let people know what you found. Make your document into at least one publication. Not only did your dissertation get you across the finish line, but it is also an asset. You worked hard to create a solid document. Make the most of it and add to your academic credibility by publishing in an academic journal.

Also, start pursuing some of the other research areas that interest you. While working on your degree you probably came across a number of interesting ideas that you had to put aside to reach your goal. Now that you have achieved your goal, you can explore. Dig into those topics that piqued your interest. Use those academic chops, flex your research muscles. Life after PhD doesn’t necessarily have to be any less academically rigorous if that’s what you enjoy.

Teaching can be a rewarding profession. If you feel this is your calling, consider the following questions: Do you want to teach full time or part time? Would you rather teach online or in a classroom? Are you committed to one geographic location or are you able to relocate? Each area offers various opportunities.

If this is the path you want to pursue, work on creating a CV (curriculum vitae) that fits the standards of your discipline. You will also usually submit documents covering your teaching philosophy, a list of references, research agenda, and copies of teaching reviews. If you get a campus visit interview, you will most likely need to prepare a presentation about your research and may be asked to teach a class. Tip: you can base your presentation on your dissertation defense.

Remember to ask for advice from those who have been there before. Get acquainted with norms. Your professors and advisors are an excellent resource to help you prepare for this, as are my career coaching services .

To find a teaching job, take a look at the Chronicle of Higher Education . The Chronicle posts academic jobs every day. You can also check out HigherEdJobs which has jobs that may not make it to the Chronicle.

If you’re interested in teaching online, take a look at my article about where to find online professor jobs , which includes a list of online universities that are currently hiring.

Jobs Outside of Academia

There may be alternatives to teaching or working in academia. Speaking at conferences, consulting, and getting a promotion or a new job all may be options you want to pursue. Having a PhD means you are part of a small and coveted group outside of academia–use this to your advantage.

If this is the path you want to take, you will need to have a resume and to be ready to answer all kinds of questions. Take the time to update your resume after finishing your PhD, adding relevant new accomplishments and experience besides the degree itself.

Remember to highlight the unique strengths and skills that completing your PhD program demonstrates you have. Remember that you are a member of a small group of people with an exceptionally useful skill set, and a degree to prove it. You have proven your capacity to innovate, learn, work with others, and work hard. Consider what lessons you learned from your PhD program that can apply to any professional setting, and highlight those.

Life After PhD: Summary

You have been through a lot. Late nights, a few tears, lots of work, and maybe even a few laughs. Now you have finished and have completed your doctorate. Congratulate yourself and thank those who helped you.

Take a little time to savor your accomplishment and then chart a path forward. During your journey you planted many seeds, now it is time to let all of them grow. Life after PhD may be even more rewarding than you imagined.

PS. Need some help figuring out life after PhD? I offer career coaching services for postdoctoral graduates.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 25 June 2024

How researchers navigate a PhD later in life

• Elizabeth Landau 0

Elizabeth Landau is a science writer based in Washington DC.

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On a roll: Krista Bresock celebrates in her local skate park after graduating with a PhD in mathematics from West Virginia University, Morgantown, aged 41. Credit: Michael Germana

Krista Bresock sat crying in her professor’s office. She had to discuss one of five questions with her professor, in person. It was the concluding step of her final exam in functional analysis, the last course that she needed to complete for her PhD in mathematics. He’d shuffled a set of five cards, and she’d picked Card Number Two — corresponding to the one problem that she had not fully studied.

Unlike her fellow students studying intractable maths problems, Bresock was in her late thirties redoing coursework that she had failed years earlier. As a full-time maths teacher at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, she could find time to study only during nights and weekends.

“Problem Number Two was just collateral damage to being able to maintain this life of work full-time and be in grad school full-time,” Bresock remembers. She “fell to her knees” in relief when, a week later, she learnt she’d still got an A- in the course.

Many think of doctoral degrees as the domain of people in their twenties. Yet according to the US National Science Foundation, 17% of people who gained a PhD in science or engineering in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for which figures are available, were aged 36 or older . In some countries, including Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Iceland, Greece and Israel, the median age for entering a doctoral programme is 32 or higher, according to 2017 data from the OECD in Paris 1 .

Resources for mid-career scientists

A PhD requires a vast commitment of time and energy, often lasting five or more years. Stipends, when available, are often lower than salaries for other full-time jobs or professions. What’s more, students might have to move to another city, or even a different country, to attend their chosen course. Although difficult for any age group, those constraints can create different challenges for prospective students in their thirties, forties and beyond than for their younger colleagues.

At the same time, age often brings wisdom and self-confidence, qualities that can help older students to cope with a strenuous academic life. “The extra ten years that I was out doing other things gave me a lot of perspective and maturity to the way in which I think and live, and I think that was a big reason why I’ve succeeded,” says Peter Swanton, a 36-year-old graduate student working towards a doctoral degree in astrophysics at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Motivation is key

For Bresock, a doctoral degree represented “unfinished business”. She had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction from the age of 16, but hit a dangerous low point in early 2013, when she was a graduate student at WVU the first time round. She dropped out and checked herself into an in-patient programme, but still drank heavily afterwards. With the support of friends, family and Alcoholics Anonymous, she became sober in July 2013.

Bresock then taught maths at WVU, first as an adjunct and then as a full-time instructor, but she didn’t forget her incomplete doctorate. Finally, at the age of 37, she re-enrolled. “This little voice was like, ‘You have more to say. You have more to do. You have this thing sitting on the back burner that is kind of eating away at you,’” she says.

Despite her drive to finish the degree, motivating herself was “really hard sometimes”, she says, “because if I didn’t finish, no one would care: I would just not finish and still have this job and be fine.” One of her top tips for others looking to pursue a doctorate in mid-life is to fully understand and reflect on their motivations. If the goal is “more money”, that might not be enough, she says.

Before returning to his studies, Swanton held a variety of jobs, including hauling sugar cane, working in nightclub security and tutoring in secondary schools. He has this advice for anyone who’s considering a doctorate: make sure you’re “doing it because you love it”. For him, that has meant finding ways to combine telescopic investigations of cosmic objects, such as active galactic nuclei, with preserving folklore about the cosmos from the Gamilaraay, the people of his Aboriginal culture.

Peter Swanton, a 36-year-old graduate student in cultural astronomy at the Australian National University in Canberra, says that his previous work experience has given him the maturity to cope with the strains of academic life. Credit: Lannon Harley/ANU

Swanton’s heritage influences both his academic interests and the way in which he wants to communicate them. For example, the Gamilaraay language was originally a purely oral one. So, rather than just writing “a big block of text” for his dissertation, Swanton says that he would like to include elders and community members telling their own stories, and to bridge their knowledge with the Western understanding of the universe.

“My success has come down to finding something I am passionate about, and not concerning myself with future employability, which was the focus of my earlier attempts at academia and ultimately the reason why I didn’t succeed” at the time, he says.

Finding mentors

María Teresa Martínez Trujillo arrived at the Paris Institute of Political Studies to embark on a graduate programme in political science at the age of 32. Having spent her whole life up to that point in Mexico, she felt isolated from her classmates because of linguistic and cultural barriers, in addition to being the oldest student in her cohort. Martínez Trujillo had already had a career in the Mexican government, including working as an adviser to the secretary of the interior, yet she felt “less brave” than younger students, and had many more questions about reading materials.

She also felt ashamed about her lack of fluency in French. Over time, with the help of a therapist, she learnt to be less judgemental of herself and to overcome her impostor syndrome. Classmates helped her to proofread some of her assignments and she focused on improving her language skills.

Cultural and linguistic barriers left María Teresa Martínez Trujillo feeling isolated from her peers when she arrived from Mexico, aged 32, to embark on a graduate programme at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Credit: Hiram Romero

Martínez Trujillo’s advisers — Hélène Combes and Gilles Favarel-Garrigues — were key for her as she dived into reading and fieldwork on the relationship between drug trafficking and the business world in Morelia, Mexico, for her master’s project. “They let me go to the ‘forest’ and spend time and lose myself,” she says, adding that when she felt lost or stuck, her advisers helped her to find her way.

Time and money

Finances often pose a problem for graduate students who don’t already have savings and support, including those who have worked previously. Even with tuition covered, and a stipend to help towards living expenses, making ends meet can be challenging, especially for students who have other financial responsibilities, such as providing for family members or maintaining a home.

Martínez Trujillo received a stipend, but she spent almost all of it on rent and didn’t want to ask her family for money. She worked as a nanny, consulted for a Mexican think tank and spent summers working in Mexico on friends’ projects. “I’d never have free days,” she says.

Bresock wishes she could have spent more time away from both work and studies. “I did a terrible job of that. Make sure you make time for yourself. That dissertation will still be there, if you go take a walk, or if you go swim or whatever, for an hour out of your life.”

Training: Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing

Like Bresock, Marc Gentile kept a full-time job while doing his PhD in astrophysics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne in his mid-to-late-fortiess. He needed to earn enough to support both himself and his wife, and to address other financial responsibilities.

“The top advice would be establishing effective work and study habits right from the start,” he says. “In my case, time was the most precious resource, and I had to be very well organized to make the most of it.”

Gentile would work on his doctoral assignments from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. each weekday, before leaving for his day job. He would then read articles while commuting by train, and tackle more PhD tasks or further reading in the evenings. “I was told that I was, on average, more productive and better organized than most other, younger students, because you develop such skills when you work professionally,” he said.

Family matters

When Wendy Bohon walked across the stage to receive her doctorate in geology, she was nearly 38 years old and pregnant with twins. She wound up at Arizona State University in Tempe after beginning her career as an actor, and then becoming fascinated with earthquakes after one shook her apartment in 1999.

For her dissertation, Bohon conducted fieldwork in India on two large fault systems, focusing on how fast they had been moving, their intersections and their frequency of earthquakes — as well as the growth of mountains around them — over the past 34 million years. Today, she heads the Seismic Hazards and Earthquake Engineering branch of the California Geological Survey in Sacramento.

Wendy Bohon was nearly 38, and pregnant with twins, when she graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe with a PhD in geology. Credit: Linda Bohon

As a student, her desire to expand her family had put her in a different life stage from younger peers. She had met her husband, who already had a young daughter, while in her graduate programme. And whereas her classmates had wanted to avoid pregnancy, she had struggled to conceive. “That emotional disconnect and the difference in their reality and my reality — it was really tough,” she says. Ultimately, she and her husband chose to try the intensive process of in vitro fertilization, which Bohon mostly kept secret. At the same time, she was helping to co-parent her husband’s daughter, and the couple were given full custody of the girl when she was seven.

Bohon coped with parenting and finishing graduate school with the help of “a built-in village of people around who could step in to help us”. Other graduate students would play the card game UNO with the girl, or colour pictures with her. And Bohon’s mentor, along with the mentor’s husband, became the child’s godparents.

“In a lot of ways, it was easier to parent during my PhD, because my schedule was relatively flexible, so I could stay home with her when she was sick, or attend school functions,” Bohon says. What’s more, she adds, “having a kiddo that needed me helped me to set and keep healthier boundaries than I think I would have otherwise”.

Charlotte Olsen, a postdoctoral researcher in astrophysics at the New York City College of Technology, earned a PhD at the age of 42 and now investigates the factors that influence star formation and galaxy evolution. Olsen says that working on her doctorate presented challenges for her marriage. “I’m not gonna lie: grad school is really rough on a relationship,” she says — adding that, especially at the beginning, “it’s an incredibly stressful time”.

Among the responsibilities that older students might have is taking care of ageing parents. Olsen recalls that during her qualifying exams, she hadn’t heard from her mother, who was 76 years old at the time, for a while. She assumed that her mother wanted to give her space during that stressful time. Later, she found out that her mother’s appendix had ruptured, necessitating surgery and a stay in a hospital’s intensive-care unit.

Through it all, Olsen’s spouse was an invaluable source of emotional support. “Having somebody who is there with you along the way” helps a lot, she says.

What happens next?

Not everyone who gets a PhD stays in their field. Gentile, now 60, works as a data scientist for a Swiss television station. He had a postdoctoral research position for five years after graduation — but for several reasons, including financial ones, he could not find an academic job afterwards. “If I had really wanted to continue in astrophysics, then I would have had to move abroad; it’s difficult now,” he says.

Still, Gentile found the PhD experience rewarding and worthwhile. As well as acquiring problem-solving techniques, he learnt coding and data-science skills, such as machine learning and statistical methods. And he has used all of these in subsequent jobs, including his current one.

His graduate work also remains relevant. Some of the algorithms and software that he worked on during his PhD helped to inform the tools that scientists will use to analyse data from the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory, which aims to explore dark energy and dark matter.

Bresock received a promotion at West Virginia University after earning her PhD in maths in December 2022, aged 41. Her dissertation examined how students understand the definite integral, a fundamental concept in calculus, when solving different kinds of problem.

Today, she has greater empathy for her own students because of her own struggles as a graduate student. Finishing her doctorate remains one of her most satisfying accomplishments, she says. “When people ask me what’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, it’s: get sober, and then, finish my PhD. That’s a close second.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-02109-x

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Education at a Glance 2019: OECD Indicators (OECD, 2019).

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The 4 Ways I See This Going With Trump

By Ross Douthat

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Donald Trump will arrive at the 2024 Republican convention — his Republican convention, finally and completely, without the dissent of 2016 or the pandemic that overshadowed 2020 — closer than ever to a second term. But the likelihood of a Trump restoration has not yet brought clarity about what it would actually usher in.

With Trump there is always the whipsaw, the forays toward normalcy and the reversion to a darker mean. Asked on the debate stage whether he would spend a second term seeking revenge on his political enemies, he promised that “my retribution is going to be success. We’re going to make this country successful again.” A few days later, he was on Truth Social, amplifying a post demanding a military tribunal for Liz Cheney.

With Trump, too, there is always the question of how his policy impulses interact with his personal laziness. He recently made a big show of repudiating Project 2025 , a Heritage Foundation blueprint stuffed with severely conservative proposals, and then he produced a Republican Party platform stripped of some gun-rights and pro-life language and pledging to protect Medicare and Social Security from any kind of cuts. Are these signs that Trump knows he can just roll over conservative activist groups in pursuit of popularity? Or are they meaningless gestures, because personnel is policy and he’s going to hire all the guys who worked on Project 2025?

There’s no singular Trumpism whose workings we can confidently predict. Instead there are Trumpist scenarios and Trumpian personae — whose interactions, if he wins, will give his second term its shape.

First, there is Trump the moderate . This has always been an underestimated aspect of his brand, because his moderation is united to excess and demagoguery. But Trump is not a movement conservative, not an ideologue outside of core obsessions like trade and immigration, and he no longer has to fear revolts from his right the way he did in the days when he felt the need to pick a religious-conservative Reaganite as his vice president.

Glance over the G.O.P. platform, focus on the substance rather than the capital letters and the Trumpian flourishes, and you can see outlines of the pitch the moderate version of Trump wants to make to swing voters. I’ll be right-wing on crime and immigration, but I won’t touch your retirement programs. I’ll be anti-woke and pro-patriotism, but I won’t be Mike Pence on social issues. I’ll keep the tax cuts I passed last time, but I won’t necessarily pile on more tax cuts for the rich. I’ll keep America out of unnecessary wars.

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Drawing your roadmap for life after the PhD

A topic that we've discussed a number of times on this blog is "life after the PhD". We have discussed  career options after the PhD , I've given  advice on what a reader should do after the PhD ,  moving around the world for your career after the PhD ,  working as a scholar in the gulf region ,  the job interview ,  the benefit of your academic skills for future employers ,  how to frame your mind for a job after the PhD ,  how to find a job outside of academia ,  how to plan an academic career , and  how to figure out which career path may be good for you .

Today, I am showing you a possible roadmap on how to prepare yourself for your career after your PhD. This roadmap is not set in stone, of course. It is a collection of ideas and questions to help you frame your mind. If early on during your PhD, you feel like you'd like to stay in academia, that doesn't mean that your decision is made and that you can't change your mind. Thinking about your next steps, and exploring options is a better way to prepare yourself than writing your thesis and then waiting for a job to magically be offered to you.

1,5 years into your PhD

It's never too early to start thinking about what you'd like to do after your PhD. After 1,5 years in your program, you probably have a good impression of what working in academia means, and what type of (strange?) beast the academic is. You don't have to decide on anything yet, but you can start thinking about your options after your PhD, and make some choices based on your interests. If you are interested in the industry, plan to attend career fairs in the future to learn about possible employers, and visit the exhibition hall at conferences.

To help you and your fellow researchers find your career path, AcademicTransfer developed a new career platform: AcademicsConnected . Here you can explore six research focused career journeys in and outside academia, get expert advice and read personal stories from other researchers.

When you start to think about your options, think about what would work for you and your family. Would it work for you and your family to move to the other side of the world for a post-doc position? Are you willing to move away from your home at all? Can you gamble on a short-term contract, perhaps with low pay, or does your family need your income? Consider your ideal conditions first.

If you find it difficult to answer these questions, then write for yourself what your ideal work looks like. Which tasks do you do? Do you travel? Do you commute? How does your ideal day look like? Do you want to work part-time perhaps to spend time with your kids in the afternoon? Define for yourself what you want, and start making it happen.

1,5 years before graduating

Now is a good time to start thinking more seriously about your plans for after your PhD. If you can't define a direction you want to focus on for after your PhD, see if you can get help from a career counselor. Most universities offer some sort of support for their students. If possible, get one-on-one coaching with a career counselor, or stop by to brainstorm with one of them or with a trusted person within HR, so that you can get the ideas from an outsider. If your university offers workshops around the topic of finding employment after the PhD, sign up to such a workshop or series of workshops.

On AcademicsConnected you can do a self-assessment to reflect on your talents and skills, which might help you in your search.

Discuss with your supervisor and colleagues about your options. Catch up with recent graduates from your PhD program to learn from their experience. At conferences, talk to recent PhD graduates. If a conference is organized through a professional organization, they often have a career center (sometimes available as a booth at the conference) - visit them and learn from them.

1 year before graduating

Hopefully, you've been able to do some good thinking for yourself over the past few months, and have been able to exchange ideas with HR professionals as well as with recent PhD graduates in your field. If you've identified for yourself which career paths call your attention, start to work more actively towards getting a job.

Don't just scroll through job openings online. Mention to your friends and colleagues that you will be graduating soon, and that you are exploring options. If you are looking for an opportunity in a certain sector, see if you can meet with an acquaintance from this sector for coffee to learn from his/her/their experience, and ask for advice. Don't list somebody as a reference on your resume unless you have a good working relationship - so don't try to make your contact in this sector your reference right away.

Send your resume to companies and institutions of your interest. See how you can get a foot in the door by volunteering at industry events, going for a short research exchange, or do some case studies for a public institution. Just don't think that, because you've shown your face, you are entitled to a job - but show up, and show what you can bring to the table.

6 months before graduating

Interview time! Have you heard from anybody to whom you sent your resume? If not, don't panic (and don't start stalking people). If necessary, make another appointment with a career counselor to revise your resume and give you extra advice. If you seem to find it hard to get noticed by employers, work with a recruiter.

Need some help in preparing your CV and personal pitch? The Career Buddy provides tips and preparation activities, so you get ready for your career move.

If you're invited for an interview, go prepared. Do your "homework." Learn about the company, its people, and identify for yourself what you can bring to the table. At the same time, define for yourself what you want. Return to your description of your ideal job: which tasks excite you? What do you expect in return from your employer? What is non-negotiable for you? Would you opt for more salary or for more holidays?

when finishing your dissertation

Time to celebrate! If you finish and publish your dissertation before your defend, and you are looking for a job, then use your dissertation to do a bit of shameless self-promotion. Send your finished dissertation to anybody who may be interested in your work, and who perhaps may be having a job opening. You never know what good it may bring. Take your printed thesis copies to conferences, and mention at the end of your presentation to you can give away a few copies (bring a stack with you).

Upon graduating

If you are graduated and don't have a job yet - don't panic. Decide for yourself if you want more advice from a career counselor and/or recruiter, and see if you can survive financially until you land a job, or if you need to take on some "emergency" employment, or raid your savings.

Don't let the fact that you haven't found a job yet overshadow the success of finishing your PhD. Celebrate in style, take time to appreciate yourself and your effort, and then throw yourself back into the job-seeking activities, now with all your energy. Let your entire network know you are graduated and available. Don't spam the entire world, but send personal emails to possible interesting contacts, and use LinkedIn to your advantage.

After your PhD

If you've taken a first job after your PhD, know that you have your entire career in front of you. If after some time, you find that the job is not what you thought it to be at first, then take that lesson and learn from it: what is good for your? Which new skills did you learn? What did you not like - something related to the contents of the job, or is the commute making your miserable? Go back to the drawing board, reshape your ideal job, and start looking for something that more closely parallels your vision.

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'Running for his life': PhD student's final moments deepen mystery for family, police

The last time deundray cottrell's family saw him alive, he had gone upstairs to check on his dog on july 4th. he was found dead in birmingham days later under 'suspicious' circumstances..

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A family has been left reeling after the abrupt disappearance of a loved one resulted in a suspicious death.

The family of Deundray Cottrell, 31, last saw the doctorate student on the evening of July 4th, when he stepped away from a family gathering in Birmingham, Alabama to check on his dog. He walked upstairs never to be seen alive again, according to local outlets.

Cottrell's body was found under "suspicious" circumstances days later just a block away from where he was last scene, police said. The same day, his death was ruled a homicide and police issued public notice of a search for his partner, Julian Taylor Morris, who hasn't been seen since Friday morning.

Doorbell footage recovered during the search reportedly captured Cottrell racing through yards and hopping gates as if he was "looking for refuge," his family told local news organization AL.com.

The strange series of events has left Cotrell's loved ones and the community baffled. Here's what we know about the case so far.

Who is Deundray Cottrell?

Deundray Cottrell was a 31-year-old Atlanta-based doctorate student working on his PhD after receiving his master's degree in public administration and bachelor's in marketing, according to his Instagram.

He also used social media to show off his many other talents, including modeling, mixology and dance. Cottrell served as the CEO of the dance troupe Skiiboy and often made popular posts sharing his fashion sense and collaborating with different brands.

Cottrell was a "well-loved, well-known, good-hearted person and there’s a lot of people hurting from him being gone,’’ his sister, Angelica Harris, told AL.com when Cottrell originally went missing.

When did Deundray Cottrell go missing?

Cottrell originally went missing on the evening of Thursday, July 4.

Cottrell arrived in Birmingham from Atlanta Thursday to celebrate the holiday with his family, according to a police press release . He was spending time at a family member's home when, around 10 p.m., he told his sister he was going upstairs to check on his dog because of fireworks going off.

“He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’’ Harris told AL.com.

Police said they were called to the home that night when friends and family couldn't find Cottrell. He was last seen on foot, said police, and the family told AL.com that Cottrell's partner reported seeing him take off through the backyard after a conversation in the house.

The family told the local outlet that they found Cottrell’s sunglasses, cell phone and one of his shoes while searching for him. Police later found some of Cottrell’s clothing around where he went missing and reviewed surveillance footage from neighbors, which showed him walking in the area.

Cortell's family told AL.com that the recovered Ring doorbell footage showed him running through yards and jumping gates as if he was "running for his life."

The family and police searched through Friday and into Saturday for Cottrell.

USA TODAY has reached out to Birmingham Police and Harris for comment.

Deundray Cottrell found dead

Unfortunately, Cottrell was found deceased two days later around 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Police have yet to release the circumstances of Cottrell's death but did call it "suspicious" upon discovery. The same day, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on Cottrell and ruled the manner of death homicide, the Birmingham Police Department announced online that evening.

It was also in that post that Julian Taylor Morris was named a person of interest in the investigation.

Who is Julian Taylor Morris?

Julian Taylor Morris, 31, was Cottrell's romantic partner and is a person of interest in the investigation. Police believe he may have been the last person to see or hear from Cottrell the evening of his disappearance. 

Morris and Cottrell initially came to Birmingham together to celebrate the holiday, Angelica Harris told AL.com. Morris was allegedly in the house when Cottrell went inside to check on his dog around 10 p.m. and told the family he had spoken with Cottrell, according to AL.com.

The family told AL.com they felt Morris was acting "erratically" as they searched for Cottrell that night. The family told the outlet they saw Morris Friday morning but have not seen him since.

Police, who are offering a $5,000 reward for any information on Morris' whereabouts, describe him as a 5'6", 160-pound Black male.

“A PhD ruined my life” How getting a PhD changes everything

In this post, we delve into the often unspoken hardships accompanying the pursuit of a PhD.

It’s a journey that changes lives profoundly – sometimes leading to regret and unforeseen challenges.

We’ll shed light on common reasons behind these regrets and explore real-life cases where individuals felt their PhD journey was more damaging than beneficial. 

While a PhD opens doors to intellectual growth and prestigious opportunities, it can also set the stage for disillusionment, job insecurity, exploitation, intense competition, and more. Join us as we unravel these narratives, providing insights and lessons drawn from personal experiences.

Common reasons that people regret their PhD and how grad school ruined their life

A PhD ruined my life case studies

Here are some real-life case studies that demonstrate how a PhD programme can ruin someone’s life and show that PhDs are not always a positive step for someone’s career.

Case Study: The Unseen Struggles in Pursuit of a U.S. PhD

Background:

The subject, an international Black student, embarked on his PhD journey in the U.S. after completing his previous studies in a different culture. Already diagnosed with bipolar 2 and generalized anxiety disorder, he transitioned from a cooperative study environment to a highly competitive one in the U.S. The shift to a more individualistic and competitive culture, coupled with a drinking culture, intensified his pre-existing conditions and led him down a path of alcohol addiction. This had further negative impacts on his mental health, academic progress, and personal relationships.

Complications:

Despite his struggles, the subject sought help from campus therapists and received some institutional support. However, his mental health issues were compounded by what he perceived as a lack of understanding and sufficient support from the faculty and administration. His request for extra time to complete exams due to mental breakdowns and addiction issues was met with resistance.

He was eventually dismissed from the program due to unsatisfactory progress, largely influenced by his mental health struggles and addiction. This left him jobless and unable to travel back to his partner due to visa restrictions.

Lessons Learned:

• Mental Health Support : The mental health crisis in the PhD student community is glaring. Institutions need to better recognize and address the prevalence of anxiety and depression among their students.
• Inclusive Policies : The traditional structure of PhD programs, with rigorous and inflexible examination schedules, can inadvertently disadvantage students with neurodivergent conditions or mental health challenges. Universities should consider implementing more inclusive policies that take into account students’ diverse needs.
• Cultural Sensitivity : Universities should also be more aware and considerate of the cultural adjustments that international students may face. They should provide support to help students transition and adapt to the new environment.
• Faculty Training : Staff training should include understanding and addressing mental health issues and how to provide appropriate support. It’s not only about academic mentoring but also about nurturing students’ wellbeing.
• Early Intervention : Implementing systems to identify students who are struggling early on can allow for timely intervention, potentially preventing further deterioration of mental health and academic performance.

Case Study: “Identity Crisis: The Tale of a Disoriented PhD Graduate”

Jane Doe was a goal-oriented and motivated individual who thrived in an academic environment. For seven and a half years, she immersed herself in two graduate programs in two different states, earning herself two graduate degrees. Over time, her identity became intrinsically linked to her role as a student; she found comfort in the structure, rhythm, and recognition of academic achievement.

However, this success story took a twist when Jane graduated and was thrust into the world outside of academia. With her doctoral hood around her neck and her degree in hand, she found herself in an identity crisis. The very core of who she was had been tied to being a student, and with graduation, she felt as though she had lost a part of herself.

Jane found herself feeling lost, alien, and a sense of persistent dread filled her days. She continued to teach as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, but her heart wasn’t in it. Her social interactions, both online and offline, felt hollow and disjointed. She was stuck between worlds, not fully a part of academia anymore, and not yet a part of the “real world.”

Even her accomplishment, becoming a PhD graduate, something less than 2% of the US population achieves, did not bring her the satisfaction she had anticipated. Her self-identity as a graduate student was so deep-rooted that she could not rejoice in her achievements or take pride in her accomplishment.

Three months post-graduation, Jane realized the root of her discomfort: she had allowed her temporary identity as a student to define her whole being. The transition from student to graduate was a jarring one, stripping away a part of her identity.

• Diversify Self-Identity: It’s important not to let a single aspect of one’s life, such as a role or occupation, dominate one’s identity. A balanced self-identity is critical in mitigating such identity crises.
• Prepare for Change: Transitions, such as graduation, should be anticipated and emotionally prepared for. Understanding that change is part of life can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with major life transitions.
• Value Self Beyond Achievements: While academic and professional achievements are essential, it’s important to remember that self-worth isn’t solely derived from them. Jane learned to see herself as more than just her PhD, a lesson that can be beneficial to all.
• Adaptability: Becoming adaptable and resilient in the face of change is a valuable skill. Understanding that jobs, roles, and titles may change, but one’s inherent value and capabilities remain, is crucial.
• Seek Support: During such transitions, seeking support from a mentor, counselor, or peer group can provide valuable perspective and strategies to cope with feelings of loss and identity confusion.

In the end, Jane found peace in her new life and saw new ways to apply her knowledge and skills. Her journey serves as a stark reminder that while education shapes us, it doesn’t define us. Our identities are fluid and adaptable, ever-changing as we navigate the course of life.

Wrapping up – How a PhD can ruin your life

The pursuit of a PhD can irrevocably alter one’s life trajectory. 

This higher education undertaking has been a bane for many grad students who naively entered their program, only to face overwhelming pressure, mental health issues, and burnout.

Former PhD students have lamented on how the journey has ruined their life – from exacerbating pre-existing conditions like anxiety and depression, to leading to feelings of low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.

The harsh realities of the academic job market and the exploitative world of academia can lead to disillusionment, manifesting as regret over one’s decision to pursue a PhD degree.

Moreover, the potential lack of interpersonal support from professors and advisors, coupled with the often dismissive attitudes of universities towards mental health problems, can make the situation much worse.

We must scrutinise the pros and cons of the PhD system and work towards reforming the academic culture, putting emphasis on mental health support services, fair treatment of grad students, and adaptable program structures.

In retrospect, a PhD is a monumental commitment – not a hobby to be undertaken lightly. It is essential for potential students to fully understand the challenges that lurk in the journey ahead.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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PhDs in Philosophy: What was your grad experience like? How was your post-grad job search? Would you recommend someone to study towards a PhD?

Thinking about going to grad school. Just want to get some advice and opinions on whether or not to pursue a PhD in Philosophy.

Opportunities After IISER: Packages, Placements, PhD?

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) is a chain premium research institute in India that has the tag of Institute of National Importance. The rigorous academics and cutting-edge research prepares students to become a world-class researcher. IISER offers a flagship five-year long BS-MS program along with other programs like PhD and Integrated PhD.

One of the main questions that every IISER aspirant has is about the opportunities after IISER. Many are concerned about the salary and packages one can receive after completing the rigorous five-year-long degree program. Others want to know what jobs students are offered upon graduation. So, this article contains all the information on the same.

SciAstra YouTube Video: Salary & placements after IISER, NISER | What after BS-MS by NISER student

How IISER Prepares You for a PhD?

Unlike other colleges, IISERs are not built for placements. IISER is built for students who are passionate about exploring basic science and conducting fundamental research. Hence, many IISERs do not have a dedicated placement cell. So, unlike engineering colleges, you won’t find companies on your campus interviewing you and offering you 9 to 5 jobs.

Instead, most of the IISER students apply for a PhD rather than a job. But Ph. D. is not just another degree program but a work-study program. During your PhD years, you will have to conduct your own research under an established researcher who will be your principal investigator. Doing a Ph. D. at a prestigious institute and lab can earn you a nice stipend.

IISER students have an upper edge in PhD applications and are often preferred over other graduates both in India and Abroad. PhD positions secured after IISER are fully funded – meaning that all your expenses, including tuition fees and living expenses, will be covered by a grant or fellowship.

Ph.D. in Foreign Countries:

Good profile and academics during IISER can land you into Ivy League colleges. Favorite destinations for PhD for IISER students have been MIT , Stanford , Oxford, Cambridge, Max Planck, ETH Zurich, etc.

In the United Kingdom. The average tenure of PhD is around four years. The average stipend is 18,662 pounds or INR 19.36 Lakhs per year. This much is enough to cover your living expenses, and you’ll still be able to save 50k to 80k per month.

In other countries of Europe, the project tenure and funding are the same as in the UK, but the stipend varies with different countries. For example, Denmark offers an average stipend of INR 51.67 Lakhs per year. In Norway, the average annual stipend is INR 49.75 Lakhs per year. In general, students are able to save around 50k to 1 Lakh per month easily.

In the United States, you have to be a Teaching Assistant for a year or two and the actual PhD starts in the third year. The duration of a PhD, on average, can be four or six years. The average stipend is 15,000 to 30,000 USD per year, which translates to INR 12.5 to 25 lakh per year.

PhD in India:

Obtaining a PhD in India is a little more difficult than in foreign countries. IISERs, IITs , IISc , TIFR , and NCBS are popular choices for PhD in India. The average stipend is around 31,000 to 37,000 per month, which is enough, considering the cost of living in India.

Qualifying exams like GATE and CSIR offer an upper edge while applying for a PhD in India. However, many IISER students can secure a PhD position without having qualified GATE and CSIR. 

What After PhD?

If you want to remain in academia after your PhD and become a professor, you will have to do a post-doc in a lab or research institute. The duration for Post-Doc varies from one to two years. The average stipend offered abroad is INR 3-5 lakhs per month, whereas in India, you can expect the stipend to be around 57k to 74k per month. After completing your Post-Doc, you can apply for faculty positions at different universities.

You can also join the Industrial Sector after completing your PhD as a Research Scientist and expect an average salary of INR 7.8 lakhs per annum in India. Scientists and Life Scientists in the U.S. and Canada can earn around INR 98.5 lakhs per annum. Depending on your discipline and Industry, the average varies a lot. Following is a table comparing the average salary for different industrial roles.

Many IISER students also appear for exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT to pursue an MBA. Qualifying for these exams can guarantee your admission to premium institutes like IIMs, XLRI, SIBM, or NMIMS. The average package after the completion of an MBA is INR 20-25 lakhs per annum.

Government Jobs-

There are several options for jobs in the public sector after IISER. You can join as a Scientific Officer in government research institutes and labs. In NISER , students with a good CPI can appear for a BARC interview directly, which offers a starting salary of around INR 1 lakh per month, along with multiple amenities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also offers an average salary of INR 1 lakh per month to scientific officers upon entry. In ISRO (Read our blog on how to get into ISRO by clicking here ), the starting salary is 85k to 1 lac per month.

Teaching And Coaching-

Ed-tech giants like Physicswallah and Unacademy always hire people with Masters or PhDs with good teaching skills. as their faculty, and being from IISER can give you an upper hand in getting recruited by these companies. You can also join other coaching institutes. 

The starting salary over here varies from 40k to 1 lac per month, but there is no upper limit in this sector, and the pay depends on your expertise.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) stands as a beacon for those passionate about fundamental science and research. While not designed for traditional placements, IISER propels its students into a world of possibilities, with a strong emphasis on pursuing Ph.D. opportunities globally. The institute’s graduates find themselves well-prepared for diverse paths, whether it be academia, industry, government jobs, or even the entrepreneurial realm. IISER’s impact extends beyond research, fostering individuals who contribute significantly to education and various sectors, embodying the institute’s commitment to holistic growth and excellence.

• How to get into IISER?

To get into IISER, you need to appear for IAT. IAT is a computer based test which needs preparation. SciAstra offers the best courses that prepare you for the IAT.

• What is the most common career path for IISER graduates?

While many IISER students pursue PhDs, there are diverse options like research scientist roles in the industry, government jobs, teaching, and even entrepreneurship.

• Is it easy to get into an Ivy League PhD program after IISER?

IISER graduates have a strong chance due to their rigorous academics and research experience. However, the application process is competitive.

• What are the funding options for PhD programs abroad?

Most PhD positions are fully funded, meaning tuition and living expenses are covered by fellowships or grants. Stipend amounts in different countries like the UK, Europe, and the US are mentioned in the article.

• What are the salary expectations after a PhD in India vs. abroad?

You can expect significantly higher figures in foreign countries when compared to India.

• Can IISER graduates pursue careers outside academia and research? 

Definitely! Options like MBA are open, and securing positions in top institutes like IIMs can help you get packages of INR 20-25 lakhs per annum after an MBA.

• What are some government job opportunities for IISER graduates?

Scientific Officer positions in research institutes and labs, BARC (starting salary INR 1 lakh per month), DRDO (average INR 1 lakh per month), and ISRO (starting salary INR 85k – 1 lac per month) are all mentioned as possibilities.

SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.

We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER , NISER , IACS , CMI , ISI , IISC Bangalore , etc teach students in live classes, with study materials,  mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in  IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on.  If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!

To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!

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College of Nursing

The bigger picture

Keela Herr ’s face lights up as she talks about Staja “Star” Booker (17PhD), assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, being selected as a 2024 Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. 

“I know she is definitely going to make an impact in the Academy because of her big interest in advocacy and making changes in systems and policy, which she came into the PhD program with,” Herr says. “That was what she wanted to do, and she's built her career to a point where she now is going to have a voice that people are going to listen to.”

In 2011, things looked a little different. As a master’s student with an interest in pain research, Booker wanted to pursue a PhD and learn from an expert whose work she admired. That expert was Herr. 

Bonded by a shared commitment to improving the quality of life of older people that are living with pain, the mentor/mentee relationship between Herr and Booker grew. Often, Herr’s role involved reminding Booker to slow down . They talked frequently about the need for her to build her resumé and her own contributions to the literature for people to recognize her as a content expert.   

“I   really do believe I had some of the best mentors in my doctoral program. When I look at some of my friends and their experiences, my experience was totally different,” Booker says. “And even if I didn't agree with something, I took the time to think about it and see their point of view, because I knew that they weren't only looking out in my best interest, but also looking ahead, to a place that really I couldn't see.”

Having the best interest of your mentee at heart is important for Herr as a mentor, and looking ahead also meant supporting Booker after she finished the program. She needed new skill sets and different training, and that meant moving on to the University of Florida for her post-doc. “Even though I really, really wanted Star to stay at Iowa, I knew and supported her in looking at all the options and where she would get the additional training and mentoring that was going to move her career in the direction that she needed to go,” Herr says. That’s the thing about a healthy mentoring relationship, she notes, it evolves over time. As one’s career advances, mentors evolve into colleagues and often friends. 

As their mentor-mentee relationship evolves, Herr continues to promote Booker through professional and networking opportunities, as well as award nominations. She is proud of what Booker has accomplished, and finds it deeply rewarding, as a mentor, to develop and support young nurse researchers like her. “I think we take on mentorship because of the bigger picture of wanting to develop others who can make a difference in the work that we do,” Herr says, “and every minute that I spend giving feedback or guidance has a very positive outcome on down the road.” 

In Booker, she has helped develop not only a nurse researcher committed to further changing how we treat older adults with pain, but a dedicated and thoughtful mentor for future generations. “I hope Keela knows that even when she decides to hang up her academic shoes, her work will continue through me,” Booker says. “And I hope that I can be half of the mentor that she's been to me to my students.”

READ MORE FROM THE SUMMER 2024 NEWSLETTER

PhD Experience Interviews

Wondering what it’s like to do a PhD? And how you can develop your career after you gain your PhD? We’ve interviewed a variety of PhD students at different stages of their degree and PhD holders that have developed their careers and businesses in different directions, to help answer this for you.

View the profiles below to gain an insight into the life of PhD student – from their typical day to their biggest challenges and personal advice. Click here to read our interviews with PhD holders.

Current PhD Students

Clara Inés Alcolado Olivares

Clara is in the first year of her PhD at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. Her research is based around understanding the reactivity of peroxynitrite with organic compounds such as commonly used drugs, food preservatives, or components of atmospheric aerosols.

Akshay Deoras

Akshay is in the final year of his PhD researching how well models can predict Indian monsoon low-pressure systems. The results of his research will help improve disaster preparedness and long-term planning.

Frances Boreham

Frances recently completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. Her research investigated the causes and consequences of hazardous lava-water interactions.

Nidhi Menon

Nidhi is a PhD student at Virginia Tech, focused on developing an engineered platform to study the breast tumor microenvironment, for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Priya Pollard

Priya’s a 1st year PhD student University College Dublin. Her project involves investigating a novel seaweed-ensiling process as an alternative to drying to preserve seaweeds nutritional and monetary value.

Nina Higson-Sweeney

Nina’s in the first year of her PhD in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath. Her project is focused on furthering our understanding of fatigue within adolescent depression.

Freya I. Addison

Freya’s in the final year of her PhD at the University of Leeds. Her project is about improving the precision of observations between collocated ground-based weather radar and airborne platforms.

Helena Hartmann

Helena is pursuing a PhD at the University of Vienna. Her research is centred around how we perceive, understand and share the suffering of other people around us, aka empathy for pain.

Calvin Swords

Calvin is coming to the end of the second year of his PhD at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His research is focussed on how recovery as a concept is socially constructed in mental health services.

Henry Powell-Davies

Henry is in the first year of his PhD in the Cronin Group at the University of Glasgow. His research is based on the automation, optimisation, discovery and design of ontologies for robotic chemistry.

Abdullah-Al-Zubaer Imran

Abdullah recently finished his PhD at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His computer science research developed deep learning-based algorithms for medical image analysis.

Nathan Mistry

Nathan is about to enter the 2nd year of his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire. His research looks at how lifestyle stresses can impact skin barrier biophysics and skin barrier and oral cavity biochemistry and microbiology.

Jay is in the third year of his PhD at Savitribai Phule Pune University, researching the applications of mesenchymal stem cells and nanocarrier for bone tissue engineering.

Islam is in the final year of his Physics PhD program at Washington State University in the field of particle cosmology. His research is on the Possible Connections Between Inflaton and Dark Energy Within An Oscillating Reheating Framework.

Guy Cameron

Guy is in the 3rd and final year of his PhD in Immunology and Microbiology at The University of Newcastle, Australia. His research primarily focuses on investigating roles of our immune system outside of the typical pathogen surveillance.

De-Shaine Murray

De-Shaine is 2nd Year Neurotechnology PhD Student at Imperial College London. His research looks at monitoring the brain when it’s severely injured after a traumatic brain injury or stroke and patients are in neurocritical care.

Elpida Vounzoulaki

Elpida is about to start her third year of PhD research at the University of Leicester. Her research focuses on preventing type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes, and she an active STEM Ambassador.

Emmanuel Junior Zuza

Emmanuel is a year and half into his PhD at The Open University School of Ecosystems, Earth and Environmental Studies. His research is on understand the influence of environmental and social factors on smallholder macadamia production.

Christine Streeter

Christine is entering the 4th year of her PhD Carleton University, researching worker’s experiences of the changing conditions in the Non Profit and Social Service sector, pre and during COVID-19.

Jad Mahmoud Halabi

Jad is a 4th year PhD student at New York University Abu Dhabi/ New York. His project is title Smart Molecular Crystals: From Synthesis to Applications and has a particular interest in science communication.

Rakhi Vishwakarma

Rakhi is a PhD student at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India. Her research is on the production of Borneol and Menthol and development of separation process from the reaction mixture.

Sara is currently in the 4th year of the Physics Doctoral Program at The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her research investigates quantum transport properties of 2D electron systems.

Kamalpreet Singh

Kamal is a second year PhD student University of Toronto in the department of Chemistry. His research is focused on making hydrogen gas more affordable and easier to generate from water to use as a clean energy source.

Noelia Dominguez Falcon

Noelia is just two months away from submitting her PhD thesis at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on the application and the study of novel tissue engineering strategies for tendon repair, aiming to overcome some limitations from current therapies.

Harneet Sangha

Harneet’s heading into the fourth year of her PhD at the University of Leicester. Her research looks at the electrical currents in the Earth’s magnetosphere: how they change with time, and under different conditions.

Adam Netzer Zimmer

Adam’s about to start his fifth year of PhD research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he’s earning a doctorate in anthropology as an affiliated researcher with the University of Iceland’s medical school.

Charlene N. Rivera Bonet

Charlene is a 5th year PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She studies depression and neuroticism in people with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) using MR Imaging and behavioural tests.

Fabian van den Berg

Fabian’s in the final year of his PhD research at Maastricht University. His project is about how humans learn numbers and how hands might help that process; this is especially useful for children developing their maths skills.

Gabrielle Huizinga

Gabrielle’s a 2nd year Immunology PhD student at the University of Michigan. Her research focus on the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the clearance of respiratory bacterial infections.

Lewis Bridgeman

Lewis is a third-year PhD student at CVSSP at the University of Surrey. His research involves using multi-camera broadcast footage of sports, and using this data to create new viewpoints in virtual and augmented reality.

Pei Qin (Sabrina) Ng

Sabrina’s in the third year of her PhD at The University of Adelaide. Her esearch combines molecular techniques, data analysis, and next generation sequencing to investigate modifications on RNAs in plants.

Kat is in the second year of her PhD at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth, Western Australia (WA). Her research involves studying supermassive black holes at the centres of distant galaxies.

Pavan Bagri

Pavan’s nearing completion of her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at the University of Toronto, whilst also working 4 days/week as a Clinical Pharmacist across 3 hospital sites in the Greater Toronto Area.

Elmira Vagapova

Elmira is in the third year of her PhD program at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, researching the mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia cells resistance to targeted therapy.

Kyle Morgenstein

Kyle’s in the first year of his PhD at the University of Texas in Austin. His research interests are in the development of algorithms for advanced mobility for legged robotics and computer vision for exploration of extreme environments.

Julia is entering the third year of a combined master’s and PhD program at Stanford University. Her research explores how to give robots the sense of touch to make them more useful for tasks such as dexterous manipulation.

Michele Ponzelli

Michele is a first-year PhD candidate in a double degree program between the University of Girona (Spain) & Technical University Munich (Germany). His research has the aim of innovating water treatment technologies.

Rose is a final year PhD student at the University of St Andrews. Her research is focussed on modelling stars similar to the sun in its youth and understanding better the magnetic fields of these stars.

Emma Strand

Emma is a third year PhD student at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on the physiological and genomic response to climate change stressors.

Bijou is a second year MD-PhD candidate, starting her second year of medical school. At the end of this academic year she’ll transition into doing a genetics PhD full time at Case Western Reserve University.

Annabel Farnood

Annabel is a third-year PhD student at the University of Glasgow, looking at the effects of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking on the patient-healthcare professional relationship.

Aaron Jones

Aaron’s now writing up his PhD thesis at the University of Birmingham. His research has investigated the Impact and Mitigation of Wavefront Distortions in Precision Interferometry.

Chris Sampson

Chris is making minor corrections to his PhD thesis post-viva at the University of Nottingham. His research was on optimising the cost-effectiveness of risk-based screening for diabetic retinopathy.

Freija Mendrik

Freija is half way through her PhD at the Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, researching the transport of microplastics through the Mekong River and to the South China Sea.

Ellen Brewster

Ellen is in the third year of her PhD at the University of Oxford. Her project looks at eighteenth-century reading manuals, using them to find out how eighteenth-century people theorised reading aloud.

Daisy Shearer

Daisy’s a year and half into her PhD at the University of Surrey. Her research project is based around the control of electron spin state in InSb quantum wells using quantum point contacts.

Julia Ravey

Julia’s in her final year of her PhD at University College London. Her research is helping to better understand how Alzheimer’s disease arises, which could lead to new successful therapeutics.

Bethany Cliffe

Bethany is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Bath, researching the adaptation of a self-help smartphone app (BlueIce) to prevent self-harm and improve the mood of University students.

Chloe Casey

Chloe is a 2nd year PhD student at Bournemouth University, researching the mental health of postgraduate researchers and is designing interventions that may improve their wellbeing.

Maria Sharif

Maria is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Birmingham, researching how to employ and exploit the biology of human gamma delta T cells for development of cancer immunotherapy.

Gareth Raynes

Gareth is getting ready for his PhD viva at Aberystwyth University and has been researching bacteria living inside coastal plants that can help other plants grow in salt contaminated soils.

Hannah Lewis

Hannah is a 1st year PhD student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The aim of her research is to clarify what strategies are the most effective in supporting young people with dyslexia.

Chris Proctor

Chris is a third (and final) year PhD student at Ulster University. His project aims to develop a novel method of delivering antibiofilm compounds directly to an infected wound bed in patients.

Carlos Gonzalez Diaz

Carlos is a third year PhD student at the Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence (IGGI), as part of the University of York and Goldsmiths, University of London.

Danny is a third year PhD student at the John Innes Centre and the University of East Anglia, working with Pseudomonas bacteria to understand how they infect their hosts.

Helena Bates

Helena is a final year PhD student at the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Oxford. Her research is on understanding the evolution of asteroids through analysis of meteorites.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca recently finished her PhD at the University of York. Her research investigated the adaptations that occur in the symbiosis between the tsetse fly and its bacterial microbiome.

Raluca Gaina

Raluca is a final year PhD student at Queen Mary University of London. Her research is on exploring the algorithms of rolling horizon evolutionary algorithms for general video game playing.

Daniel Hernandez

Daniel is a third year PhD student at the University of York. His research is based around self-play training in multiagent systems; training AIs on a game such that they improve overtime.

Ellie Hurer

Ellie is a final year PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire, investigating a protein which is implicated in pancreatic cancer; this work can improve the efficacy of cancer drug treatments.

Nick Ballou

Nick is a first year PhD student at Queen Mary University of London. The long-term goal of his research is to help game designers make games that support healthy engagement and well-being.

Ryan Javanshir

Ryan is in the final write up stages of his PhD at the University of Southampton. His research is on understanding narrative structure, media specificity and genre in transmedia storytelling.

Amy recently entered her third and final year of her PhD at the University of Strathclyde. Her research has focussed on young people’s understanding of mental health stigma in Scotland.

Sammy Chapman

Sammy is a second year PhD student at Cardiff Metropolitan University researching how secondary school teachers can meet the demands of the Digital Competence Framework.

Eleni Routoula

Eleni is nearing the end of her PhD at the University of Sheffield on understanding Peroxidase immobilisation on Bioinspired Silicas and application of the biocatalyst for dye removal.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Alex is a PhD student at the University of Bradford researching ritual and funerary rites in later prehistoric Scotland: an analysis of faunal assemblages from the Covesea Caves.

Kai Arulkumaran

Kai is a PhD student at Imperial College London. His research centres around sample efficiency, transfer learning and interpretability for deep reinforcement learning.​

Christian Nathan

Christian is a PhD student at the University of Leeds. His research project investigatores the role of the molecular clock in sympathetic preganglionic neurons.

Carina Nicu

Carina is a PhD student at The University of Manchester who has just defended her viva. Her research focuses on dermal white adipose tissue regulates human hair follicle growth and cycling.

Sam is a new PhD student at Teesside University. Her research is focussed on better understanding how writing poetry can help cancer survivors to work through mental and emotional issues.

PhD Holders

View the profiles below to gain an insight into different ways that you can develop your work life after gaining your PhD. This could involve continuing a career in academic research, working in a commercial environment, starting your own business or doing something completely unrelated to your PhD. 

Dr Malika Grayson

Dr Grayson gained her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in 2016. She now works in industry as an Applications Portfolio Manager and is a STEM Speaker and Advocate.

Dr Kirell Benzi

Dr Benzi gained his PhD in Data Science from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in 2016. He is now a professional data artist and head of research at a tech company in Paris, as well as a trained public speaker.

Dr Sunni Patel

Dr Patel gained his PhD in 2011 from Aston University, researching risk factors & systemic biomarkers for Type II diabetes & cardiovascular disease. He is currently a business director at a large global pharmaceutical.

Dr Chris Pattison

Dr Pattison gained his PhD in Cosmology from the University of Portsmouth. He is now finishing a short term post-doc within the same research group and developing a career in science communication and science education.

Dr Nafisa M. Jadavji

Dr Jadavji completed her PhD in Medical Genetics & Neuroscience from McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 2012. She is now an assistant professor involved in a mix of research, teaching and service projects.

Dr John Young

Dr Young gained his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge. He is now a a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, Deputy Director for the Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and more!

Dr Asher Williams

Dr Williams gained her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York in 2020. She is now a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, researching simplifying vaccine manufacturing in low-income countries.

Dr Sherran Clarence

Dr Clarence gained her PhD in Higher Education Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa in 2013. She is now an honorary research associate at the University and also runs her own blog about working as a researcher/parent in academia.

Dr Gita Pathak

Dr Pathak gained her PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2019. She is now a Postdoctoral Associate training in psychiatric genetics at the Yale School of Medicine.

Dr Khalil Thirlaway

Dr Thirlaway gained his PhD in immunology from the University of Nottingham in 2018. He is now a Science Communicator at the Natural History Museum, London.

Dr Michael Norman

Dr Norman gained his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of East Anglia in 2018. He is now the Public Engagement Officer at the Babraham Institute.

Dr Tahira Anwar

Dr Anwar gained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Helsinki in 2019. She is now pursuing a career within industry and becoming more active in science outreach.

Dr Adani Pujada

Dr Pujada obtained her PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at Georgia State University in 2019. She is now a biomedical faculty member, mentor, and science communicator with a particular interest in promoting STEM education.

Dr Jerelle A Joseph

Dr Joseph gained her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2018 and is now a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics at the University. Her research is on better understanding how cells organises its contents via the process of liquid-liquid phase separation.

Dr Omotayo Ilesanmi

Dr Ilesanmi has a PhD in Applied Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He is now a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Dr Amy Easey

Dr Easey has a PhD from the University of East Anglia where she genetically modified viral ligase enzymes for industry. She is now a biomedical scientist working in the Haematopathology and Oncology Diagnostic Service at Addenbrookes hospital.

Dr Vanessa Cesário

Dr Cesário has a PhD in Digital Media from the University of Porto. She’s now pursuing an academic career as a Postdoc in HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) as part of an EU project. She’s also aiming to teach in subjects including User-Centered Design and Interactive Media Design.

Dr Jonathan D. Morrow

Dr Morrow gained his MD-PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. He now splits his time between providing clinical care to patients through the University of Michigan and research relevant to addiction and several other psychiatric disorders.

Dr Zoë Ayres

Dr Ayres completed her PhD at the University of Warwick in 2017, researching the use of diamond to make electrochemical sensors. She is now a research scientists in the water industry, developing different analytical techniques and sensors to help keep our water systems safe.

Dr Theanne Griffith

Dr Griffith gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015. She is now a neuroscientist and children’s book author and will be opening her own lab in the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California Davis later this year (2020).

Dr Laura Tuohilampi

Dr Tuohilampi gained her PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Helsinki in 2016. She is now a lecturer at the University of Helsinki, a Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and has also founded the company Math Hunger.

Prof Ramesh Raghupathi

Prof Raghupathi gained his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991. He is now a professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Dr Ipsa Jain

Dr Jain gained her PhD in Molecular Oncology from the Indian Institute of Science. She is now a science illustrator and communicator, and works with TheLifeofScience.com to initiate conversations around sci-art and women in science.

Dr Harry Hothi

Dr Hothi gained his PhD in Orthopaedic Engineering from Queen Mary University of London in 2012. He is now the Implant Science Fellow at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, researching how to improve knee, hip and spine implants.

Dr Bishnu Karki

Dr Karki gained his PhD in the field of Nuclear and Particle Physics from Ohio University in March 2020. He is currently working as a postdoctoral associate in Prof. Haiyan Gao’s research group in Duke University.

Dr Day gained her PhD Physical Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in 2000. She is now a Science & Fiction writer, an Associate Editor at PseudoPod.org and runs the blog ‘The Chronicle Flask’ about all things chemistry.

Dr Amit Kumar Singh

Dr Singh earned his PhD in Nanotechnology from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), India in 2018. He is now a Senior Research Fellow developing low cost and biocompatible micro/nanomotors for anti-cancer therapy.

Dr Sam Rowe

Dr Rowe gained his PhD in the fields of Chemistry and Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia in 2018. He is now a project coordinator for Norwich Science Festival and also for Pint of Science in Norwich.

Dr Joe Manning

Dr Manning gained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2019. He is now a postdoc researcher studying molecular simulations on nanomaterials at the University of Bath.

Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi

Dr Aitsi-Selmi gained her social epidemiology PhD from UCL in 2013. She now runs a private practice in Transformational Coaching and Consulting focused on careers, leadership and wellbeing.

Dr Jennifer Dillon (Bryant)

Dr Dillon gained her PhD in Molecular Cancer Studies at the University of Manchester in 2015. She now works at a biotech company called HairClone, optimising treatments for androgenic alopecia.

Dr Becky Smethurst

Dr Smethurst gained her DPhil in astrophysics from the University of Oxford in 2017. She is now an independent researcher at Oxford, runs a YouTube channel with over 100k subscribers and has published her own book.

Prof Carolyn Mair

Prof Mair gained her PhD in cognitive neuroscience from Bournemouth University in 2004. She is now a consultant working with the fashion industry and published her book in 2018.

Dr Rowan Hooper

Dr Hooper gained his PhD in evolutionary biology from the the University of Sheffield. He is now a journalist and writer (last book called Superhuman) and podcast editor at New Scientist.

Dr Ben Britton

Dr Britton gained his DPhil in material science research at Oxford University in 2010. He is now a Senior Lecturer in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London.

Prof Debby Cotton

Prof Cotton gained her DPhil in the school of education at Oxford University. She is now the Director of Academic Practice and Professor of Higher Education at Plymouth Marjon University.

Dr Nikolay Nikolov

Dr Nikolov gained his PhD in the area of Anthropology of Architecture from UCL in 2020. He is a video journalist working with Mashable and advises PhDs consider options outside of academia.

Dr Emily Roberts

Dr Roberts gained her PhD from Duke University in 2014 in the field of biomedical engineering. She now runs her own business named Personal Finance for PhDs.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

Top 7 Career Opportunities in India after PhD in 2024

A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic qualification offered to an individual following a course of study. The term PhD originates from the Latin term ‘Philosophiae Doctor’ and represents competition of individual research in a field of interest. The doctoral research degree paves the path for a wide range of opportunities. It is a 3 to 8 years course that helps you become competent at presenting your thesis based on independent research of a topic.

There is a breadth of skills students acquire while pursuing a PhD. It elevates your ability to critically analyse a subject, display intellectual maturity, gain in-depth knowledge of a specific field and publish a valid thesis. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best job opportunities after PhD that are available to students in different industries—academia, government sector, entrepreneurship, consultancy, and so on. If you are looking for PhD admission for 2024, please read further. 

What is the career outlook for PhD holders in 2024?  

Based on my experience and insights, job opportunities after phd in india appear promising in 2024. Their advanced research and analytical skills are in high demand across various sectors. In academia, opportunities abound as they can pursue careers as professors or researchers. The corporate sector offers avenues for success in roles related to research and development, data science, and consulting. Government agencies value their expertise in policy analysis and implementation. Additionally, for those inclined towards entrepreneurship and innovation, there are opportunities to venture into new territories. Overall, the year 2024 presents an encouraging landscape for PhD holders in India, offering diverse career paths and the potential to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.  

Top Job Opportunities after PhD

1. academics, a. faculty position.

One of the most commonly opted choices after a PhD is teaching, primarily due to the uncanny similarity between academia and what an individual must do to acquire the degree. The degree practice and teaching involve teaching, researching, and nurturing your acquired knowledge.

If you are interested in landing a faculty position or taking up the teaching path, plenty of institutions are keen on having a PhD holder in their faculty, especially in developing countries.

The PhD holders have a niche of their own in the domain or topic they have spent time researching about. They have made a good number of contributions to the field of study, so they have a firm hold on the subject.

So the PhD holders as faculty seem to be a natural fit, as they can impart the knowledge mentioned in the curriculum and much beyond that. They can open their students’ minds to concepts they would not usually be exposed to and thus help them develop a frame of mind that is inquisitive and has a strong foundation.

Some of the skills that the faculty must possess to impart the education smoothly are an excellent hold of the subject, communication skills, analytical skills, people management, understanding of human behavior, assessment skills, empathy, etc.

The profession of teaching is considered one of the best, high paying and most successful one. The compensation varies according to the subject, institution, experience, etc. On average, after PhD salary in India of a faculty is  12.0 lakhs per annum. The average salary bracket ranges from 1.3 lakhs per annum to 30.0 lakhs per annum (Source).

b. Post Doctorate

You can also choose to stay in the same university for varying periods (from one to four years) and get an extended project based on the one you did earlier. You might also work on publishing your erstwhile researched product.

The significance of a post-doctorate is many. They take on individual or group research projects that are impactful. Their research and findings help society, government education, industries, etc.

A post-doc has the autonomy of their day. Some of the skills that are required from a post-doc are the nature of being inquisitive, research skills, documentation, verbal and written communication, a good hold of the subject matter, people skills, team management, etc.

The salary for a post-doc may vary depending on factors such as the institution, domain, research topic, experience, etc. On average, a postdoctoral researcher procures the compensation of 10.0 lakhs per annum. The salary ranges from 3.0 lakhs per annum to 40.0 lakhs per annum (Source). People have apprehension about “ What comes after PhD ?” Post-doctorate can be considered an option.

c. Adjunct Position

An adjunct position is a non-tenure position in universities; they are professionals who don’t carry the title of a professor but make valuable contributions to the faculty. In some universities, professionals in Adjunct positions work overtime and bear numerous educational responsibilities.

d. Teaching

PhD holders can teach at institutions offering undergraduate courses where they are looking for staff with a PhD who can carry out practical research.

PhD candidates can be assistant professors by teaching undergraduate courses or being a part of committees that help form academic and organisational policies and perform research to achieve tenure.

There exists a myth that PhD courses are designed to PAVE the path for individuals to become professors at the university level. However, the horizons of a PhD degree spread farther than simply academia, so it’s wrong to assume so. 

Here’s looking at the different verticals where PhD holders can chart a rewarding career. 

2. Government Jobs

The government job sector is ideal for patriotic and passionate people who want to serve the country. Since the government is always on the lookout for creative and skilled people, professionals who love researching and put their skills to good use can rely on the government sector. 

PhD holders carry a unique, innovative perspective that allows them to view complex problems, understand them and make practical, diplomatic choices.

There are several opportunities here, starting from the military sector (e.g. military research). If you are interested in politics, you can opt for a policymaker position in state and central government. You can also be a minister if you can work your way up with innovative diplomatic ideas.

First, the PhD holders are eligible to sit in the government exam. They are highly qualified professionals who give a learned and deeper perspective to the government professionals that helps in better decision-making. They can work in various departments of the government, such as policy making, rural development, transportation, scientific research, military, international relations, etc. One can procure various PhD jobs in India in the government sector.

3. Entrepreneur

In today’s world, the entrepreneurship sector is growing exponentially. Since information and technology are accessible to everyone, there’s a growing shift towards startups, self-employment, and innovation. PhDs holders carry the potential to be first-grade innovators/entrepreneurs.

Research shows that PhDs and entrepreneurial journeys are way more similar than they seem, and hence, students who have PhD degrees are very likely to thrive when they get into entrepreneurship.

Apart from various similarities between the entrepreneurs and PhDs, there is one common similarity between these two, and that is innovation and research skills. Both of these professionals identify a problem persisting in society and develop a model that solves it. So naturally, the PhD holders seem as a fit progression to entrepreneurship.

Some of the skills required for a successful entrepreneur are identifying problems, critical thinking, problem-solving, business management, creativity,  team management, self-starter attitude, communication skills, networking, etc.

4. Consultancy

The skillset required to be a consultant includes maintaining large amounts of data. Plenty of companies rely on MBA professionals and PhD holders for consultancy due to the increasing influence of technology in the real world.

Large consultancy firms hire PhD holders from all different fields. The idea is to leverage valuable data and glean helpful insights to empower business decision-making. 

PhD and other advanced degrees help students shine in consultancy since there is a massive requirement for specialised expertise in today’s age. Therefore, if you have a PhD, consultancy is a very prominent job opportunity that can be highly rewarding.

There are various reasons for being a consultant professional as a PhD holder, as they have a high capacity for critical thinking. They are skillful for effectively and scientifically solving problems. The PhD holders can effectively analyse the data and come to conclusions. The companies hire the PhD holders for the level of expertise they bring. Usually, they are hired at the same level as MBA professionals. This may vary depending on the companies, level of skill sets, location, and other factors.

5. Digital Media Company

The job description is to prepare reports providing a comprehensive analysis and context on various topics. It also includes preparing reports on artistic and cultural events. A PhD course equips you to be an individual with excellent writing and research skills. These are extremely handy when pursuing a writing job opportunity at media company.

Unlike a regular digital marketing professional a PhD holder would come up with a much deeper perspective and understanding. They would be having the in depth knowledge of the funcitonings. 

There is an option available to do PhD in digital marketing, these professionals would come up with understanding on the culture, society, ethnicities, human behaviour and many more. There are various options available fo r phd jobs as   there are various firms and companies that employe the professionals.

6. Research Associate

As the word suggests, a research associate job position requires you to gather data to determine whether consumers or companies find a product or service desirable or appealing.

For this job position, the skills you acquire during your PhD study (presentation and research skills) prove to be highly influential; these are the skills that help you excel in research.

Switching from academic research to corporate research, where the information acquired via research is used well, is a choice most professionals make these days since academic research can get monotonous and underwhelming at times.

The research associates are responsible for various tasks such as gathering of data, preparing data, analysing, reporting, research and may more. They identify the problem and then go about their workf to find solutions for the problem.

It is considered as one of the most sought- after jobs one can go for. There are various industries and fields one can go ahead to make a career fro themselves. These researches make a positive contribution to the society in various fields such as history, science, art and culture, society, policy making, etc.

Usually there is no degree after PhD is required to become a research associate a PhD suffices. Moreover, the profession as a research associate is high paying and is a stable career. 

7. Product Manager

The job profile of a product manager includes overseeing every aspect of the development, growth, maintenance, and improvement of a product.

Companies prefer PhD holders over other UG PG holders for positions that require overseeing or handling end-to-end tasks since a PhD equips you to handle multitasking effortlessly.

The role of a product manager doesn’t stop after product formulation and release. It extends to maintenance, improving product performance, devising marketing strategies, and enhancing product efficiency by bringing in new methods that can replace older ways. Online PhD programs offer you offer flexibility to manage your work and other commitments.

 A product manager is required to be aware of the customer’s needs and manage to address the gap by innovating the product. They are responsible for making the product better that helps in taking the business forward. 

In order to all of that, they are required to be equipped with certain skill sets that understands th ehuman behavioru, mindsets of people coming from different geographies and age groups. And according to various factors, inculcate the innovations in such a way that the product feels relatable to the target audience. But most importantly, they should also be having the business acumen that helps them in aking decisions that benefits the business.

The profession as a product manager is considered as high paying and on average the salary goes up to 16.3 lakhs per annum. The average salary ranges from 6.0 lakhs per annum to 35.0 lakhs per annum (Source). This salary bracket may differ due to various factors such as geographical location, skill sets, experience, type of company, etc.

Check out upGrad’s Global Doctor of Business Administration from the ACBSP-accredited Swiss School of Business and Management. The 36-months program caters to 75+ nationalities and provides 12+ specialisations and 70+ faculty industry collaborations to help you succeed. There are 1:1 thesis supervisions to ensure you exploit your potential in your domain of choice. 

The minimum requirement to pursue this degree is a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) or 5+ years of work experience. Don’t wait, sign up and book your seat today!

Is it easier to find a career opportunity with a PhD degree?

Based on my own experience and observations, pursuing a PhD, although demanding in terms of time and effort, can significantly broaden your career horizons. PhD holders are highly esteemed for their specialized knowledge, exceptional research skills, and critical thinking abilities. They find ample opportunities in academia, securing coveted positions as professors and researchers. Moreover, industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology highly value PhDs, often offering them lucrative roles in research and development, data analysis, and leadership.  

However, the ease of finding suitable job opportunities after phd in india can vary based on factors like your field of study and location. In India, PhD graduates can unlock diverse and rewarding career paths with the right set of skills and effective networking. The investment in higher education pays off in the form of fulfilling and promising professional opportunities.

T he landscape of job opportunities after a PhD in India in 2024 appears promising and diverse. The demand for highly skilled and specialized professionals continues to grow across various sectors. Whether you aspire to excel in academia, contribute to cutting-edg e research, or significantly impac t the corporate world, a PhD opens doors to numerou s avenues. The key lies in leveragin g your unique expertis e , networking effectively, and staying attuned to emerging trends in your field. With the right strategy and dedication, you can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career journey, making your investment in a Ph .D. an asset in the dynamic Indian job market.  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Communication skills can effectively drive career potential since PhD holders are expected to deliver out-of-the-box thinking, management, and creative ways of solving problems via critical thinking. Developing communication skills is crucial in showcasing and presenting your ideas to technical and non-tech teams convincingly.

PhD holders have the upper hand over Master’s or Bachelors's students across industries due to their high-end skill sets that include critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective decision making. In addition, their unmatched research skills and data management abilities make them an obvious choice for a host of high-profile roles across industries.

The average salary of PhD holders ranges between ₹ 6,00,000 and ₹ 12,00,000 per year, depending on the field of choice, experience, and skillsets. The average base salary for a PhD holder working as a professor is ₹16,73,000 per year, approximately ₹90k per month).

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Is it useful to do an MBA after PhD?

I have heard of people who have gone on to pursue an MBA after their doctorates. What are the advantages/downsides of this?

Wouldn't the companies recruiting them after MBA value their doctorate experience less compared to the experience gained at an MNC? Is there a risk of them being valued as "failed" doctorates?

• graduate-school
• business-school

• 6 MBAs and PhDs are two different things. If you want to run a business, do an MBA. –  Dave Clarke Commented Jun 1, 2012 at 8:24
• It really depends on the degree and what you ultimately intend to do... What do you plan to get your PhD in, and how do you plan to use an MBA as part of your future plans? –  Paul Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 14:13
• 1 Nature just had an article about it: nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7523-523a –  Gimelist Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 22:39

4 Answers 4

There are several cases where PhDs do an MBA. Some of them are:

• Bored of research as a whole.
• Irritation with academia and poor scope in Industry.
• Want to earn money.
• For furthering responsibilities at the university where one is a professor. If you do some looking around, a high amount of Deans to have an MBA along with a PhD.

No degree ever goes waste. Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies.

• 26 "no degree ever goes waste" [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 5:43
• 1 "Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies." That seems insanely hard to believe. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:07

A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste, one needs to realize how to use it wisely and appropriately. As we navigate life we shift perspective and interests, our education choices therefore need to reflect this. Ph.D provides sound research focus, MBA provides sound business and leadership focus. The two combined is a great and electrifying combination.

• 4 A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste — [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jan 3, 2014 at 17:08
• @JeffE I can indeed think of many examples where a qualification was indeed a waste. However, a (good) MBA is not usually one of those cases. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:06
• 2 Right. A good MBA is not one of those cases. But many (if not most ) MBAs are not good . –  JeffE Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 20:08

PhD = specialist in a subject, research skills, critical mind MBA = Broad generalist, management, problem solving

The focus and scope is not the same. Also like it was said most researchers who want to climb the ladder need to take the management track which often require an MBA. Put simply an MD is an MD but a hospital manager needs to be an MD and MBA.

Also to teach at a business school other than math or economics you normally need an MBA. Best is a Phd/MBA but while a lowly MBA can teach that is not usually the case for a PhD.

• If a person is smart they will market their experience during the acquisition of their PhD as also providing them with the problem solving and management skill sets. If you are going to be successful in research or business these are good things to have. –  ryetochondria Commented Nov 5, 2014 at 1:10

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• Engineering

Career in Doctoral Studies

It’s a common myth that phd is a training based study module to become a university professor. yes, it is true to an extent but the scope of phd goes beyond academia..

PhD – It’s more than a Degree

Simply feeling proud of the “Dr.” rubber stamp on your degree would not get you a job. It’s good that that you are a PhD graduate, however, it is more than a degree, where training and knowledge based research activities are more important. PhD is all about engaging in in-depth research along-with thorough understanding of research issues and the ability to solve key problems with exceptional analytical and observational skills. A PhD graduate must learn to work for long hours, analyze & solve complex problems and handle every situation with calmness. These traits are not only required to become an academic but also required in other areas of work such as Research, Finance and Public Service.

How the trend of PhD has changed over the years?

The advent of Start-ups has changed the entire PhD ecosystem. If you back in time, the scope of PhD was limited to academia. However, today, the amalgamation of academia and start-ups has left many options for PhD graduates to explore. As start-ups have become a storehouse of innovation and improvisation, PhD graduates are willing to join a thriving and new organization where they use their knowledge-based skills to design new products through their exceptional research and developmental capabilities. Now-a-days, PhD graduates are looking forward to work in start-up environment, gain experience and then join academia where they can use their skills and expertise in a productive way.

The future of PhD Graduates in Academia

Academia has become the first choice of PhD Graduates due to the freedom in working and lucrative salary packages. In most of the cases, jobs in academics also include other perks like free accommodation. Also, there is a chance for PhD graduates to work in other countries. In all, the most thing that organizations look for while hiring PhD candidates is superior analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems at one go.

Key factors to track your potential after doing PhD

Once you have completed your PhD, it’s time to track your potential and apply to jobs based on your exact skills and expertise. Though it’s not a difficult task to analyze your skills at PhD level, however, the following parameters will help you to understand and realize where your true potential lies:

This list will give you a fair idea about your potential, and this will help you to figure out your skills and expertise at various levels of work. In this way, you will also be able to describe and present your qualities and skills in-front of a recruiter.

Meanwhile, you should refrain from drafting a lengthy resume even if you are a PhD graduate who has lots of things to say. Generally, employers tend to ignore reading such long resumes, which may put your efforts in vain. You should also consider the following things before your first job:

• Be practical about your job prospects and set your ambitions in way that is achievable
• Keep in mind that you and your colleague (with low qualifications than you) will be treated equally in organizations
• Know the keywords and buzz words of the sector you want to go into.
• Update yourself with the key market trends that are relevant and are in buzz
• You might get paid less than you expected after doing PhD. In that case, accept the fact and move on
• If you are making a transition from academia to start-ups or industrial R&D firms, be ready to adapt to the changes in terms of freedom and salary components

Career after PhD

It’s a common myth that PhD is a training based study module to become a university professor. Yes, it is true to an extent but the scope of PhD goes beyond academia. The proportion of PhDs joining academia is not very large as compared to the number of candidates having PhD degrees. The employment landscape in India and other international countries is changing drastically, and this has left PhD students to reshuffle their objective in joining academia. Now-a-days, PhD graduates are eyeing for alternative options in the field of writing, research, investment banking, law and many more.

Career Choices after PhD

From financial sector to public sector, PhDs are now found everywhere as they are not limited to work in the zone of academia. Now-a-days, professionals are willing to make a transition from academic research after completing their PhDs to work in corporate environment and use their skills productively. It’s important to note that to work in banking sector you need to have a PhD in finance. This is because the shift from academic research can go beyond your area of study.

Some of the popular PhD specialization along-with the job sectors is listed below:

You must remember to experiment, learn and innovative to excel in your career after doing PhD. And, if you are planning to make a transition from academia, be ready to adjust yourself in terms of stiff market challenges and freedom.

Job Prospects after doing PhD

At first, you need to understand that the value of a PhD degree is measured in terms of knowledge and skills. You need to have both these traits to excel in the career of your choice. Let’s take a look at some of the career options after doing PhD:

In general, the most sought after jobs after PhD are University professor, Industrial R&D Lab professionals and Start-ups mentors. Industrial Research and Development organizations have dedicated PhD groups who are involved in research activities, designing new products and taking part in crucial strategic meetings. As compared to development centres, the average salaries in industrial R&D labs are much higher. This clearly suggests that an engineering graduate with 5 years of experience would be earning less than a fresh PhD Graduate who has recently joined a industrial R&D lab.

In some cases, development centres hire PhD graduates for multiple roles with salaries almost same or even more as compared to exclusive R&D labs. The salary structure and designation of PhD graduate joining a Research lab or development centre is always higher than that of any other graduates with rich experience.

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