Ask any PhD students their plans after graduating, and many would talk about the dream of becoming a professor. However, is this the only career pathway for PhD holders? Do all PhD students become professors?
Only 3% of PhD holders become full professors, with many failing to secure tenured roles in academia. Many PhDs however found careers in industry, government, consulting and enterpreneurship.
This article explores the odds of PhDs becoming professors, and what happens to those that failed to make it. We also look into career options for PhDs outside of the academic world.
How Do Doctorates Become Tenure-Track Professors?
Becoming a professor starts during your PhD. The journey can be long and difficult, but it is something many tried. Those that made it, are very proud of their achievement.
Publish: Journals are the currency of academia. Your supervisor will push you to publish, and these papers are what hiring committees care about most.
Networking: Go to conferences, present your work, and introduce yourself to established academics. They might not remember you right away, but you’ll stand out with consistent appearances.
Teach: Volunteer to lead seminars, design a course or be a teaching assistant. Many PhD students avoid this to focus on research, but showing you can teach gives you an edge.
Postdocs: They are often the bridge to professorship. These positions let you dive deeper into research and expand your CV. Choose a postdoc with funding and a good mentor to set yourself up for tenure-track roles.
Patience: Hiring processes are slow, and rejections are common. Stay persistent. Apply widely, not just to your dream schools. A small university could be a perfect starting point.
Do All PhD Students Become Professors In Academia?
Do all PhD students become professors? The answer is no, and the reasons might surprise you.
With thousands of doctoral students graduating every year, only a small percentage transition to a professor position. Here’s why.
The Academic Job Market is Brutal
The competition for tenure-track positions in academia is fierce. Universities produce far more PhD graduates than they have professorships available. Only a fraction of PhD holders become professors.
Most academic institutions prioritize research output and teaching experience. This means that even if you excel in your doctoral program, you’re up against candidates with equally impressive resumes.
Teaching Isn’t Always Enough
You’d think teaching would guarantee a spot as a college or university professor, but it’s not that simple.
Many PhD graduates work as adjunct professors or lecturers for years without advancing to a tenure-track role.
Adjunct professors are often underpaid and overworked, with no promise of stability.
If you want to become a professor, research is non-negotiable. Substantial research funding and a strong publication record are often the tipping points.
Without them, your chances of becoming a tenured professor diminish significantly.
Some Leave Academia by Choice
Not all PhD holders want an academic career. Many pivot to industry roles in STEM fields, social sciences, or even consulting.
They find these paths offer better pay, work-life balance, and quicker career progression than academia.
One of my former peers had all the qualifications to secure a position at a university but chose to work for a national research lab instead. For her, the endless grant writing and uncertain tenure-track process weren’t worth it.
This divergence is why the ratio of PhD graduates to professor positions is so skewed.
Thousands of professors retire every year, but the pipeline isn’t enough to absorb all doctoral students aiming for academic careers.
Why So Many Doctoral Degree Holders Fail To Become A Professor?
The dream of earning a PhD and becoming a professor often collides with the harsh reality of academia. Many PhD graduates never secure a professorship, let alone tenure. Here’s why.
The Numbers Game
The ratio of PhD graduates to available tenure-track positions is staggering. In the U.S., only a small percentage of doctoral students land tenure-track jobs.
Many institutions hire adjunct professors instead of full-time faculty. These positions offer low pay and no job security.
If you’re asking, “Do all PhD students become professors?” the answer is no—not even close.
The Tenure-Track Bottleneck
Securing a tenure-track position in higher education feels like threading a needle.
Even if you’re lucky enough to land one, the pressure doesn’t ease. Research and teaching demands dominate your life.
Many highly qualified candidates with impressive research skills face rejection. Tenure-track positions are so scarce that only a fraction of early career researchers make it to full professor.
Over-Specialization
PhD programs often push students to focus deeply on niche topics. While this builds expertise, it limits versatility.
Many academic institutions prefer candidates with broader teaching experience.
For example, a STEM PhD graduate with advanced research in quantum physics may struggle to compete with someone who can teach general physics, engineering, and math.
Academia values versatility in teaching students, which can be a challenge for overspecialized PhD graduates.
The Funding Drought
Securing research funding is a constant battle. Without grants, many tenure-track faculty struggle to publish, which is essential for career progression.
PhD holders without substantial research funding face even more obstacles.
The Royal Society highlighted that funding shortfalls in social science and humanity fields have pushed many academics outside academia.
Those without funding are often overlooked for tenure-track roles.
The Adjunct Trap
Many PhD graduates become adjunct professors while chasing a tenure-track position.
They teach courses at multiple colleges or universities for minimal pay, often lacking health benefits. This cycle is exhausting and unsustainable.
Adjunct professors rarely advance to tenured roles. Instead, they remain stuck in what some call “academic gig work.”
The dream of becoming a professor is far from guaranteed. A PhD is no ticket to job security or a tenure-track position. For many, the reality of academic life is far harsher than they ever imagined.
PhD Careers Outside Of Professorship / Academic Career
Many PhD holders find their place outside academia, carving out careers that offer stability, fulfillment, and better pay.
Here are seven popular paths for PhD graduates and why they are attractive.
Research and Development (R&D) in Industry
PhD graduates thrive in R&D roles, especially in STEM fields. Companies like Pfizer, Google, and Tesla actively recruit PhDs for their expertise in problem-solving and innovation.
These roles offer the chance to continue substantial research without battling for grants or tenure.
Unlike academia, R&D jobs often come with robust funding and clear goals. If you’re a doctoral student who enjoys applying theory to real-world problems, this path is rewarding.
Data Science and Analytics
Data science is one of the hottest career paths for PhDs, especially those with quantitative skills.
PhD holders in social science, physics, or engineering excel in these roles because of their statistical expertise.
Companies like Amazon and Facebook hire PhDs to uncover trends, predict outcomes, and optimize strategies.
You trade academic conferences for industry meetings, but the six-figure salaries make up for it. The percentage of PhD graduates in data science has been climbing steadily.
Science Communication and Writing
PhDs often become science writers, editors, or communication specialists. These roles lets you translate complex research into engaging content.
Many PhDs find science writing liberating. You’re no longer bound by academic jargon or peer review.
Instead, you connect with a broader audience. Some PhD graduates even become bestselling authors by writing popular science books.
Management Consulting
Management consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG actively recruit PhDs. Why? Because PhDs bring deep analytical skills and an ability to learn quickly.
Consulting is attractive because it offers high pay, travel opportunities, and diverse projects. A PhD in humanities or social science can work on anything from healthcare systems to corporate strategy.
Intellectual Property (IP) and Patent Law
If you’ve ever worked on groundbreaking research, you’ve touched intellectual property.
Many PhD holders pivot into IP or patent law, helping companies protect their innovations.
You don’t need a law degree to start. Many IP firms hire PhDs as technical specialists. For example, a PhD in biochemistry might help secure patents for pharmaceutical companies.
This career is especially popular with doctoral students in the life sciences.
Government and Policy Roles
PhD graduates in social science, political science, and economics often find fulfilling roles in government.
Whether crafting policy for the United Nations or analyzing data for the U.S. Census Bureau, these roles demand expertise and impact. Unlike tenure-track positions, government jobs offer stability and work-life balance.
PhD holders often appreciate the tangible impact of their efforts, such as improving public health or crafting education policies.
Entrepreneurship
Some PhD holders decide to start their own companies. Whether it’s a biotech startup or a consulting firm, entrepreneurship allows you to apply your research skills creatively.
Take the example of Jennifer Doudna, who co-developed CRISPR technology and later co-founded several companies.
While not every entrepreneur becomes a billionaire, this career path offers freedom and control that academia rarely provides.
Wrapping Up: PhDs Do Not Need To Work In Academia
PhD holders often feel disillusioned by the academic job market. The tenure-track path is narrow, and many professors never secure tenure.
But outside academia, PhD graduates find opportunities to thrive. Including yours truly.
Whether you’re drawn to R&D, consulting, or policy work, there’s a world beyond the professor’s desk waiting for you.
FAQ
What percentage of PhD holders become full professors?
Only 3% of PhD holders achieve full professorship.
Why is it hard for PhDs to secure tenure-track positions?
Oversupply of PhDs, fierce competition, funding issues, and reliance on adjunct roles make it difficult.
Is teaching experience enough to become a professor?
No, research output and funding are crucial alongside teaching.
What are popular non-academic career paths for PhDs?
R&D, data science, consulting, science communication, IP law, government, and entrepreneurship.
Why do some PhD holders leave academia?
Better pay, work-life balance, and quicker progression in industry or government.
