What To Do After PhD? Get A Job? 10 Career Path For PhDs

Suppose you finished your PhD. Chances are you may be thinking about what to do after PhD. While many enter the academic world as postdocs, there are plenty of other career options too.

Career options for PhD graduates include:

• Research and Development (R&D)
• Data Science
• Science Communication
• Consulting
• Intellectual Property and Patent Law
• Entrepreneurship
• Policy Analyst

In this article, we explore the question – what do do after PhD? We look at career options for PhDs outside of academia, and how to enter these fields.

Do All PhD Holders Enter Academic Career As Postdoc?

While pursuing a PhD is often associated with a career in academia, not all graduates take this path. In fact, a growing number are venturing beyond the traditional realm of postdocs, research and teaching.

Data from recent graduate surveys reveal that less than half of PhD holders secure academic positions.

This trend is partly due to the saturation of academic job markets, where the number of PhD graduates outpaces the availability of tenure-track positions.

In fields like the life sciences and humanities, the competition for permanent academic roles is particularly fierce, prompting many to explore alternative career options.

For those who wish to bridge academia and industry, roles in research and development (R&D) offer an ideal middle ground.

Large corporations frequently hire PhD graduates to drive innovation, leveraging their expertise to create new products or improve processes.

The shift away from academia has also given rise to resources and networks aimed at helping PhDs transition to non-academic roles.

Programs like career development workshops and mentorship initiatives prepare graduates to navigate this evolving landscape, demonstrating that the value of a PhD extends far beyond the ivory tower.

Why Some PhDs Do Not Want To Be In Academia?

It’s kind of hard to imagine spending years on a dissertation, only to leave academia. But for many PhD graduates, staying in academic research feels like a losing game.

You spend years as a graduate student, juggling original research, teaching, and endless academic job applications.

Then comes the postdoctoral fellowship. It’s temporary, low-paying, and often uncertain.

You’re told it’s the “next step,” but even if it’s not your dream, you’re stuck there waiting for an academic job to open up.

What happens after a PhD is a big question. For some, it’s accepting that an academic career isn’t the only path. Especially when you’re looking at the number of PhDs competing for permanent research positions at universities.

It’s a bottleneck. And humanities graduates have it the hardest—tenure-track jobs there feel like unicorn sightings.

I’ve seen PhDs on LinkedIn pivot to non-academic careers like data science or R&D roles in industry companies. They’re not “giving up.” They’re using their critical thinking skills to develop new products or solve real-world problems.

Some even become entrepreneurs, creating startups tied to their field of study.

PhDs also grow tired of the system. Publishing a paper can feel like shouting into a void. Research groups can be rife with politics, and collaboration often feels forced.

Getting a PhD is transformative, but staying in academia isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, stepping away helps you make a better future career choice.

Non-Academic Career Options For PhD Graduates

Getting a PhD is an intense journey. It’s kind of hard to imagine what to do after a PhD, especially if you’ve spent years in academia.

But there’s a world of non-academic career options that can take your research skills and turn them into something impactful.

Data Science

If you’re a PhD graduate in life science, physics, or even social sciences, data science is a hot career path.

Industry companies love hiring PhDs for their ability to manage complex datasets and make sense of patterns.

I know someone who finished their PhD in ecology but now works as a data scientist for an environmental consulting firm. They said transitioning wasn’t as hard as they thought.

You can start by learning Python or R, building a portfolio with your research project data, and going to networking events where recruiters are looking for research experience.

R&D

Research and development (R&D) isn’t just for chemists or engineers. PhDs from arts and humanities fields are finding roles in: 

• consumer behavior studies,
• market research, and even
• product development.

A friend who got their PhD in anthropology now works in R&D at a tech company, designing user experiences for apps.

They use their skills in original research and critical thinking to study how people interact with technology.

Policy Analyst

If you’re interested in research but don’t want to stay in academia, becoming a policy analyst could be a great career.

Organizations like the Higher Education Policy Institute and think tanks are often looking for PhDs.

You can use your research skills to analyze data and write reports that influence decisions on climate change, healthcare, or education.

A PhD graduate I met on LinkedIn transitioned to a policy role after completing a postdoctoral fellowship. They said having a polished CV tailored to non-academic roles was the key.

Careers in Publishing

PhDs are experts in their field of study, and that makes them perfect for careers in academic or trade publishing. If you’re willing to step out of the research group, consider editorial roles.

One PhD student I knew in the arts and humanities ended up in publishing. She reviews manuscripts and advises on publishing strategies.

If you’ve spent years publishing academic research, you already have insider knowledge of the system.

Becoming an Entrepreneur

The postdoctoral grind isn’t for everyone. Some PhDs decide to skip academic positions altogether and start their own companies.

It’s risky, but if you’re an expert in your field, the rewards can be huge.

I’ve seen someone with a Ph.D. in chemistry develop new products for green energy and turn that into a business.

Another used their dissertation research in education policy to create software that helps schools improve.

If you’ve ever wanted to do research on your own terms, entrepreneurship might be your path.

Tech and Software Engineering

PhDs in computer science or physics naturally transition into tech roles, but even if it’s not your exact field, tech companies value research experience.

A biology PhD told me they accepted an offer from a software company after learning machine learning and demonstrating their skills in side projects.

These roles let you develop products, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay involved in research without the pressure of academia.

Management Consulting

Management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain actively recruit PhDs. They know you’re great at analyzing complex problems and presenting solutions clearly.

Consulting can be a great career if you’re willing to travel and enjoy varied projects.

One former PhD I met at a networking event shared how consulting gave them a chance to apply their research skills in different industries, from healthcare to energy.

Careers in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

PhDs in life sciences often move into medical writing, regulatory affairs, or R&D for pharmaceutical companies.

These roles let you stay connected to your field while using your expertise to make a real-world impact.

I know someone who transitioned from postdoctoral research into a medical writing position.

They said the key was to emphasize their ability to explain complex ideas clearly on their CV and during job interviews.

Moving into Higher Education Administration

If you’ve always been involved in academia but don’t want to research and teach, consider administrative roles. You can work in:

• career development,
• grant writing, or even
• policy-making within universities.

One graduate student I knew pivoted to career counseling for PhDs. They now help others explore career options available to PhDs.

They said it was rewarding to guide others through a process they struggled with themselves.

Nonprofit and NGO Work

Nonprofits love hiring PhDs, especially if your dissertation focused on social issues. You can use your critical thinking skills and expertise to design programs or secure funding.

I met a postdoctoral researcher who left academia to work for a global NGO. They now lead research projects on climate resilience in developing countries.

They said it was the most fulfilling career path they could have imagined.

How To Transition From PhD To Non-Academic Career?

Supposed you have defended your thesis, finished your PhD and have decided what to do after PhD – not to enter the academic field. But how do you transition into academic career?

Assess Your Skills and Interests

Take a good look at your skills. Are you great at data analysis, writing, or collaboration? Think about what excites you beyond your dissertation.

PhDs often have critical thinking skills that are highly transferable.

One life science PhD told me they never thought about data science until they noticed how much coding they’d done during their research project. That realization led to a job in industry.

Tailor Your CV

Your academic CV won’t work for non-academic jobs. Employers want to see how your skills translate into their field of interest. Use bullet points that emphasize outcomes, not just tasks.

A PhD graduate I met rewrote their CV to highlight project management and problem-solving from their PhD research. That tweak got them an interview for an R&D role.

Build Your Network

You need to meet people who can guide you. Start by connecting with professionals on LinkedIn.

Join groups where PhDs discuss career options. Networking isn’t just about job postings—it’s about learning where you fit.

Going to networking events helped me meet someone in the publishing industry. They gave me insider tips on transitioning from academia to an editorial role.

Learn New Skills

Sometimes, you need additional skills to make the jump.

If you’re moving into software engineering, pick up Python or Java. For policy analyst roles, brush up on data visualization tools.

Graduate students I’ve spoken to often say learning new skills feels daunting. But even if it’s just a short course or an online tutorial, it can make your CV stand out.

Apply for Roles Outside Your Comfort Zone

Don’t wait for the perfect job. Especially if you’re unsure of your career path, apply to jobs that seem interesting. It’s kind of hard to predict where you’ll land, but taking a chance is key.

One PhD student who wanted to do research outside academia applied for an R&D position at a tech company. They didn’t think they’d get it but ended up securing a permanent role.

Follow Up and Stay Persistent

Rejections happen. Keep updating your CV, reaching out to contacts, and applying.

Every interaction gets you closer to finding a non-academic career that fits your expertise.

Transitioning isn’t just about leaving academia—it’s about making informed decisions for your future career. Keep moving forward, and you’ll get there.

What To Do After PhD: Plenty Of Options

Deciding what to do after PhD can feel overwhelming, especially when the academic path seems uncertain. But the options for PhDs are vast and diverse.

Whether you’re drawn to data science, R&D, policy, publishing, or entrepreneurship, your critical thinking skills and expertise are valuable in non-academic careers.

Your PhD is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad for a fulfilling career, whether in academia or beyond. Be bold, stay curious, and carve your own path.

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FAQ – What To Do After PhD