Take this quiz to find out the 3 steps you should take next in your job search... even if you're not sure what job you want or what your career options are!
Based on your answers you appear to be ready to explore new career opportunities beyond the professoriate.
This is a great place to be because there are SO MANY exciting career options for someone with your skill set.
But maybe you're a little overwhelmed, a little lost, or a little uncertain about the whole non-academic job search thing. You're probably even wondering, "What CAN I do with a Phd?"
Here are 3 steps that will help you, even if you haven't started your job search yet:
Starting a non-academic job search really begins with these 3 steps. When grad students and PhDs come to me stuck because they aren't sure what to do with their degree, or where to begin looking for non-academic jobs, it's usually because they've skipped one of these steps.
So to get the MOST out of your job search, you'll want to think carefully through each of these points. You'll also feel more clarity and less stress around job searching if you're able to answer these 3 questions.
By doing the work to understand your skills, your motivators, and how these intersect with different careers, you'll come out with a better understanding of the many job opportunities open to you.
Want to see a real-life example of how a PhD used these 3 steps to build an exciting new career they love?
Check your email to see an example -- our elves are working hard for you, so give it 15 minutes for them to get it safely to your inbox 🙂
Based on your answers you appear to be ready to gather the tools you’ll need to launch a nonacademic career.
This is a great place to be because this is the CORE of a nonacademic job search.
In this stage you're ready to hone in on your optimal career pathway, learn effective job search strategies, and launch your search. It's time to start thinking about that resume, LinkedIn profile, and researching career fields of interest.
Here are 3 steps that will help you effectively prepare for a job search:
Each of these steps is critical to your job search. When grad students and PhDs come to me worried because they have no idea what jobs they’re qualified for, or they feel stuck in their job search, it’s usually because they’ve skipped one of these steps.
RESEARCH is what you want to focus on in this stage of your job search. It’s critical that you spend this time researching and learning fundamentals of the job search: the documents you’ll need, your transferable skills, and the career options open to you.
There's no mystery to the job search process, and as a PhD you're already an expert in the first step.
It starts with research -- and you're a pro at that!
Want to see an example of how a PhD translated their academic work experience into a resume?
Check your email to see an example of how a PhD can create a professional resume that leverages their skills, talents, and interests.
Based on your answers you've been pounding the pavement, putting in the work to apply for nonacademic jobs.
This is a great place to be because you are READY to find that right opportunity and build an amazing new career beyond the professoriate.
In this stage you've likely set yourself up for job search success. You've worked hard to think about your skills, values, and how you can solve employers' problems. You've been doing informational interviews and learning the language of employers.
Maybe you’ve even been applying for a number of jobs, but nothing has transpired yet. And you’re starting to get a little frustrated, a little worried.
Oh friend, we've been right where you are and we understand how hard this part of the job search process can be.
The good news is that you are almost there.
Here are 3 steps that will help you maintain momentum in your job search:
This is a lot of work. We know.
It's tiring. It's frustrating. It requires support.
And we’re here to encourage you to hang in there and keep moving forward. There’s a whole community of PhDs in nonacademic jobs who have got your back and are cheering you on too.
Leaving is harder than it looks.
You're doing an amazing job.
Want to hear how other PhDs maintained momentum in their job search (and landed in careers they love)?Check your email to get access to a special webinar with me and other PhDs who hustled in all sorts of interesting ways to maintain momentum in their job search.
Based on your answers you've got experience doing this nonacademic job search thing already.
This is a great place to be because landing that first nonacademic job can be the hardest part of a career transition. And you've already done it!
So... what's next?
Maybe you're not loving your current path... or maybe you've discovered you actually really enjoy a different part of the job than you expected... and you're now ready to find a job that more closely aligns with your skills and values.
Wonderful!
This is where career magic happens and where you'll really start to have fun building your nonacademic career.
Here are 3 steps that will help you in this new stage:
Our research shows that PhDs may begin entry-level in their first jobs -- but they can advance quickly and change careers or jobs within 1-3 years.
That's super exciting because it means that you have a new journey to look forward to.
So if you're feeling stuck, or you're ready for the next challenge, it's just around the corner.
The question is... are YOU ready?! 🙂
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