What next after PhD? “Horizons beyond academics”
What if research was your passion but academics is not? Is ending up as an academician the only possible destiny after a PhD?? Well, probably not. Here are some other avenues that you might want to explore if academics is not your cup of tea.
1. Micro-business owner: you may sell a product or maybe a service. Of most importance will be your networking and communication skills if you wish to make it big in business. You may even think of helping out research graduates as a consultant. This might scratch the itch for doing meaningful work.
2. Novelist: After your research, you will have mastered the art of writing. If you think fiction is where you belong, you can probably try out writing a novel. Your analytical abilities that you develop while researching will be an added advantage here.
3. Politician : This avenue is particularly attractive when you have a taste for politics and serving public. The world has turned knowledge intensive and thus your expertise in a field is likely to be beneficial. You may even decide to work for a politician if not becoming one yourself.
4. Public servant: Most public servants undertake a PhD to get promoted. The ability to read, write, analyze and teach that you acquire with your research are likely to help you climb the ladder of ranks rather quickly, because ultimately it will all add up to your efficiency. The only characteristic you need to possess is the commitment to work for the public.
Let us know if we can add something to this list. We’d be glad to publish your opinions.
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Discuss your Dissertation 
Lucas 5:35 am on February 2, 2015 Permalink |
I think becoming a freelance writer is also a good option. Writing you thesis will help you develop excellent writing writing skills. Why not write for a living?
V.Kumari 11:42 am on March 28, 2015 Permalink |
The post is just apt for those who usually find themselves asking question “what is the use of PhD”. I think PhD requires a lot of efforts from you from the point you start framing your title of research to submitting your thesis. Throughout this journey you not only explore solutions to problems but “how best you were at finding those solutions”. It helps you explore your skills, and gives a better understanding about the world around you. And knowledge never goes redundant. It always adds to qualities while facing day to day issues in life. In short it gives you a pragmatic approach towards life.
Hasmiq 6:26 am on March 31, 2015 Permalink |
I appreciate your post Dr.Loretti, academia is not the only avenue for a Ph.D. , till the time ph.D. gets completed, the scholar become mature enough to understand thy area of interest and accordingly move ahead with the career of own choice.
Apart from the areas you specified, I would like to throw light on certain other areas that can be of interest to a scholar, and can help him look beyond academia.
1. Research analyst: A research analyst basically gathers the information relevant to the company and then analyses and formulates in such a way that it is helpful for the company and is understandable as per the needs of business. A Ph.D. Scholar gets a great insight of analysing the things during his research, so this experience can be carried forward and used for a flourishing career of a research analyst.
2. Consultant: A research scholar can very efficiently analyse the problem, find different techniques to resolve different parts of the problem and suggest best methods to solve the problems. This quality can be carried forward as a thriving career and can be very beneficial for both the individual and to the person he is providing his services to.
3. Ph.D. Consultant: It is rightly said, knowledge increases by sharing. Pursuing ph.d. Equips an individual with deep knowledge of the subject of his research and also gifts them the hunger to learn new things everytime. This knowledge can bring a new option to them in context of choosing their career.Therefore, Becoming a subject matter expert and providing consulting services to the budding scholars as a freelancer is a very exciting and interesting career option.