Lining Up Your Next Steps Post PhD

#1 Think about what you have (or haven’t) enjoyed during your PhD

During the PhD you will have experienced a range of different research styles and topics. For example, for my project, I have spent time in factories, sensory discussion groups, doing lab work, doing desk work and doing statistics. They each come with pros and cons, so taking some time to reflect on the parts of your PhD you have enjoyed can help you decide which direction to take next.

In the same vein, is there a specific area of your research which has really excited you? This can be a great way to identify what your ideal next area of work would be and ensure that you find something you enjoy doing down the road.

Equally, if there is a particular part of your PhD that you didn’t enjoy, take note!! And maybe try to ensure that a future role only has a small part of this!

#2 Reflect on what skills you have gained during your PhD

Take some time to think about the skills you have gained in your PhD —specifically in your research, but also through a wider lens.

You might feel like you’ve been bashed over the head with the term ‘transferrable skills’, but they do have some weight in this context. Whilst it’s easy to think about the lab techniques or scientific principles you have learnt, just by completing a PhD you have developed skills in so many different areas. To get you thinking, some key PhD transferrable skills are: project management, communication, organisation, oral presentations, writing for different audiences, idea synthesis and time management. These skills are useful in a variety of workplaces and positions. Skills outside your research can make you more attractive to an employer.

#3 Think about what you would like to learn more about

As well as thinking about what you have learnt during your PhD, it can be helpful to think about what is missing from your current skillset. Is there anything you would like to learn more about? This can either be a specific research topic, or a transferrable skill (see that term is popping up again!!). It could be working with different groups or having more experience teaching. This can be an opportunity to challenge yourself to apply for jobs outside of your comfort zone, where you can develop those skills and continue expanding your skillset.

#4 Talk to people about their job

I think the majority of jobs that people do, I don’t even know exist. Talk to people at every opportunity about what they do, their career journey, and the pros and cons of their role. This can be a great conversation starter at conferences or networking events, and if there is any chance to do some work shadowing / work experience, take it! Every conversation is a potential new opportunity and may open up doors you weren’t even aware were there.

Thinking about the next steps post-PhD can be daunting but taking time to think about what you are looking for can steer you in the right direction. Remember, you know more than you think and have a wealth of experience (with ‘transferrable skills’ coming out your ears!). Your next task is to work out what you want to do with them!

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