These positions may require skills in quantitative research, qualitative research, or both.
As always, it comes down to your transferable skills. These projects may create a niche market or address a social need. All PhDs, including Social Sciences PhDs, have these essential skills: As you explore your career options, you may be concerned that you do not have real work experience. There is no other position with this type of flexibility. She is currently transitioning from academia into industry. Listen carefully and take notes. Many PhDs often mistakenly think that to do research, they need to remain in academia. As in academia, you may have little geographic exibility. It was literally a survival of the fittest situation. Some educational consultants advise students or parents on high school and college applications. You may even be able to transition into a full-time job at a company where you are working as a temp or contractor. For one, you will be responsible for managing your business and guring out (and paying for) benefits and taxes on your own. Internships are the entry point to book publishing, which is an apprenticeship industry. Use your strong research and writing skills in an institutional research department. However, if you look at Angela Merkel, Germanys Chancellor, who has a PhD in chemistry, you might change your mind. These positions require strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to help others navigate the complex systems of university resources. It felt like watching animals around a drying watering hole. So, I made the decision to transition into industry. Areas of international development can include: A theoretical foundation in policy development and analysis provides excellent career preparation, but isnt always necessary. Other options are volunteering as a mentor, tutoring, or working in an after-school program. You likely received a stipend, scholarship or other form of funding for your PhD program. Unlike public schools, they do not require a teaching certication. That said, salaries are generally low. Projects may offer short-term relief or long-term social change through sustainable practices. Many private and charter schools have writing and tutoring centers. Steve Mariotti, a former business entrepreneur and a public school teacher, started a foundation to teach entrepreneurial concepts to low-income youth. PhDs who enjoy writing and editing may be well-suited to transitioning into a publishing position. These companies often seek candidates with the kinds of skills acquired in quantitative social science fields, like advanced quantitative research and programming skills, and mastery of statistics, stochastic calculus, and experience working with large data sets. Many social science PhDs are required to work with large data sets while earning their degrees. The websites below are also useful in searching for administrative positions in higher education: Consultants work with clients to provide support around strategic and/or operational issues. Use key words in the industry descriptions below to help you find positions in your field of interest. The finance sector offers a broad range of specializations including, but not limited to, insurance, actuary jobs, and investment banking. Educational consultants might work in the nonprot division of a large management consulting rm, at smaller educational consulting companies, or independently. Another path is higher education consulting, which is a small but growing industry. The writing process is similar across different disciplines and your academic writing skills are transferable to a professional writing position in all areas. According to PhD Career Guide, financial positions offer great opportunities for career progression, which can lead to large salaries of up to $300,000. Skills in writing, editing, and working well with a team will benefit you in this field. Government (local, national, international) and global businesses need professionals who demonstrate cultural competency as well as mediation skills. But dont limit yourself to the area of your PhD. Gaining experience and making connections outside your department will help position you for these opportunities once you graduate. In publishing, you will get to work with people who love books and culture. The humanities have been particularly affected by this pressure. Many entrepreneurs start their rst ventures as students. Independent work can be very appealing to recent PhDs accustomed to setting their own schedules in graduate school. The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers. Another such program is Teach for America. NOTE: Most federal government jobs are limited to US citizens. What job did I want? Before considering a form of independent work, you should also consider the downsides. Beyond that, I hadnt thoroughly considered my options. Most international development organizations are nonprofits and classified as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and offer opportunities both at an organizations headquarters and in the eld. Freelancers control their own salaries, as you determine how often you work and how much to charge for the services you provide. Consulting is a rewarding yet demanding eld. Consultants also have an impact within their companies and get to see results quickly. PhDs have excellent transferable skills that are highly sought after in all areas of industry, including entrepreneurship. As a Social Sciences PhD, your area of specialization may have some direct applications in other industries. Knowing the value of these skills and how to articulate them in the language of the business world will help you align your professional profile to industry needs. how you collaborated with other researchers and institutions; how you followed ethical research practices; how you gathered, analyzed, and presented your qualitative and/or quantitative data. Second, independent work does not provide the security of a steady source of income. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes. Approach your informational interviews like a field study. I also realized that social science PhDs have transferable skills that are unique from other job candidates. There are plenty of fulfilling career paths within Research and Development (R&D) that keep you close to the innovation. In addition, working in higher education administration will allow you to use your knowledge about higher education in your career, which many who work in this field find rewarding. As a social science PhD, you are able to write on a vast array of topics, not just those related to your research field. Where did I see myself in 5 to 10 years? You can approach your search in a couple of dierent ways. International Development focuses on improving the welfare of a single community or group of communities. Each of these roles uses the skills you have built during your PhD in different ways. Unlike the non-existent job prospects I faced in academia, there were seemingly endless prospects for me in industry. Currently, independent workers represent 30-35% of the US economy. A nonprofit is also well-suited to PhDs who wish to apply their skills and expertise to working alongside a team of people all reaching towards achieving the same larger goal. To be a successful freelancer, you will need to have excellent management skills, organizational skills, and have a self-starting mentality. Our Training Platforms Individual Subscription, Resources for Graduate Schools and Postdoc Offices, 5 Jobs for History PhDs That Have Nothing to Do with History. For example, you could look for jobs teaching in a summer program run by private schools or you might contact schools for substitute or part-time openings. So, I resigned myself to staying in academia and hoped this was just a phase.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reported that 30 years ago, only 32% of all university faculty were hired on a part-time basis. You could also use skills gained from your PhD as a Central Intelligence Agency analyst or a researcher for the Government Accountability Office. Publishing provides an opportunity to stay involved with scholarship. Government positions are a good fit for PhDs who have a desire to serve their country or community and who want to leave the private sector behind. As a PhD, you can learn anything. As your own boss, you set the rules, but you also need to be confident in your ability to generate new ideas and sell them successfully. Another pro of working in this industry is that your colleagues are likely to be intelligent and have a desire to make a positive impact. Now is the time for you to leave academia. This advice can be in areas of management, marketing, human resources, finance, education, and information technologies. Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE): Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay, created a niche when he built a platform for people to buy and sell items online. PhDs dont often consider government positions to be a viable career option. Financial positions offer high salaries and high levels of job satisfaction, even at entry levels. A useful way to nd these and other positions is to do a keyword search on the USA Jobs site. With over 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties, the federal government is one of the largest employers in the United States. That was until I started hearing more of my former colleagues talk about their transition into consulting and financial service roles. They are working full-time without any of the benefits of full-time employment. Below youll nd a list of a few agencies known to hire PhDs, though there are far more. Depending on the role, you may be asked to travel with senior leadership and represent the university in visits to foundations and potential donors. A single, transformative project can address a specic problem. If you enjoy working with undergraduates, consider. Common topics to write about include foreign policy, security, microeconomic policy and social policy. Communications and public affairs offices produce internal and external newsletters and magazines with information about the university, their projects, students and alumni. Others work as high school college counselors, and help students navigate the application process. While college counselors often have degrees in counseling, it is not mandatory. You have plenty of experience in industry: the higher education industry. You may meet some interesting people in the process. Within government, there are multiple job options, ranging from diplomats and scientists, to consultants and politicians, making this an area with options suited to all PhDs. Cheeky Scientist is the world's largest job-search training platform for PhDs. What can a PhD in the sciences or humanities possibly contribute to finance and business? You can learn to write an excellent resume and cover letter. Less and less funding meant more and more intense competition to receive grants. You will learn a lot about your values and desires in the process. Plus, high school teachers enjoy an especially long vacation time, compared to other industry positions. Charter schools are another good option. These will most likely be freelance or part-time positions. Pay is high, but less lucrative than in investment banking. Many projects involve solving problems that reflect the unique culture, politics, geography, and economy of a region. See if there are avenues where you could apply your subject matter expertise at an NGO, in a non-profit organization, in government relations or in higher education. Entrepreneurship is an attractive career option for PhDs who want to be their own boss and take control of their career. National Association for Community Mediation, National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), International Association of Facilitators (IAF), International Ombudsman Association (IOA). Newspapers, magazines, and online publications also hire PhDs to write in their areas of expertise. Dont underestimate the depth of your strengths and transferable skills, which are highly valued in many industries. They also get to experience a sense of making a dierence in students lives. At least thats what I thought. Many colleges and universities have multiple offices dedicated to fundraising and connecting with alumni. All industry areas are extremely eager to hire PhDs, who they know already have the invaluable research skills needed for the job.
In no uncertain terms, I was told that moving to industry meant I was selling out. These were people who specialized in very niche areas of science. Your higher education experience as well as research, writing, and advising skills are valued in this eld. Think about how each job responsibility can be broken down into smaller tasks. These quantitative and qualitative research skills make social science PhDs great candidates to transition into the financial industry. These sectors are seeking highly, I was defending my PhD in 6 months, and I still had no idea what I wanted to do. With over 200,000 monthly readers from 150 countries and 15,000 individual subscribing PhD members from 60 countries, we are a global authority on getting PhDs hired into top industry careers. While your PhD qualies you to teach a particular subject, teaching younger students requires a dierent curriculum and working style. These websites will help you learn more about opportunities in the nonprot world: Financial services companies include banks, hedge funds, and trading companies. High school teaching may not seem as enticing or lucrative as some teaching positions in academia. Research positions are available in think tank organizations, publishing, government agencies, banking, education, and many other industries. As a PhD, you have skills that you could put to work in a variety of roles, including editorial, management, marketing, sales, and production.
Here is a list of the top 10 industry positions for social science PhDs. For example, you might look for positions in a particular industry or eld. Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. As in investment banking, commercial banks tend to have strong training programs. Marketing and public relations promote institutions to the public, and development raises money through grants from foundations and individual donors to help fund the institution. I quickly realized that there were many job options for me outside of academia.
One of these is the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. We encourage you toschedule an appointmentto speak with a GSAS Compass career advisor regardless of where you are in your career decision-making process. Make sure to ask about state or national licensing requirements when you conduct informational interviews. As a social scientist, you have valuable skills that can be applied in a variety of industries. Please find below a selection of some of the most common career paths for humanities and social science PhDs. For more information on this career option, reach out to alumni working in roles such as: The list provided here is by no means exhaustive. I watched as many early career researchers at my university failed to get grant funding, while the aging tenured professors were not retiring, despite being well past the retirement age. However, PhDs can continue to do research outside of academia. There are many ways to learn about the industry and decide whether consulting would be a good t for you. This industry is ideal for PhDs who want to get away from the hierarchical structure associated with academia. Entrepreneurs work in business, social enterprise, and on solo projects. Experience with adolescents is important for entering this eld. Learn about the top 20 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). For these reasons, independent work is an excellent way to ease into hunting for a job outside academia.
Additionally, industry researchers are often rewarded, not penalized, for showing initiative and acting as leaders. For social science PhDs who want to have more flexibility surrounding their work situation, freelance positions can be a good industry opportunity. I spoke to my advisor about my concerns for my future in academia and my desire to leave. Many academic and non-academic publishing companies look for professional editors and writers with a PhD. Business leaders are interested in your methodology and thinking process, so this is a very practical exercise. Understanding dierent cultures and regions is a necessary qualification, however, and makes good use of the knowledge you developed in your humanities or social sciences PhD. For example, your specialized knowledge of a language or culture may be valuable to the Department of State. Publishing positions also allow you to stay connected to current research discoveries. Look at your professional associations website to see whether they have published a list of job searching resources tailored to your field of study. No matter how much preparation you do, you need to know what areas to target. Salaries in development tend to be competitive, and there are good opportunities for advancement. Most jobs are located in New York. However, there are endless industry opportunities available to social science PhDs outside of academia. Universities are hiring more part-time faculty and the length of postdoc assignments is increasing because there are not enough academic tenure-track positions to support PhDs. As reported by Nature, of the more than 40,000 US postdocs, nearly 4,000 had been in their postdoc position for more than 6 years. By meeting other PhDs who are considering alternative careers or who have already made the transition, you will come to appreciate the value of your Social Sciences PhD. I was told that industry jobs were unreliable, that industry groups only wanted STEM PhDs, and that there were no jobs in industry for social science PhDs. You need to think about those years as work experience. At a commercial bank, you may have more opportunities to work with clients and use your verbal and written communication skills. Consultants tend to have reasonable work hours and a good salary, depending on the level of experience and size of the company. There are ample opportunities in qualitative and quantitative research across many agencies, where the skills and knowledge you gained in graduate school will be valued and put to good use. Most PhDs dont initially think of nonprofits as an attractive career option. Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week if its a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest., PhDs in the sciences and humanities are not qualified to work in finance or business. Most consultants travel extensively, spending three weeks a month on the road. One of the biggest perks of teaching high school is that teaching children is highly rewarding. Companies that publish trade books, consumer magazines, and many online outlets typically target a more general readership and are usuallybut not alwaysfor-prot companies.
In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it. As a social scientist, you appreciate the time and effort it takes to understand a new culture or society. While these university faculty are only hired on a part-time basis, which tends not to lead to a tenured position, many are still expected to complete a full-time workload. Many teachers enjoy the chance to interact with students and the opportunity to develop a curriculum.
Nonprots are funded by foundations, government grants, membership dues, and service fees. 19211 Panama City Beach Pkwy #1047 Panama City Beach FL 32413-8712, * By opting in you agree to receiving emails and other messages from us about transitioning into industry. Also, you will work with people who share your passion for culture. You might also consider the eld of educational publishing. The supportive environments, structured promotion systems, and higher pay are just a few reasons its better to be a researcher outside of academia. The industry is centered in New York, but there are some opportunities elsewhere. I watched as the news reported cuts to research funding. A portfolio of scientific training programs so you can advance your technical expertise and career development. The best source of information about open positions will be a universitys human resources page. Our flagship program with 8,000+ PhDs will help you get hired into the best career for your unique situation and background. Job areas include program evaluation, fundraising research, market research, or public opinion research. You may be well-suited to this type of position if you enjoy teaching and working directly with students and faculty. My advisor kept asking me to do more and more extra work to earn grants that I would not benefit from. Look for social sciences alumni working in the following roles: Social Sciences PhDs with strong interpersonal skills may be suited for a career in development. According to PayScale, median salaries for nonprofits range from $50,000 to $63,000. These organizations value the subject knowledge and experience that you bring as a PhD, such as research, writing, analysis, and presentation skills. The industry is currently experiencing several changes. Academic publishing companies print and distribute scholarship in journal, book, or thesis form. Here is a list of five job families in which Social Sciences PhDs have found fulfilling work. A consultant is someone who provides expert advice. Strong written communication skills are essential. That said, you will likely be well-trained and work with smart, motivated colleagues. If you want free insights on resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, careers and more, just enter your details below. As a seasoned scholar of human behavior, you may be well positioned to enter into a human services career. All Rights Reserved. Consultancy positions offer vast opportunities for career advancement, from entry level positions, all the way to CEO positions. If youre ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. No matter how much preparation you do, you need to know what areas to target. Consultants may conduct detailed industry analyses, benchmark comparable organizations, or devise strategic initiatives. Apply to book a Transition Call here. Alternatively, you might focus on particular think tanks or research centers. See full terms & conditions and privacy policy links below. You can develop classroom management skills and gain experience in various ways. There are also many positions outside the classroom in secondary education. But, funding kept getting more competitive. 2022 Cheeky Scientist LLC. Advising and support roles are available in student and academic affairs offices.
For instance.
I was especially worried, because social science is often perceived as a soft science. There are endless industry opportunities available to social science PhDs. This work environment makes a freelancer position particularly well-suited to PhDs who have families and want to spend more time at home. Why consider consulting as a PhD? With advanced training in the humanities and social sciences, you will nd a wealth of rewarding job options in many elds, including qualitative research, writing and communications, public service, consulting, advising, teaching, publishing, and more. As a social science PhD, you may think your job options outside academia are limited. As a PhD, your creativity, project management skills, and willingness to learn are indispensable for an aspiring entrepreneur. Research funding was drying up and tenure-track academic positions were scarce. What I didnt appreciate, When you envision yourself in an industry role, what do you see? Campus teaching, writing, and learning centers are growing areas of opportunity for PhDs. They are a great t for PhDs in many elds, like history, musicology, literature and cultural studies, and art history and oer a range of opportunities. Plus, this report by AAUP also indicates that non-tenure-track positions are increasing throughout academia. If you are an obsessive organizer or planner and enjoy personnel training or supervision, a career in this job family might be worth investigating. University budget cuts have reduced library budgets and subsidies to university publishers. Think Tanks often perform research and advocacy on matters of government policy. How do the professionals that you encounter speak about their jobs? PhDs who enjoy the writing aspect of their degrees may also enjoy becoming professional writers. She is passionate about educating the public about the importance of sleep and the effects of sleep loss and disruption on general health and wellbeing to increase quality of life and work productivity. Social Sciences PhDs work in a wide variety of jobs, and there may be career possibilities that you had not considered before. Unfortunately, not all professional associations have made proactive efforts to find solutions to the shortage of tenure-track positions in their respective fields. Career Exploration for Humanities and Social Science PhDs, Columbia University in the City of New York, Coronavirus Information for GSAS Students, Herc Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, Independent Educational Consultants Association, American Association of Finance & Accounting, Financial Management Association International, National Association of Independent Schools, Association of American University Presses, National Institute for Research Advancements World Directory of Think Tanks, United States Institute of Peace Index of Research Centers in International Relations, United States Agency for International Development. Common roles for social science PhDs include: Roles in investment banking are often very demanding and fast-paced. Many internships are unpaid or low-paid, so it can be helpful to do one over the summer while you are in school or during a semester when youre not teaching. While you may think that professional writers are just people who write books, there are writing positions available across a wide range of areas. For example, if you had to apply for and obtain approval to conduct research with human subjects from your universitys Institutional Review Board, list all of the steps and elements involved. And, of course, salaries are high. Even full-time faculty members can find themselves on a non-tenure-track. As a PhD, you will likely be familiar with the journals and presses in your discipline. Unlike academic presses, educational publishers are for-prot companies. The federal government oers a range of choices for humanities and social science PhDs. When libraries cannot afford to buy monographs, presses are less able to publish them. What can you learn about a companys culture? By working with talented scholars and editing the latest research papers, you will have endless opportunity to expand your knowledge. After all, thats what your PhD has trained you for, right?
One area where social science PhDs definitely have an edge over other job candidates is their data analysis, quantitative analysis, and analytical skills. Advocacy work helps others by supporting the cause of communities, groups, and/or individuals. Consulting rms can have a specic industry focus, such as education, or serve a variety of industries. It can also be rewarding on a personal level to see students improve in their knowledge and understanding. Having a government job comes with predictable paths of promotion, flexibility, and excellent benefits, such as health care and good retirement plans. For once, my future as a social science PhD looked bright. Also, you can set job alerts on these platforms and get notifications of open jobs sent directly to your inbox. For example, the American Anthropological Association offers a curated list of alt-ac career resources and workshops that could help you get started in your career exploration. As a consultant, you will engage in stimulating projects and work with highly motivated colleagues. You may work with undergraduates on their writing or study skills, or help advanced degree students to improve their teaching skills. It seemed like there was no way to progress or succeed in academia. A portfolio of advanced programs that provide specific career training so you can get hired into top PhD jobs. These companies publish materials for secondary schools, colleges and universities, and training programs. As a science PhD, thats what I was qualified for, right? Private educational consultants help parents navigate the secondary school and higher education systems. You might find out that you could happily fit in. The academic system leads PhD students to believe that the only thing that comes after a PhD is an academic postdoc, which then leads to a tenure-track university position. You can also explore writing positions, freelancing, high school teaching, and academic and non-academic publishing. Like many PhDs, you might imagine yourself in a research position where you are developing and performing experiments, analyzing data, presenting the data to your research team, and so on. Would these perceived opinions mean that funding to social science research would get cut first? According to PayScale, the median salary for industry scientists is $77,000 and can be as high as $120,000.
As always, it comes down to your transferable skills. These projects may create a niche market or address a social need. All PhDs, including Social Sciences PhDs, have these essential skills: As you explore your career options, you may be concerned that you do not have real work experience. There is no other position with this type of flexibility. She is currently transitioning from academia into industry. Listen carefully and take notes. Many PhDs often mistakenly think that to do research, they need to remain in academia. As in academia, you may have little geographic exibility. It was literally a survival of the fittest situation. Some educational consultants advise students or parents on high school and college applications. You may even be able to transition into a full-time job at a company where you are working as a temp or contractor. For one, you will be responsible for managing your business and guring out (and paying for) benefits and taxes on your own. Internships are the entry point to book publishing, which is an apprenticeship industry. Use your strong research and writing skills in an institutional research department. However, if you look at Angela Merkel, Germanys Chancellor, who has a PhD in chemistry, you might change your mind. These positions require strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to help others navigate the complex systems of university resources. It felt like watching animals around a drying watering hole. So, I made the decision to transition into industry. Areas of international development can include: A theoretical foundation in policy development and analysis provides excellent career preparation, but isnt always necessary. Other options are volunteering as a mentor, tutoring, or working in an after-school program. You likely received a stipend, scholarship or other form of funding for your PhD program. Unlike public schools, they do not require a teaching certication. That said, salaries are generally low. Projects may offer short-term relief or long-term social change through sustainable practices. Many private and charter schools have writing and tutoring centers. Steve Mariotti, a former business entrepreneur and a public school teacher, started a foundation to teach entrepreneurial concepts to low-income youth. PhDs who enjoy writing and editing may be well-suited to transitioning into a publishing position. These companies often seek candidates with the kinds of skills acquired in quantitative social science fields, like advanced quantitative research and programming skills, and mastery of statistics, stochastic calculus, and experience working with large data sets. Many social science PhDs are required to work with large data sets while earning their degrees. The websites below are also useful in searching for administrative positions in higher education: Consultants work with clients to provide support around strategic and/or operational issues. Use key words in the industry descriptions below to help you find positions in your field of interest. The finance sector offers a broad range of specializations including, but not limited to, insurance, actuary jobs, and investment banking. Educational consultants might work in the nonprot division of a large management consulting rm, at smaller educational consulting companies, or independently. Another path is higher education consulting, which is a small but growing industry. The writing process is similar across different disciplines and your academic writing skills are transferable to a professional writing position in all areas. According to PhD Career Guide, financial positions offer great opportunities for career progression, which can lead to large salaries of up to $300,000. Skills in writing, editing, and working well with a team will benefit you in this field. Government (local, national, international) and global businesses need professionals who demonstrate cultural competency as well as mediation skills. But dont limit yourself to the area of your PhD. Gaining experience and making connections outside your department will help position you for these opportunities once you graduate. In publishing, you will get to work with people who love books and culture. The humanities have been particularly affected by this pressure. Many entrepreneurs start their rst ventures as students. Independent work can be very appealing to recent PhDs accustomed to setting their own schedules in graduate school. The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers. Another such program is Teach for America. NOTE: Most federal government jobs are limited to US citizens. What job did I want? Before considering a form of independent work, you should also consider the downsides. Beyond that, I hadnt thoroughly considered my options. Most international development organizations are nonprofits and classified as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and offer opportunities both at an organizations headquarters and in the eld. Freelancers control their own salaries, as you determine how often you work and how much to charge for the services you provide. Consulting is a rewarding yet demanding eld. Consultants also have an impact within their companies and get to see results quickly. PhDs have excellent transferable skills that are highly sought after in all areas of industry, including entrepreneurship. As a Social Sciences PhD, your area of specialization may have some direct applications in other industries. Knowing the value of these skills and how to articulate them in the language of the business world will help you align your professional profile to industry needs. how you collaborated with other researchers and institutions; how you followed ethical research practices; how you gathered, analyzed, and presented your qualitative and/or quantitative data. Second, independent work does not provide the security of a steady source of income. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes. Approach your informational interviews like a field study. I also realized that social science PhDs have transferable skills that are unique from other job candidates. There are plenty of fulfilling career paths within Research and Development (R&D) that keep you close to the innovation. In addition, working in higher education administration will allow you to use your knowledge about higher education in your career, which many who work in this field find rewarding. As a social science PhD, you are able to write on a vast array of topics, not just those related to your research field. Where did I see myself in 5 to 10 years? You can approach your search in a couple of dierent ways. International Development focuses on improving the welfare of a single community or group of communities. Each of these roles uses the skills you have built during your PhD in different ways. Unlike the non-existent job prospects I faced in academia, there were seemingly endless prospects for me in industry. Currently, independent workers represent 30-35% of the US economy. A nonprofit is also well-suited to PhDs who wish to apply their skills and expertise to working alongside a team of people all reaching towards achieving the same larger goal. To be a successful freelancer, you will need to have excellent management skills, organizational skills, and have a self-starting mentality. Our Training Platforms Individual Subscription, Resources for Graduate Schools and Postdoc Offices, 5 Jobs for History PhDs That Have Nothing to Do with History. For example, you could look for jobs teaching in a summer program run by private schools or you might contact schools for substitute or part-time openings. So, I resigned myself to staying in academia and hoped this was just a phase.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reported that 30 years ago, only 32% of all university faculty were hired on a part-time basis. You could also use skills gained from your PhD as a Central Intelligence Agency analyst or a researcher for the Government Accountability Office. Publishing provides an opportunity to stay involved with scholarship. Government positions are a good fit for PhDs who have a desire to serve their country or community and who want to leave the private sector behind. As a PhD, you can learn anything. As your own boss, you set the rules, but you also need to be confident in your ability to generate new ideas and sell them successfully. Another pro of working in this industry is that your colleagues are likely to be intelligent and have a desire to make a positive impact. Now is the time for you to leave academia. This advice can be in areas of management, marketing, human resources, finance, education, and information technologies. Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE): Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay, created a niche when he built a platform for people to buy and sell items online. PhDs dont often consider government positions to be a viable career option. Financial positions offer high salaries and high levels of job satisfaction, even at entry levels. A useful way to nd these and other positions is to do a keyword search on the USA Jobs site. With over 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties, the federal government is one of the largest employers in the United States. That was until I started hearing more of my former colleagues talk about their transition into consulting and financial service roles. They are working full-time without any of the benefits of full-time employment. Below youll nd a list of a few agencies known to hire PhDs, though there are far more. Depending on the role, you may be asked to travel with senior leadership and represent the university in visits to foundations and potential donors. A single, transformative project can address a specic problem. If you enjoy working with undergraduates, consider. Common topics to write about include foreign policy, security, microeconomic policy and social policy. Communications and public affairs offices produce internal and external newsletters and magazines with information about the university, their projects, students and alumni. Others work as high school college counselors, and help students navigate the application process. While college counselors often have degrees in counseling, it is not mandatory. You have plenty of experience in industry: the higher education industry. You may meet some interesting people in the process. Within government, there are multiple job options, ranging from diplomats and scientists, to consultants and politicians, making this an area with options suited to all PhDs. Cheeky Scientist is the world's largest job-search training platform for PhDs. What can a PhD in the sciences or humanities possibly contribute to finance and business? You can learn to write an excellent resume and cover letter. Less and less funding meant more and more intense competition to receive grants. You will learn a lot about your values and desires in the process. Plus, high school teachers enjoy an especially long vacation time, compared to other industry positions. Charter schools are another good option. These will most likely be freelance or part-time positions. Pay is high, but less lucrative than in investment banking. Many projects involve solving problems that reflect the unique culture, politics, geography, and economy of a region. See if there are avenues where you could apply your subject matter expertise at an NGO, in a non-profit organization, in government relations or in higher education. Entrepreneurship is an attractive career option for PhDs who want to be their own boss and take control of their career. National Association for Community Mediation, National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), International Association of Facilitators (IAF), International Ombudsman Association (IOA). Newspapers, magazines, and online publications also hire PhDs to write in their areas of expertise. Dont underestimate the depth of your strengths and transferable skills, which are highly valued in many industries. They also get to experience a sense of making a dierence in students lives. At least thats what I thought. Many colleges and universities have multiple offices dedicated to fundraising and connecting with alumni. All industry areas are extremely eager to hire PhDs, who they know already have the invaluable research skills needed for the job.
In no uncertain terms, I was told that moving to industry meant I was selling out. These were people who specialized in very niche areas of science. Your higher education experience as well as research, writing, and advising skills are valued in this eld. Think about how each job responsibility can be broken down into smaller tasks. These quantitative and qualitative research skills make social science PhDs great candidates to transition into the financial industry. These sectors are seeking highly, I was defending my PhD in 6 months, and I still had no idea what I wanted to do. With over 200,000 monthly readers from 150 countries and 15,000 individual subscribing PhD members from 60 countries, we are a global authority on getting PhDs hired into top industry careers. While your PhD qualies you to teach a particular subject, teaching younger students requires a dierent curriculum and working style. These websites will help you learn more about opportunities in the nonprot world: Financial services companies include banks, hedge funds, and trading companies. High school teaching may not seem as enticing or lucrative as some teaching positions in academia. Research positions are available in think tank organizations, publishing, government agencies, banking, education, and many other industries. As a PhD, you have skills that you could put to work in a variety of roles, including editorial, management, marketing, sales, and production.
Here is a list of the top 10 industry positions for social science PhDs. For example, you might look for positions in a particular industry or eld. Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. As in investment banking, commercial banks tend to have strong training programs. Marketing and public relations promote institutions to the public, and development raises money through grants from foundations and individual donors to help fund the institution. I quickly realized that there were many job options for me outside of academia.
One of these is the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. We encourage you toschedule an appointmentto speak with a GSAS Compass career advisor regardless of where you are in your career decision-making process. Make sure to ask about state or national licensing requirements when you conduct informational interviews. As a social scientist, you have valuable skills that can be applied in a variety of industries. Please find below a selection of some of the most common career paths for humanities and social science PhDs. For more information on this career option, reach out to alumni working in roles such as: The list provided here is by no means exhaustive. I watched as many early career researchers at my university failed to get grant funding, while the aging tenured professors were not retiring, despite being well past the retirement age. However, PhDs can continue to do research outside of academia. There are many ways to learn about the industry and decide whether consulting would be a good t for you. This industry is ideal for PhDs who want to get away from the hierarchical structure associated with academia. Entrepreneurs work in business, social enterprise, and on solo projects. Experience with adolescents is important for entering this eld. Learn about the top 20 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). For these reasons, independent work is an excellent way to ease into hunting for a job outside academia.
Additionally, industry researchers are often rewarded, not penalized, for showing initiative and acting as leaders. For social science PhDs who want to have more flexibility surrounding their work situation, freelance positions can be a good industry opportunity. I spoke to my advisor about my concerns for my future in academia and my desire to leave. Many academic and non-academic publishing companies look for professional editors and writers with a PhD. Business leaders are interested in your methodology and thinking process, so this is a very practical exercise. Understanding dierent cultures and regions is a necessary qualification, however, and makes good use of the knowledge you developed in your humanities or social sciences PhD. For example, your specialized knowledge of a language or culture may be valuable to the Department of State. Publishing positions also allow you to stay connected to current research discoveries. Look at your professional associations website to see whether they have published a list of job searching resources tailored to your field of study. No matter how much preparation you do, you need to know what areas to target. Salaries in development tend to be competitive, and there are good opportunities for advancement. Most jobs are located in New York. However, there are endless industry opportunities available to social science PhDs outside of academia. Universities are hiring more part-time faculty and the length of postdoc assignments is increasing because there are not enough academic tenure-track positions to support PhDs. As reported by Nature, of the more than 40,000 US postdocs, nearly 4,000 had been in their postdoc position for more than 6 years. By meeting other PhDs who are considering alternative careers or who have already made the transition, you will come to appreciate the value of your Social Sciences PhD. I was told that industry jobs were unreliable, that industry groups only wanted STEM PhDs, and that there were no jobs in industry for social science PhDs. You need to think about those years as work experience. At a commercial bank, you may have more opportunities to work with clients and use your verbal and written communication skills. Consultants tend to have reasonable work hours and a good salary, depending on the level of experience and size of the company. There are ample opportunities in qualitative and quantitative research across many agencies, where the skills and knowledge you gained in graduate school will be valued and put to good use. Most PhDs dont initially think of nonprofits as an attractive career option. Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week if its a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest., PhDs in the sciences and humanities are not qualified to work in finance or business. Most consultants travel extensively, spending three weeks a month on the road. One of the biggest perks of teaching high school is that teaching children is highly rewarding. Companies that publish trade books, consumer magazines, and many online outlets typically target a more general readership and are usuallybut not alwaysfor-prot companies.
In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it. As a social scientist, you appreciate the time and effort it takes to understand a new culture or society. While these university faculty are only hired on a part-time basis, which tends not to lead to a tenured position, many are still expected to complete a full-time workload. Many teachers enjoy the chance to interact with students and the opportunity to develop a curriculum.
Nonprots are funded by foundations, government grants, membership dues, and service fees. 19211 Panama City Beach Pkwy #1047 Panama City Beach FL 32413-8712, * By opting in you agree to receiving emails and other messages from us about transitioning into industry. Also, you will work with people who share your passion for culture. You might also consider the eld of educational publishing. The supportive environments, structured promotion systems, and higher pay are just a few reasons its better to be a researcher outside of academia. The industry is centered in New York, but there are some opportunities elsewhere. I watched as the news reported cuts to research funding. A portfolio of scientific training programs so you can advance your technical expertise and career development. The best source of information about open positions will be a universitys human resources page. Our flagship program with 8,000+ PhDs will help you get hired into the best career for your unique situation and background. Job areas include program evaluation, fundraising research, market research, or public opinion research. You may be well-suited to this type of position if you enjoy teaching and working directly with students and faculty. My advisor kept asking me to do more and more extra work to earn grants that I would not benefit from. Look for social sciences alumni working in the following roles: Social Sciences PhDs with strong interpersonal skills may be suited for a career in development. According to PayScale, median salaries for nonprofits range from $50,000 to $63,000. These organizations value the subject knowledge and experience that you bring as a PhD, such as research, writing, analysis, and presentation skills. The industry is currently experiencing several changes. Academic publishing companies print and distribute scholarship in journal, book, or thesis form. Here is a list of five job families in which Social Sciences PhDs have found fulfilling work. A consultant is someone who provides expert advice. Strong written communication skills are essential. That said, you will likely be well-trained and work with smart, motivated colleagues. If you want free insights on resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, careers and more, just enter your details below. As a seasoned scholar of human behavior, you may be well positioned to enter into a human services career. All Rights Reserved. Consultancy positions offer vast opportunities for career advancement, from entry level positions, all the way to CEO positions. If youre ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. No matter how much preparation you do, you need to know what areas to target. Consultants may conduct detailed industry analyses, benchmark comparable organizations, or devise strategic initiatives. Apply to book a Transition Call here. Alternatively, you might focus on particular think tanks or research centers. See full terms & conditions and privacy policy links below. You can develop classroom management skills and gain experience in various ways. There are also many positions outside the classroom in secondary education. But, funding kept getting more competitive. 2022 Cheeky Scientist LLC. Advising and support roles are available in student and academic affairs offices.
For instance.
I was especially worried, because social science is often perceived as a soft science. There are endless industry opportunities available to social science PhDs. This work environment makes a freelancer position particularly well-suited to PhDs who have families and want to spend more time at home. Why consider consulting as a PhD? With advanced training in the humanities and social sciences, you will nd a wealth of rewarding job options in many elds, including qualitative research, writing and communications, public service, consulting, advising, teaching, publishing, and more. As a social science PhD, you may think your job options outside academia are limited. As a PhD, your creativity, project management skills, and willingness to learn are indispensable for an aspiring entrepreneur. Research funding was drying up and tenure-track academic positions were scarce. What I didnt appreciate, When you envision yourself in an industry role, what do you see? Campus teaching, writing, and learning centers are growing areas of opportunity for PhDs. They are a great t for PhDs in many elds, like history, musicology, literature and cultural studies, and art history and oer a range of opportunities. Plus, this report by AAUP also indicates that non-tenure-track positions are increasing throughout academia. If you are an obsessive organizer or planner and enjoy personnel training or supervision, a career in this job family might be worth investigating. University budget cuts have reduced library budgets and subsidies to university publishers. Think Tanks often perform research and advocacy on matters of government policy. How do the professionals that you encounter speak about their jobs? PhDs who enjoy the writing aspect of their degrees may also enjoy becoming professional writers. She is passionate about educating the public about the importance of sleep and the effects of sleep loss and disruption on general health and wellbeing to increase quality of life and work productivity. Social Sciences PhDs work in a wide variety of jobs, and there may be career possibilities that you had not considered before. Unfortunately, not all professional associations have made proactive efforts to find solutions to the shortage of tenure-track positions in their respective fields. Career Exploration for Humanities and Social Science PhDs, Columbia University in the City of New York, Coronavirus Information for GSAS Students, Herc Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, Independent Educational Consultants Association, American Association of Finance & Accounting, Financial Management Association International, National Association of Independent Schools, Association of American University Presses, National Institute for Research Advancements World Directory of Think Tanks, United States Institute of Peace Index of Research Centers in International Relations, United States Agency for International Development. Common roles for social science PhDs include: Roles in investment banking are often very demanding and fast-paced. Many internships are unpaid or low-paid, so it can be helpful to do one over the summer while you are in school or during a semester when youre not teaching. While you may think that professional writers are just people who write books, there are writing positions available across a wide range of areas. For example, if you had to apply for and obtain approval to conduct research with human subjects from your universitys Institutional Review Board, list all of the steps and elements involved. And, of course, salaries are high. Even full-time faculty members can find themselves on a non-tenure-track. As a PhD, you will likely be familiar with the journals and presses in your discipline. Unlike academic presses, educational publishers are for-prot companies. The federal government oers a range of choices for humanities and social science PhDs. When libraries cannot afford to buy monographs, presses are less able to publish them. What can you learn about a companys culture? By working with talented scholars and editing the latest research papers, you will have endless opportunity to expand your knowledge. After all, thats what your PhD has trained you for, right?
One area where social science PhDs definitely have an edge over other job candidates is their data analysis, quantitative analysis, and analytical skills. Advocacy work helps others by supporting the cause of communities, groups, and/or individuals. Consulting rms can have a specic industry focus, such as education, or serve a variety of industries. It can also be rewarding on a personal level to see students improve in their knowledge and understanding. Having a government job comes with predictable paths of promotion, flexibility, and excellent benefits, such as health care and good retirement plans. For once, my future as a social science PhD looked bright. Also, you can set job alerts on these platforms and get notifications of open jobs sent directly to your inbox. For example, the American Anthropological Association offers a curated list of alt-ac career resources and workshops that could help you get started in your career exploration. As a consultant, you will engage in stimulating projects and work with highly motivated colleagues. You may work with undergraduates on their writing or study skills, or help advanced degree students to improve their teaching skills. It seemed like there was no way to progress or succeed in academia. A portfolio of advanced programs that provide specific career training so you can get hired into top PhD jobs. These companies publish materials for secondary schools, colleges and universities, and training programs. As a science PhD, thats what I was qualified for, right? Private educational consultants help parents navigate the secondary school and higher education systems. You might find out that you could happily fit in. The academic system leads PhD students to believe that the only thing that comes after a PhD is an academic postdoc, which then leads to a tenure-track university position. You can also explore writing positions, freelancing, high school teaching, and academic and non-academic publishing. Like many PhDs, you might imagine yourself in a research position where you are developing and performing experiments, analyzing data, presenting the data to your research team, and so on. Would these perceived opinions mean that funding to social science research would get cut first? According to PayScale, the median salary for industry scientists is $77,000 and can be as high as $120,000.