Researchers find all sorts of rewarding careers – smart people work everywhere!
Such diversity in potential roles can prove challenging when exploring your options. This collection of career profiles enables you to see what others in your position chose to do, why and how they made the move, and what they most enjoy about their job. You will get a feel for their daily activities, workplace culture and work-life balance.Top tip: Look out for authors’ insights into which skills developed during or after their PhD proved helpful in getting their job, and performing well there. You’ll be encouraged to see how people are building on their research expertise to thrive in newer roles.And don’t miss the “employer bio” at the end of each career profile for careers opportunities in each organisation.
Recent profiles
Aziza Khabbush
Senior Business Analyst at Lifescience DynamicsYes, I felt pretty confident overall. I enjoyed my PhD and felt it equipped me well for any intellectual challenges that other roles might throw at me.
Holly Prescott
Careers Adviser for Postgraduate Researchers at University of BirminghamIf I was going to turn this into my ideal job, what bits of it would I keep, what would I lose, and what would I want to add?
Alexa Frost
Archivist at Blenheim Palace Heritage FoundationI have no regrets in the decisions I have made relating to my career.
Katie Low
Policy Officer at European CommissionI would encourage people to think deeply about what they really want – if you truly wish to be an academic, that’s wonderful, but there is no shame in deciding on a different career, even if you have been successful in academia so far.
Tom Charlton
Senior Associate Consultant at Cambridge Healthcare ResearchI enjoy interacting with clients and starting new projects, where you have to dive into a space and quickly familiarise yourself with it.
Philipp Langer
Senior Associate Consultant at Cambridge Healthcare Research (CHR)The problem-solving aspect is what I enjoy the most and the direct impact/value my work has is very rewarding.
Scott Thomson
Software Consultant at TNG Technology Consulting GmbHWhat is relevant to work outside of academia is not just what one has learned during one’s PhD, but also one’s qualities as a person.
Sue Aitken
Associate at Genesis AnalyticsIt is actually true that you can love what you do! But it is important to find the place that is right for you, and therein lies the trick!
Ben Cowell
Director General at Historic HousesAlways think about what you can offer to others, and be prepared to market your skills and strengths accordingly.
Imogen Roth
Investment Manager at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New ZealandBeing able to recognise when the changes requested are science-led and when there has simply been poor project management is very beneficial.
Aaron Tooley
Founder and CEO at acgtMedia, LLCTransitioning out of academia is not easy–it takes time but find a way to use your skills and training for whatever is next.