Newsletter
In today’s changing job market, a PhD is no longer just a ticket to academia. Being mindful and strategic during your doctoral journey can unlock diverse paths in research, industry, policy, and communication. By recognising transferable skills, staying curious, and building supportive networks, you can shape a fulfilling career far beyond the traditional professor’s track.
Bionote
Pallavi Deolal was born and raised in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. She attended the University of Delhi for her Bachelor's and the University of Hyderabad for her master's and PhD. Since January 2023, she has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna, Austria. Apart from life, science and life in life sciences- she is enthusiastic about the importance of sustainability and mindfulness in the research ecosystem.
Pallavi Deolal
Traditionally, a PhD was designed as a direct path from university education to a professorship. It assumed a linear academic trajectory with the end goal of a faculty position. But in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, that is no longer the dominant or even expected outcome for most PhD graduates. The nature of education itself has changed: it is now global, more accessible, and deeply interdisciplinary. These shifts have brought about major changes in the job market, creating a demand for new roles that extend far beyond the boundaries of academia. Therefore, being intentional, mindful, and strategic about how one manages their PhD experience can make a significant difference in navigating this changing landscape. It can open doors across sectors and help make career transitions smoother and more fulfilling.
Identifying opportunities
A variety of career opportunities have emerged that directly support research and education. Many of these roles, such as facility management, grant advisory, and research administration, exist within academic institutions themselves. In some places, entire teams are dedicated to organising conferences and scientific events. There are several positions related to editorial work, publishing, and science communication. Publicly funded research needs to be accessible to the public, and this has given rise to opportunities in science journalism, writing for mainstream and scientific publications, and producing content for digital platforms and social media. Many people now disseminate science through blogs, newsletters, or various platforms, helping to make science more inclusive and engaging for non-experts. This is often also asked when applying for grants.
The entrepreneurial and industry sectors also offer fertile ground for PhD graduates. Technology transfer is a big part of what many research institutes now do, and they even support start-up incubators that allow researchers to engage with both industry and academic cultures. These hybrid environments often require professionals who understand intellectual property law, patents, and the legal frameworks that govern scientific innovation. Safety officers, regulatory experts, and compliance professionals are also vital to these ecosystems.
Making a switch
When academic life feels shattering and narrow, stepping outside it can be eye- opening. Attending interdisciplinary conferences or informal meetups, joining seminars outside your research area, reaching out to alumni or entrepreneurs, or simply following people with unconventional career paths can provide a fresh perspective and new ideas. In thinking about career transitions, it is useful to reflect on which PhD-acquired skills are transferable and how to present them effectively. Writing a dissertation, mentoring students, designing experiments, or applying for grants may not have direct analogues in the corporate world, but they clearly reflect project leadership, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication. The challenge lies in translating these skills in ways that resonate with non-academic audiences, whether through structured resumes, interviews, or networking conversations.
Being creative during the PhD journey is not just helpful but rather necessary. Because it is such a long and demanding process, it helps to find joy in small, creative acts: illustrating your research if you like drawing, teaching colleagues or school students if you enjoy explaining concepts, or engaging in community science outreach. These activities help sharpen communication skills, reinforce your purpose, and often bring unexpected satisfaction.
Despite the growing number of opportunities, many PhD students experience uncertainty and ambiguity. Building a sense of community and taking time to reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and the skills you want to develop can offer clarity. Often, this kind of self-awareness is best developed in conversation with others. Finding or forming a peer group with shared goals and values can help you feel supported, grounded, and motivated.
Dealing with the PhD degree mindfully to ensure employability
Practicing mindfullness
Mindfulness is a helpful tool throughout this process. It begins with a pause, a moment to check in with yourself. What do I enjoy? What am I good at? What energises me? Since these questions do not always have easy answers— and if you do have answers, they change over time —journaling or simply keeping notes can be a great way to track evolving thoughts. This also helps to develop clarity in expression, something essential for both academic and non-academic endeavors. If things feel overwhelming, physical activity and creative outlets can be a great reset. Social activities, whether yoga classes, dance sessions, or informal gatherings, are more than just fun; they help build the relationships and networks that make a PhD journey less lonely and more enriching.
And finally, if you are still unsure about where you are headed, that is okay. Science often demands that we become jacks or jills of all trades — learning a bit of everything, juggling research, teaching, writing, mentoring, and more. If you enjoy the challenge of balancing many roles, academic research can still be an exciting and deeply meaningful place to be.
Pallavi Deolal
Orcid
Bluesky
LinkedIn
University of Vienna
pallavi.deolal@univie.ac.at