FINDING A NEW CAREER

your reading list

When it comes to starting a job search outside of academia, it can be easy for you to get overwhelmed and struggle to know where to begin.

To help you get started and stay on track, I’ve created a 5-step framework to guide and support your efforts.

For each of these steps, I’ve written detailed articles exploring the activities you need to undertake, and the outputs you need to create. I’ve also written about the whole process of getting started with your job search, for instance, learning about the non-academic job market and adopting the right mindset for changing careers. There are also guest articles by other career experts.

You can work through this reading list according to which step of your job search you’re at, or dip in and out, depending upon where you feel you need support.

My 5-step job search framework:

  • Getting started (things you need to know first)

  • Step 1: Identify your transferable skills – knowing what you can do

  • Step 2: Choose your profession – focusing your job search

  • Step 3: Get the right experience – proving that you can do it

  • Step 4: Create your professional brand – communicating your value

  • Step 5: Tell a great story – shining in interviews


filter articles:

Step 2 Chris Humphrey Step 2 Chris Humphrey

Getting a job in finance, after your PhD

Are you interested in breaking into financial services and/or banking? I recorded a 10-minute guide on how to get your first job in finance, for the PhD Career Stories podcast. I’ve included the 7 actions you need to take to get started – listen here.

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Step 2 Kerry Wheeler Step 2 Kerry Wheeler

How to find jobs advertised at PhDs

As a PhD applying for jobs outside academia, getting help and advice with your job search can be a real challenge. While PhDs looking for academic posts can ask their supervisors and careers staff for assistance, those of us wanting to work outside of higher education may find ourselves with no-one to turn to.

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Step 2 Kerry Wheeler Step 2 Kerry Wheeler

How to get help and advice when applying for jobs outside academia

As a PhD applying for jobs outside academia, getting help and advice with your job search can be a real challenge. While PhDs looking for academic posts can ask their supervisors and careers staff for assistance, those of us wanting to work outside of higher education may find ourselves with no-one to turn to.

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Step 2 Kerry Wheeler Step 2 Kerry Wheeler

‘But I don’t really know what I want to do!’

Some postgrads and PhDs will still struggle to decide upon a non-academic career area. After all the focus that it’s taken to get through school and university and post-grad life, it can sometimes be difficult to think of a work area that really excites you as much as your academic subject.

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Step 3 Kerry Wheeler Step 3 Kerry Wheeler

How to gain work experience for jobs outside academia

Question: How can I gain work experience during my PhD/post-doc, that will strengthen my future applications for jobs outside of academia?

Answer: Start early! Develop and implement a clear plan for gaining work experience during the period of your research.

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Step 3 Kerry Wheeler Step 3 Kerry Wheeler

5 ways an MBA can improve your employability

Have you ever considered taking an MBA degree? Our guest post this month comes from Adam Maidment, who introduces the benefits of gaining an MBA qualification. Follow the link at the bottom of the page to find out what type of MBA is right for you.

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