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:

Getting started Chris Humphrey Getting started Chris Humphrey

Boost your job prospects by attending campus careers events for PhDs

Since 2009 I’ve had the pleasure of getting out on the road, sharing the story of my own career change with audiences of researchers and academics. I’ve made a successful transition from a PhD in Medieval Studies, into a career in business, project management and consultancy. I love telling my story and helping PhDs with their own career thinking.

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