Considering Careers Outside Academia?

Initially many Ph.D. candidates aspire to become a professor. Despite this, 60-75% of Ph.D. graduates find rewarding and stimulating work outside academia. A significant initial barrier to exploring options outside of academia is psychological. The ingrained familiarity and emphasis on the academic route makes it difficult for students to admit to themselves and others that they are considering a different path.   

This can be compounded by fears of making the wrong choice, concerns for disappointing others, uncertainty about alternatives, un familiarity with job search methods and doubts about skill applicability. For some, choosing to explore non-academic careers and pursuing an alternative path can seem daunting. For others, this was always their intended goal, those who thoughtfully choose to leave academia typically find the move both satisfying and liberating.   

The resources and links in this section discuss the issues and describe how to identify career alternatives outside of academia. Inspiring profiles of those who have successfully made the transition are included.