How to Avoid Becoming an Unemployed Ph.D.

Few thoughts provoke as much anxiety for a newly-minted (or nearly-minted) Ph.D. as the prospect of not finding a job. After all the work and toil that goes into getting a Ph.D., it seems unthinkable that those efforts may not lead to employers clamoring for the opportunity to hire you. But it does happen, which is why it pays to put as much effort into establishing your career as you did into your degree. 

Earning a Ph.D. is a monumental feat that requires patience and stamina, qualities that also serve you well on the job market. While earning a graduate degree, particularly a doctorate or Ph.D., makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers in many fields, it’s also important to understand that the competition for these jobs is stiff and there are many qualified applicants. Successful candidates are often the ones who approach job search with a clear strategy. 

While being an unemployed Ph.D. is a common fear, there are many ways to mitigate your risk of not finding a job. Before you begin your search, let your dissertation advisor and department chair know that you’re preparing to go on the job market. They are well-positioned to offer insight into careers in your field and also guide your search. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about avoiding the pitfalls of being an unemployed Ph.D.: 

• What are some career options for Ph.D. graduates?
• Where do recent Ph.D. graduates look for jobs?
• When should unemployed Ph.D. graduates start looking for a job?
• How should unemployed Ph.D. graduates prepare for the job market? 

Career Options for Unemployed Ph.D. Graduates

When most people think about career options for unemployed Ph.D. graduates, they immediately think about academia. While this is an understandable instinct, it is limited in scope. In truth, there are a vast number of opportunities for people with graduate degrees in a variety of areas both within academia and beyond. From the outset, it’s a good bet to consider careers in multiple industries. 

In addition to careers in academia, unemployed Ph.D. graduates can use their skills to fill in-demand positions in the public and private sectors. A research degree finely hones analytical, critical, and problem-solving skills that are tremendous assets in any number of positions. From private labs and corporations to government jobs and non-profit organizations, candidates with Ph.D.s have a lot to offer employers. 

For an unemployed Ph.D., there are good reasons for not restricting your job search to colleges and universities. The academic job market, particularly for tenure track positions, is incredibly competitive, with hundreds of qualified people often applying for a single faculty appointment. Getting hired as a professor is also a months-long process consisting of multiple interviews. If academia is your dream, you should still pursue it, but also be aware that there are plenty of other options. 

The Ph.D. Job Search

So, how do people with Ph.D.s find jobs? It’s a good question, and the answer is that it’s a bit more complicated than you might think. The most important step for an unemployed Ph.D. to take is to find out where to look for a job in their field. Unlike jobs that don’t require doctoral training, finding open positions for candidates with Ph.D.s takes more research than cursory online searches or the use of online job sites (though they can be a good place to start). 

If you are an unemployed Ph.D. getting ready to start your job search, now is a great time to begin marshaling your resources. After consulting your dissertation advisor and department chair, also reach out to fellow alumni from your program. Find out where they landed, and if that organization is hiring. If you are looking for a job at a university, consult the job postings on the websites for professional associations in your field. 

When hunting for a job outside of academia, look for organizations in your field that specialize in professional placements. If you are thinking about a corporate career, you may opt to work with a headhunting firm; they have connections with hundreds of employers, and may know of a company that is looking for someone with your qualifications. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network and cast a broad net. 

Job Search Timeline

The amount of lead time you’ll need for your job search varies by the type of job that you’re pursuing. If you are entering the final year of your Ph.D. program, you may want to set up a spreadsheet detailing when to submit applications for specific types of jobs. While the academic job market runs on a year-long cycle, the process for getting a corporate position tends to be a matter of weeks. Non-profits often have immediate openings. 

When I went on the academic job market in 2012, it was a months-long journey. The market officially opened in September, and universities began posting positions immediately. Interviews began in January, and my two-day campus visit at the university that eventually hired me was in April (on April Fool’s Day, no less!). It was a long process, but knowing how it worked helped me keep my nerves at bay. 

Prepping for the Job Market

My best advice for unemployed Ph.D.s beginning their job search is to get all of your materials in order: references, letters of recommendation, transcripts, a current, polished, and professionally edited CV, and any additional documents that are standard in your field. For academic positions, this usually includes a teaching philosophy, a research statement, course evaluations, and a job letter. 

When I was on the academic job market during my final year of graduate school, I often felt like I had another job in addition to finishing my dissertation. One of the best gifts that you can give yourself as an unemployed Ph.D. is a well-organized plan strategizing your job search. Though this may take some time, it’s a great investment that will pay off later on.