Career planning beyond the PhD: Academia
Wondering what’s next after your PhD? This post focuses on continuing in academia beyond the PhD.
Written by Philip Ireland, Careers Adviser, this is the first of a two-part series designed to discuss transitioning from PhD completion to planning your next steps. It is aimed primarily at current postgraduate research students, but may also be valuable to anyone considering studying for a PhD. The second post explores options outside academia.
Is an academic career right for you?
Many PhD graduates view continuing in academia as their primary goal. It is an environment where they have gained their research experience and feel most comfortable. However, like any career decision, it is crucial to consider whether pursuing an academic career is right for you. Reflect on what you seek in a career and whether academia will fulfill these desires, even if it seems like the easiest option. Remember, the easiest path may not be the best fit for you.
Challenges of an academic career
Aademic careers require significant dedication, commitment and, at times, luck to progress to the point of stability. It is well-known that there are far more PhD graduates seeking academic positions than there are available. You can plan meticulously and take all the right steps but still fall short in securing a fellowship or key position. This is often due to the inherent competitiveness of the field rather than a lack of skills or qualities.
Understanding the academic career path
One effective way to understand what an academic career entails is to talk with those already in the field, such as academic staff at your institution or others you meet at conferences. Building an informed picture of academic life is crucial, as it often involves more teaching, administration, and grant applications than actual research, especially as you progress.
Crafting your academic pathway
If you decide that academia is right for you, understand that there is no single pathway. The journey often depends on your discipline, research area, and the academic job market. Your path will also reflect your preferences and the opportunities available in your subject area. Typically, an academic job involves a combination of research, teaching, and administration, with the balance varying by role.
Moving from research dependence to research independence
A key aspect of progressing in academia is shifting from research dependence to research independence. Research dependence involves working under a supervisor or principal investigator, typical during the PhD and early career stages. Research independence means developing and shaping research interests and priorities yourself and, subsequently, having the capacity to be awarded funding for that research in competitive situations.
To assess your academic career progression, continually ask yourself: “How can I demonstrate research independence to funders and senior academics?” Critically evaluate how each academic role can help you progress towards your own research independence over time.
Key considerations for an academic career
To determine if academia is the right path, reflect on these questions:
- Are you passionate about your research area?
- Can you develop research independence over time?
- Do you know the key funding and fellowship opportunities in your field?
- Are you open to gaining experience at institutions beyond where you completed your PhD?
- How important is job stability to you? Are you comfortable with frequently applying for new positions?
These questions are not exhaustive but are meant to prompt deeper reflection and discussions. Consulting senior colleagues can provide insights into academic networking and funding opportunities.
Utilise our resources
The Careers Centre is here to support your career planning at any stage. Visit the What can I do with my PhD? webpage for further advice. You can also book a one-on-one appointment with a Careers Adviser or attend a GRADskills workshop for personalised guidance.