Beyond the PhD: Charting Your Path to Career Success

Isabelle Kohler shares her insights and guidance for those navigating the analytical field.

Universities and host institutes train PhD students and postdocs to become skilled researchers, equipping them with technical expertise, critical thinking, and academic abilities such as writing and presenting. They also develop leadership, creativity, independence, and teamwork. However, there is one area that often receives very little attention: career orientation and preparation.

Many early-career researchers are unsure about the next step(s) of their career. They often do not realize the number of career options available after a PhD. They tend to see their options as a choice between academia or industry, without realizing the full range of possibilities. In addition, they may not be aware of strategies to improve their chances of securing their ideal role or how to navigate job applications, particularly outside academia.

Post-PhD Career Paths: A Vast Array of Possibilities

Historically, the PhD was a direct gateway to an academic career. Those who pursued a doctoral degree typically did so to become a professor or academic researcher/lecturer. Over time, this traditional pathway became deeply ingrained as the norm. Nowadays, the traditional academic route has become the exception rather than the rule. The majority of PhD graduates will pursue diverse careers outside of academia, including roles in industry, entrepreneurship, consultancy, government agencies, healthcare, science communication, science policy, publishing or editorial roles, non-academic teaching, patent law, sales, marketing, non‑governmental organizations (NGOs), and non-profits.

Each path presents advantages and challenges, making it essential for early-career researchers to assess their strengths, interests, and values when choosing a direction.

Traditional Academic Career Path

For those pursuing academia, the journey typically involves several stages—from postdoc to full professor:

• Postdoc: A time to expand expertise, publish, and build independence. Many go abroad to strengthen their network and gain diverse experience. Independence—demonstrated by securing funding and working at a different institute—is key for advancing in academia. While multiple postdocs can broaden expertise, they may also signal uncertainty about career direction.
• Assistant professor/tenure track: At this stage, researchers develop their independent research agenda, secure funding, publish extensively, and take on teaching and supervisory roles. Many institutions offer tenure‑track contracts (typically five years), requiring excellence in research, teaching, leadership, and service to obtain tenure.
• Associate professor: Promotion to this level requires a strong research record, leadership in academic initiatives, and successful PhD supervision. Increased responsibilities include securing funding, curriculum development, and committee roles.
• Full professor: The highest academic rank, involving strategic leadership, department governance, mentoring of assistant professors, shaping research programs, and contributing significantly to the university’s long‑term vision. A professorship involves much more than research and teaching. Achieving this level requires an outstanding academic reputation, a strong publication record, and proven excellence in teaching and leadership.

An academic career offers intellectual freedom, the opportunity to explore groundbreaking ideas, and the chance to mentor the next generation of scientists. However, it also comes with intense competition, constant pressure to secure funding, and the need to balance research, teaching, and administrative duties. Success in this path requires resilience, strategic career planning, and a strong research network.

Alternative Academic Careers

For those who enjoy academia but do not wish to become professors, alternative career paths (so-called alt-ac careers) within academia exist. These include research assistant or laboratory manager positions, teaching-focused roles such as junior lecturer or teaching fellow, project management, research administration or working for the grant office, technology transfer, academic advising and counseling, and science communication. These roles allow researchers to remain within the academic environment while pursuing a different career trajectory.

Preparing for Industry

In industry, PhD graduates can find a number of fulfilling roles, such as research scientists in R&D departments (developing new products and technologies), product development engineers (translating research into commercial solutions), technical specialists (providing expert guidance on complex problems), project managers (leading cross‑functional teams and research initiatives), or business development managers (bridging scientific expertise with commercial opportunities).

Many PhDs struggle to market themselves for industry roles. While technical expertise is important, employers prioritize transferable skills such as problem-solving, project and time management, communication, collaboration, adaptability, innovation, and leadership.

Industry professionals often have “T-shaped” skill sets, combining deep expertise in one area with broad interdisciplinary skills. Early-career researchers usually have developed these broader skills during their PhD or postdoc fellowship, via cross-disciplinary collaborations, supervision of students, professional development workshops, and potentially industry internships. However, they are often unaware of the breadth of skills needed when applying for industry roles.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

Transitioning from academia to industry requires more than just technical expertise—it requires understanding how to apply an academic mindset to business challenges. PhDs and postdocs can stand out in industry roles by emphasizing:

• Innovation and problem-solving: Many companies seek researchers who can think critically, analyze complex data, and develop creative solutions.
• Project management experience: Managing research projects, applying for grants, and leading collaborations mirror the skills required in business project management.
• Adaptability and learning agility: Industry moves fast, and the ability to quickly acquire new knowledge is a strong asset.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Companies value scientists who can present complex ideas clearly to different audiences, from technical teams to executives and clients.

PhDs transitioning to industry should tailor their resumes, focusing on achievements that showcase these transferable skills rather than purely academic accomplishments. Networking, informational interviews, and industry‑relevant training can further facilitate the transition.

Taking Charge of Career Preparation

PhD students and postdocs should proactively prepare for their next career move.

First, start early: even if your PhD demands most of your energy, take time to think about your future and act on it. It doesn’t need to take a huge amount of time—it can be just 1 h per week keeping your CV up-to-date, reading online on career prospects, or having a coffee with someone from your network.

As a PhD student or postdoc, you are already an expert at finding and analyzing information for your research. Apply that same skillset to your career preparation. Read about different career paths, explore job descriptions, and learn what skills are valued in various sectors. Use the available resources: many universities offer career resources and workshops. Ask your supervisors whether some of the available budget can be used for your career development. If you are part of a consortium, ask the project manager about organizing career-related training. Follow professionals on social media who share insights on career transitions; you might discover opportunities you hadn’t considered.

Finally, talk to professionals in different fields to understand what their jobs entail. For instance, if you are considering academia, speak with professors to get a realistic view of their daily work. You can also seek feedback from supervisors and mentors on job applications to further improve chances of success.

Conclusion

A PhD opens doors to many career opportunities.A rewarding career path, in any direction, requires more than technical expertise—it demands strategic planning, networking, and continuous skill development. Whether pursuing a professorship, transitioning into industry, or exploring alternative roles, early‑career researchers should take an active role in shaping their future. I believe that staying informed, adaptable, and open to opportunities will lead them to meaningful and fulfilling careers that align with their strengths and aspirations.

Image courtesy of author

Isabelle Kohler is an assistant professor in the Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is also the CEO and Founder of NextMinds, Netherlands.

Direct correspondence to: i.kohler@vu.nl

Website: www.nextminds.net