Non-Academic Career Paths
The majority of PhD graduates will pursue a career outside of academia in the long run. Non-academic career trajectories are by no means fallbacks; they are career paths that offer diverse and fulfilling prospects – with job satisfaction levels on par with academia.
However, making the transition from a doctorate to a non-academic career can be challenging, especially if your work experience so far has been exclusively within academia. The University of Ben offers a wide range of programs and services to support you on your individual career path.
When is the time right to move on?
There is no such thing as the perfect time, but it pays off to think about your professional future early on. It is, in fact, advisable to do so during your doctorate, so that you can start networking in a targeted fashion and acquire any missing skills.
However, this does not mean you have to leave academia the moment you have completed your doctorate. A postdoc phase is widely recognized as work experience in the non-academic job market.
Career potential
Talk to your manager or supervisor about your career potential.
Career advice
Take advantage of the career advice services provided by the Universities of Bern Counselling Centre.
Career opportunities for postdocs at UniBE
Participate in the workshops und coaching programs of the Postdoc Career Navigator.
What sort of career could I pursue?
The path to a career outside of academia starts with you. How well do you know your own profile? Which values matter to you? Finding the right career path requires getting to know yourself first.
Assessment of current situation
Use the guiding questions of the Universities of Bern Counselling Centre for a personal assessment of your current situation.
What skills do I already have? Which ones am I missing?
You will have acquired a wide range of skills and competencies throughout your doctoral studies. As you move forward, these skills will be relevant in non-academic positions as well. For instance, doctoral studies entail independent project work, presentation skills and systematic analysis. Translate your academic skills and expertise for use in the non-academic job market, and learn how to present them with confidence.
Skills profile
Find tools to help you identify the skills you have acquired, and to create a skills profile.
Transferable skills
Acquire specific transferable skills that are also highly sought after in non-academic careers.
Where could I work?
PhD graduates go on to work in a broad spectrum of professional fields – ranging from university-related professions in research and science management, through politics, public administration, industry, business and consulting, to culture, media and education.
A good way to gain insight into these professional fields is to have conversations with people in your network who work there. Ask your neighbors, former peers and friends about what they do. Digital platforms such as LinkedIn are also useful for networking and for starting conversations with professionals.
Professions
- The Universities of Bern Counselling Centre provides an overview of professional and occupational fields.
- Several employers present their companies/organizations on the “Employer Profile” page of the Career Service.
- EURAXESS offers an overview of various industries and sectors for the European job market.
Mentoring
Take advantage of faculty-level mentoring programs for insight into a professional field relevant to you, and to establish first contacts.
Business idea
Are you looking to implement your own business idea and want to start a company? Then take part in an entrepreneurship training on offer by the Innovation Office.
How do I apply for a job?
Once you have a clear understanding of your own interests, values and skills, and you know which professional fields or positions you would like to work in, you can begin your job search. Browse job portals, activate your network and keep your application documents up to date. It is advisable to tailor your CV for every new job application.
Job portals
- List of job search engines
- List of academic career portals
CV reviewing and interview training
The Postdoc Career Navigator offers CV reviewing and interview training for postdocs at the University of Bern.
Information about the application process
The Universities of Bern Counselling Centre has put together resource material for the application process:
What if things don’t work out?
Depending on the economic climate and your field of expertise, you may find a job quickly, or it may take time. Don’t feel discouraged if you do not find a job immediately – you are not alone in experiencing this. Rest assured that even if your search takes time, the job market for university graduates is still very promising: The unemployment rate among university graduates is lower than average. Try to stay motivated and take action early if you are facing (potential) unemployment.
Unemployment
The Universities of Bern Counselling Centre has compiled information about the legal aspects of unemployment.
The BNF - National qualification programme offers counselling, courses, coaching and project placements for career entry to support university graduates looking for a job.
Info box
Third Space – Where Research Meets Management
”Third space” positions offer young scientists the opportunity to work at the interface of research, teaching and public administration. They offer scope for creativity as well as valuable managerial experience.