A PhD is the established entry qualification for employment in higher education and research.

However, it is important to also bear in mind that an estimated 40% of research graduates will go on to be employed outside of academia.

Research graduates are particularly sought by employers in areas where:

• Specialist knowledge or experience is required e.g. IT sector,  Pharmaceuticals,  Media and the Arts or in research and development based companies.

• Transferable skills, such as highly developed problem solving and analytical skills, gained through the completion of a PhD, will be valued e.g. Management Consultancy or Investment banks.

The Vitae publication 'Researchers' skills and competencies' shows at a glance what doctoral researchers and research staff can bring to an organisation.

Careers advice includes targeted careers information, CV and interview advice for research students.

Jobs, funding and research councils includes job vacancy and funding sources and links to the research boards.

The links above provide targeted careers information and advice for Research Students, but much of the material elsewhere on our pages will also be applicable including:

Contact Us 

including details of the career guidance interviews, mock interviews and CV/application advice offered. Case study about how the careers service helped a research student from SSHL.

Targeted careers information for your sector

Hidden Jobs

CVs and Applications (general)

Interviews (general)

Finally, you can also contact Louise Bamford who is the designated Careers Consultant for Research Students and runs the career management for research student workshops aimed at penultimate and final year research students.