Research postgraduates – current and recent
Your PhD journey will have a lasting impact on your career, and rightly so. The years of research will grow and refine your skill set, equipping you as a future research professional. We recommend that you treat your PhD as a full-time job, and refer to it as such when considering your future, and when making applications. It has the same potential to develop your career as any graduate or professional role.
To best explore your career potential, the Careers Service works in partnership with the Researcher Development team. Look to Careers for individual support and guidance with career direction, networks and applications, while Researcher Development can provide training, workshops and skill development throughout your PhD.
Years 1-2: Explore your options
While starting your research, it is important to consider where the work may take you. Booking a time to talk through career options early in your PhD can help you feel at ease, and able to fully engage in your topic. We also provide access to additional funding resources which may give you stability during the early stages.
- Careers appointments and how to book them
- Funding postgraduate study
- Starting Postgraduate ResearchResearcher Development
- Build the foundations of your careerOpportunities to develop during your PhD
Years 2-3: Prepare for the future
Non-academic career paths
PhD holders work in a wide array of different fields, most of them outside academic research. Understanding the options open to you is an important part of preparation, and allows you to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise during your PhD. We recommend maintaining your awareness of different career directions as your research progresses, so that you feel better informed when the time comes to once again make applications. Seeking internships or other experience during your PhD is still an option, but requires the approval of your supervisor.
- What are my career options with a PhD?From University of Birmingham, including science, humanities & social science paths
- PostGradual – the PhD Careers blogCareer tips, interviews and insights from Dr Holly Prescott
- Jobs on Toast – Careers beyond universityCareer planning resources and advice from Dr Chris Humphrey
- Finding experienceInternships, virtual work, training courses and UoM Careers Service’s pages on how to build up your CV
- PhD Careers: what to do after a PhD?Global career suggestions from Findaphd.com
Academic career paths
Lecturing, research and academic leadership can be hugely fulfilling career goals, but require dedication. There are tools, experiences and networks which can be acquired from the very start of your PhD to assist with this. It is also worth establishing early with your supervisor that you wish to pursue this path, so that they can give you the benefit of their insight into the sector.
- Vitae – Careers in academia
- Academic career development toolsResearcher Development
- Where next?Universities within commuting distance of Manchester
Meta-academic career paths
Some career paths make direct use of the skills and first-hand experience you have acquired in Higher Education. Sometimes referred to as “Alt-Ac” or Academic Adjacent, these can range from alternative roles in universities to government policy, intellectual property, knowledge exchange, consulting, research funding or publishing.
- Academic Adjacent CareersFrom University of Birmingham
- Explore employment sectors
Years 3-4: Apply your PhD skills
Having explored the options and prepared for the future, the final years of the PhD bring an opportunity to reflect on what you have gained along the way. A key component in career development is understanding what you have to offer future colleagues, and the PhD experience will have considerably broadened your skill set. Use the resources below to audit and articulate the skills you will take away from your years of research.
- Vitae – Researcher Development Framework Defines the core skill set of a researcher
- Personal Development resources Researcher Development
- My Skills Development tools Careers Service resources to help you establish your skillset
International PhD students
When considering a career in the UK, your PhD will give you more opportunities to consider than other graduates. The salaries available to you are more likely to meet the threshold for the Skilled Worker visa; the Graduate visa is available to you for a total of 3 years; and you are eligible for the Global Talent visa, especially if the funding for your PhD is UKRI-approved.
News and updates
Look out for regular postgraduate careers tips with our monthly careers newsletters, specifically for research postgraduates. Keep up with our blog and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Weibo) with articles, news and tips for all students.
