Near the End of A PhD and Have No Job

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges faced by a PhD candidate in physics who is struggling to secure a job in industry, government, or academia. Participants explore the difficulties of transitioning from academia to industry, particularly in fields like observational astronomy, and the perceived lack of transferable skills. The conversation touches on job application strategies, resume submission practices, and the emotional toll of the job search process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over a lack of job responses despite a strong academic background, questioning the transferability of their observational astronomy research experience.
  • Another participant shares their own experience of transitioning from a PhD in physics to a postdoc and then to a visiting professor role, suggesting that job seekers should consider posting their resumes on job platforms like Monster.
  • Some participants propose that many job ads may not accurately reflect the real requirements, encouraging the original poster to apply broadly and not to self-limit based on perceived qualifications.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster should focus on marketing their skills effectively and to believe in the value of their degree.
  • Participants discuss the importance of sending out a larger number of resumes and targeting recruiters rather than direct company applications.
  • Some participants recommend gaining additional skills in programming and data analysis to enhance job prospects, particularly in finance and engineering roles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to job searching. There are differing opinions on the effectiveness of various strategies, such as the number of resumes to send and whether to market oneself as entry-level or experienced. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's uncertainty about how to present their qualifications and the varying opinions on the transferability of skills from academia to industry. There are also unresolved questions about the specific requirements of jobs in different sectors.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals in similar situations, particularly PhD candidates or recent graduates in STEM fields facing challenges in the job market, may find this discussion relevant.

  • #181
Will you only get to do analytical work? Or are there other positions?
 
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  • #182
chill_factor said:
Will you only get to do analytical work? Or are there other positions?

My post was probably misleading - I did not intend to say that typical job descriptions comprise measurements only. However, typically you would work on the development of a new product or optimization of an existing one. When developing new stuff for industry, standardized measurements, documentation and organizational stuff might effectively be what you do most of the time.
The significance of "compliance" with industry standards and legal requirements and related (buerocratic) efforts is still growing and so is the "paper work factor" in traditional engineering areas. The paper work factor typically also increases with the size of a company.

In terms of career path, you typically start as a specialist contributing to a project and move to a (project) management role later.
 
  • #183
Thank you!

I'm fine with doing paperwork and management. I just don't want to be doing analytical work all day, I would go for analytical chemistry if I did, since it's just... easier in all aspects...
 

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