Career Decision Making

Know your options
There are probably far more options open to you than you think!  PhD graduates are not just successful in academic careers but also in a variety of other sectors. Half of all PhD graduates go straight into non-academic careers after graduation as their skills and experience are highly valued by many employers.  Make sure you use this web site and other Careers Service resources to get informed.

Know yourself
What skills and qualities do you have to offer?  What do you enjoy using?  What factors interest you and motivate you?  What about your personality?  It’s important to regularly think about these issues, so that you can be clear about how you’re developing and what you have to offer.

It  can be difficult to know how to begin reflecting on yourself and your skills development so to make it a whole lot easier use the Windmills online programme.

Explore your personality type – MBTI For Researchers

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator offers an in depth exploration of your personality that will enhance your understanding of yourself, your motivations, your natural strengths and your potential areas for growth. This will make your career planning more effective as you can more confidently match yourself to possible career options.

In addition it help you appreciate differences in individuals to better understand the people around you in your department and in your personal life, and help you manage stress and change, including the transition from study into employment.

MBTI workshops are currently unavailable, but we hope to reintroduce them as soon as possible.

Make decisions
Now all you have to do is match what’s available to you with what you want and what you have to offer.  Yes, this can mean a lot of work so te earleir you start, the easier it will be to fit it in around your research!  To generate career ideas you may find it useful to try Prospects Planner  which aims to match what you have to offer to potential careers.

Vitae Researcher's Portal

This is a useful tool to help you reflect on your progress in your PhD so far and help you to plan your progression on to a career afterwards.

More help
Computer programmes such as Prospects Planner are a good starting point, but it’s a good idea to talk over these issues with a qualified human being!  You can make an appointment to speak to a Careers Adviser, who will help your decision making.

Take action
Once you’ve decided on your goals, you need to maximise your chances of success.  We can help you with all aspects of job seeking – from producing a powerful CV, to impressing at interview.