Land Your First Non-Academic Job: A PhD’s Guide to Career Success

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Are you a PhD ready to explore careers beyond academia? This course guides you through identifying transferable skills, crafting resumes, networking, and excelling in interviews. Explore paths in industry, non-profit, public sectors, or entrepreneurship, and confidently step into opportunities that align with your expertise and goals.

Module 1: Breaking the Myths of Non-Transferable Skills

Discover how your academic expertise translates to diverse career paths. This module challenges the misconception of niche skills, helping you identify transferable strengths, reframe your experience, and build confidence in your ability to succeed beyond academia.

Lessons

1.1: The Skills You Didn’t Know You Had: How Academia Prepares You for Diverse Roles 1.2: Reframing Your Narrative: From Academic Specialist to Versatile Professional

Module 2: Mapping Your Academic Skills to New Sectors

Learn how to translate your academic expertise into valuable assets for diverse fields. This module focuses on identifying your transferable skills, understanding their relevance in industry, non-profit, public sectors, and entrepreneurship, and confidently showcasing them to unlock exciting career opportunities beyond academia.

Lessons

2.1: Translating Research, Analysis, and Critical Thinking into Non-Academic Contexts 2.2: Leadership, Mentorship, and Collaboration: Soft Skills from Academia 2.3: Tools and Techniques You Already Use That Are In-Demand Elsewhere

Module 3: Exploring Career Pathways

Discover the wide range of opportunities available beyond academia. This module guides you through potential career paths in industry, non-profits, the public sector, and entrepreneurship, helping you align your skills and passions with roles that offer impact, fulfillment, and growth.

Lessons

3.1: Industry Roles: How Academic Skills Align with Corporate Needs 3.2: Non-Profit Sector: Leveraging Expertise for Advocacy and Impact 3.3: Public Sector Opportunities: Applying Research and Communication Skills 3.4: Entrepreneurship: Turning Deep Knowledge into Innovative Solutions

Module 4: Demonstrating Transferable Skills in Your Applications

Learn how to showcase your academic expertise in a way that resonates with employers outside academia. This module covers crafting tailored resumes, compelling cover letters, and a professional online presence to highlight your transferable skills and stand out as a top candidate.

Lessons

Lecture 4.1: Crafting a Resume that Highlights Impact, Not Jargon 4.2: Building Cover Letters that Speak the Language of New Sectors 4.3: Portfolio and LinkedIn Optimization to Showcase Versatility

Module 5: Networking Across Sectors

Unlock the power of professional connections to open doors beyond academia. In this module, you’ll learn strategies for building a diverse network, leveraging your existing contacts, and confidently approaching new opportunities. Whether online or in person, networking will become your key to finding roles that align with your expertise and goals.

Lessons

5.1: Networking as an Academic: Leveraging Alumni and Professional Groups 5.2: Making the Leap: Building Confidence in Cross-Sector Conversations 5.3: Informational Interviews: How to Translate Your Experience for New Audiences

Module 6: Preparing for Interviews

Master the skills and strategies needed to ace interviews beyond academia. This module guides you through understanding interview formats, anticipating common questions, and framing your academic experience in ways that resonate with employers. Learn to communicate your value confidently, handle challenging questions, and leave a lasting impression that sets you apart as the ideal candidate.

Lessons

6.1: Interviewing with Confidence: Presenting Yourself as a Problem-Solver 6.2: Common Interview Questions for Transitioning Academics 6.3: Showcasing Transferable Skills Through Examples and Stories

Module 7: Entrepreneurship for Academics

Discover how to turn your academic expertise into innovative solutions and thriving ventures. This module explores the entrepreneurial mindset, identifying opportunities, and leveraging your research skills for business success. Whether you’re launching a start-up, consulting, or developing a product, you’ll learn practical strategies to transform your ideas into impactful and profitable realities.

Lessons

7.1: Identifying Market Needs Your Academic Expertise Can Address 7.2: Building Credibility in Non-Academic Markets 7.3: Launching and Scaling Your Business with an Academic Mindset

Module 8: Gaining Sector-Specific Experience

Bridge the gap between academia and your new career path by gaining hands-on experience in your chosen sector. This module explores strategies for acquiring relevant skills and knowledge through internships, volunteering, freelancing, or side projects. Learn how to build credibility, expand your network, and position yourself as a strong candidate in your target industry.

Lessons

8.1: How to Build a Bridge: Internships, Volunteering, and Part-Time Roles Lesson 8.2: Acquiring Missing Skills Without Starting from Scratch Lesson 8.3: Developing Familiarity with Sector-Specific Tools and Processes

Module 9: Navigating Emotional and Practical Challenges

Transitioning out of academia can be both exciting and daunting, bringing emotional and practical challenges along the way. This module offers strategies to manage self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty while addressing logistical hurdles like financial planning and time management. Learn how to build resilience, stay focused on your goals, and navigate the journey with confidence and clarity.

Lessons

9.1: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Rebuilding Confidence 9.2: Financial Planning and Budgeting for Career Shifts 9.3: Managing Time and Energy During the Transition

Module 10: Long-Term Career Growth

Transitioning out of academia is just the beginning. This module focuses on building a fulfilling and sustainable career beyond your initial transition. Learn how to set long-term goals, develop skills for continued growth, and adapt to new challenges. Whether advancing in your chosen sector, pivoting to new opportunities, or creating lasting impact, this module equips you with strategies for success and satisfaction in your career journey.

Lessons

10.1: Setting Goals and Measuring Success in Your New Role 10.2: Staying Connected to Your Academic Interests 10.3: Building a Network and Brand That Aligns with Your New Career