Outside Academia

Everyone has a standard perception of a doctorate student is like. Whether it is a glorified sage in harmony with the world or a book bound nerd, the world of academia is prone to parody and hyperbole. In truth the ivory tower is not as slanted as most believe. Not every PhD graduate is a genius. Not every professor can teach. Everyone has a different experience with academic pursuits. A few of them have been collected here.

Resources

  • interview with executive recruiter Jessa Chupik

    Life after the PhD aimes to give stressed graduate students the guidance they need to finish their studies.

  • Your Life Ambition

    This comic displays the trends in doctoral student ambition as the years press onward with a cynical take. For a good laugh at academic futility browse through their comic archives.

  • Life after a PhD

    This collection of stories illustrates life after a PhD. They include current doctoral candidates, academics and those who have moved on to greener pastures.

  • Survival Blog for Scientists

    This overview covers academia to the private sector and everything in between. If you are considering a doctorate of science check out what the job entails with these articles.

  • Life After a PhD: Take Home Lessons

    This article paints a much brighter picture than most sources on the academic job search. A high level degree is a new beginning and allows students to embark on whatever career they desire.

  • academic lifestyle of doctorates

    Proferssor Dejan Markovic discusses life as a doctorate, both before and after the PhD. It includes practicable advice for getting through school and landing the job you want.

  • Social Fitness Research

    This is the blog of a PhD holder who decided to go solo with his skills. Learn how he is using research and knowledge to make a difference in his own venture.

  • MFAs are turning to doctorate pursuits

    For fields with few real jobs a professorship can be the only relatable option.

  • the life of a PhD student

    This is a photodocumentary of life as a PhD, , one image at a time. See what being a PhD is really like from the classroom to the weird discoveries of the mind.

  • Here’s to the Borderzone

    This article celebrates that magical moment in between gaining a PhD and facing responsibilities. It is the culmination of many years of work with sometimes disappointing results and it deserves a bit of relaxation.

  • Procrastination, hallucination, dissertation

    This is a blog by PhD candidate Jonathan Lawson as he navigates the Cambridge academic circle. Learn what it is really like to dedicate your life to science.

  • How to get a PhD and not go completely insane

    It is a difficult venture, but this professor will tell you how to keep your sanity as a doctorate.

  • A day in the life of a PhD student

    This article explains the dedication and passion that is really required for the job of getting a PhD.

  • Guilt-Free Social Life

    Learn to balance your studies with a healthy dose of interpersonal interaction.

  • Life after PhD?

    This site offers a personal story from a past academic on the problems in the system and how to make the degree work for you. You do not have to pursue a life of research after doctorate studies and this woman is living proof.

  • 27 and a PhD

    This is a blog from past student and current doctorate holder describing life in academia. He highlights the problems in the system and shows how to adapt your skills to succeed after graduation.