Professional Skills

A traditional doctoral education is structurally more conducive to those who choose to stay in academia. It teaches them the skills and knowledge they need to survive inside of the system, but many are skeptical of its ability to teach students real-world skills. At a time when more and more PhDs are leaving academia in order to pursue a career in industry, professional skills are becoming more necessary. Many find themselves unprepared to deal with certain aspects of the private-sector. Professional skills are important to the career success of PhD holders. In this section, you will find articles that establish the need for professional skills in the context of a doctoral education, arguments for their inclusion in PhD programs, and statistics regarding perspectives on the issue.

Resources

  • What Skills and Knowledge Should a PhD Have?

    A collaboration between members of the Swedish Institute for Studies in Education and Research and the International Centre for Higher Education Research. Together, they examine the changing conditions for PhD education and post doctoral work, including the need and practice of new skills.

  • Professional Development for PhD Students

    This resource from the University of Washington questions the necessity of professional skills for PhD students. Ultimately, the report finds that data analysis and career guidance are among the most needed skills.

  • PhDs Need Common Skills

    University Affairs discusses the significance of improving core competencies for graduates and PhD holders in particular. The development of non-technical skills in PhDs is worthy of acknowledging and promoting.

  • How PhD Students Are Training for the Real World

    The Independent reports on the growing need for the introduction of professional skills, while discussing some relevant means for gaining them. Seminars and special events such as GRADschools are aimed at improving career planning skills and professional development.

  • Careers After the PhD

    Carly Loeb can be used as a case study for professional development. She went from PhD student to consultant, and in that transition, quickly learned of the need for professional skills.

  • Relevant Professional Development

    A chapter from Educating Mathematical Scientists: Doctoral Study and Postdoctoral Experience in the United States that illuminates what skills are necessary to improve. Sections here are dedicated to communication skills and teaching skills.

  • Criticisms and the PhD in the US

    Considering many of the structural problems with doctoral education, this article establishes the need for more diverse education and improved professional skills. It also shows that PhD students are not properly informed of employment opportunities outside of academia.

  • Professionalizing the PhD

    Examines a wide variety of skills including teamwork, networking, management, and career planning. It also traces professional acculturation throughout the career of a PhD.

  • Transferable Skills for Life Scientists

    The European Molecular Biology Organization hosts this document that provides insight into the perspectives of PhD students in the life sciences regarding transferable skills. The report also shows that most feel the inclusion of such skills would make for more attractive candidates outside of academia.

  • Most PhDs Desert Academe

    Times Higher Education establishes that most PhD holders go into industry rather than stay in academia. With this, the scope of the issue is made more clear.

  • What Have You Got to Offer Employees

    Communicates to PhD students and holders which skills are highly desirable to employees. Here, skills necessary for an academic career are juxtaposed with those needed in industry.

  • Reflecting on the Value of Your PhD

    Inspiring self-reflection while providing some basic information, this article surveys professional skills as they are seen by employers. It describes some of the most valuable and highly applicable skills across different contexts.