In a survey we conducted, 44% of PhD students worried about not being intellectually engaged by work outside of higher ed. This is a huge barrier that keeps so many adjuncting when the truth is that PhDs do intellectually stimulating work in tons of different fields. #altac

Research. Surveys. Observation. Interviews. All of those comprise the work that informs the five-step framework that Beyond Graduate School uses to help Master’s students identify their ideal career field and job search confidently within it.

Didn’t get a tenure-track job? You are NOT doomed to adjuncting. It might take a second, but you CAN learn about non-academic career paths that speak to your interests. You CAN learn how to market your academic work experience in ways non-academic employers will respond to.

It’s understandable that ppl think the Master’s degree alone is enough to land a better job. But often times it’s not. Master’s degree holders need work experience and job searching skills that will help them best present themselves to employers.

We surveyed over 6,000 PhDs and 40% of them said they did not know what an informational interview was. Since informational interviews are a key part of building and growing a professional network, PhD programs have to be more intentional about teaching job searching skills.

Beyond Graduate School’s job search classes for Master’s students begin with the “Design” module. It guides you through making a plan for your degree so that as you progress towards your Master’s, you develop key skills that will appeal to employers in your chosen career field.

Sometimes the biggest barrier PhDs making a #careertransition out of academia face is a mental one. They have to overcome the (mistaken!) sense that they have failed by not getting (or wanting) a tenure-track job.

I know many master’s students are struggling. You’re spending a lot for your degree and you want a return on it. Makes total sense! It’s hard to hear, but the degree alone often won’t land you a job. Job searching skills will help.

Too many PhDs still hear only one story: land a tenure-track faculty job or be a failure. That’s just not true! Beyond the Professoriate’s Professional Careers curriculum starts with a unit called “Know Your Options” because PhDs can thrive anywhere!

Don’t go into an interview blind. Yes, the employer will have questions for you. But you should have questions for them too! Ask questions that demonstrate that you know the company and would be excited to do the work that they do.

I studied when most people get tenure-track jobs. The ugly truth? Within 3 years of finishing your PhD in humanities + 3-5 years for STEM. But that does not reflect the skills and worth of PhDs. You can find rewarding, fulfilling work in all kinds of places outside academia!

Yes, the cover letter + resume are important. But many jobs are never listed, and many jobs are filled because someone recommended a candidate they trust to an employer. That’s why networking is so important for folks earning a Master’s degree.

So much pressure in academia to land a tenure-track job! No wonder many PhDs who leave academia feel an intense sense of shame. I did at first! But I didn't deserve that shame, and neither do you. As you transition to a #postac job, that shame WILL fade.

40% of federal student loans are issued to graduate students, though they only make up 15% of higher ed students. Master’s program students are making real sacrifices to earn their degrees; schools need to ensure that their Master’s students know how to job search effectively.

New to writing a resume b/c you’re used to academic CVs? A resume is NOT a list of all your accomplishments. Tailor the content of your resume highlight the particular skills a particular employer will be looking for.

Invested in helping Master's students' secure meaningful employment after graduation? I'm giving info sessions about our career training platform, Beyond Graduate School, for career center + faculty + deans next week. Register here: buff.ly/3zloACW

The academic job market has been, and still is, extremely tough. Faculty who want to be better mentors to their graduate students should reach out to PhD alums of their programs working #altac jobs. Hear their stories, bring their wisdom to your current students.

“All of the job postings in my field require more experience than I have,” is a thing I hear from many master’s students. Master’s programs are short, but offer opportunities for internships, co-ops, and work/learning experiences. Do some research on what’s possible for you.

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