From the Ivory Tower to the Corporate Campus : Taking your graduate degree outside the academy.
22
From the Ivory Tower to the Corporate Campus : Taking your graduate degree outside the academy
-
Upload
beatrice-short -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
1
Transcript of From the Ivory Tower to the Corporate Campus : Taking your graduate degree outside the academy.
From the Ivory Tower to the Corporate Campus :Taking your graduate degree outside the academy
Opening Thoughts
Goals & Aspirations Change Perhaps Academia was your original plan,
but . . . It may still be what you prefer, but
positions are few & far between Maybe you pursued a Ph.D. due to your
passion for learning and you have an open mind about career opportunities
Opening Thoughts
Your original motivation to pursue graduate study
Your experience of your graduate program
Your level of satisfaction with what you’ve done
Outside influences on your career choices
Return on Your Investment
Academy or Industry ?
Points to Ponder: Ph.D’s moving into the non-academic world
are making a genuine career change This experience will create some degree of
anxiety, but it can also be an exciting opportunity
There are steps you can take to manage the stress and enhance your chances of success
“The Cult of Higher Education”
“A Womb with a View” – The Reproductive function of Higher Education
Enculturation to Academic Expectations
The concept of “Knowledge Creation” as the sole purpose of research
Distain for “Applied Knowledge” Higher Ed as a “prestige maximizing”
institution
Changes . . .
Changing your Mindset Changing your Focus Changing your Culture
Changing Your Mindset
This is BOTH mental & emotional You’ve been socialized to see a non-
academic career as a personal failure Your education as a Ph.D.(and the culture of
your discipline) backgrounds your inner voice that guides your authentic choices, those that bring out the best you have to offer and what helps you thrive
You may feel that leaving academia means leaving your experience, your investment behind
You’re convinced you know nothing
Changing Your Focus
You currently exist in an academic world, it permeates who you are
Your mentor/advisor/dissertation chair may not be supportive of your “leaving the fold”
It may be difficult to communicate your accomplishments to the outside world
Without a traditional work history, you may be seen a overeducated, but under qualified
Changing Your Culture
Broaden your worldview – What’s out there? Recognize your values, but consider who
shares them Re-connect with your passions, preferences
and genuine goals NETWORK – connect with Ph.D.’s in your
field, outside of Academia Re-Think your degree & your education,
what foundation has it laid, what has it prepared you for?
Taking Stock
Every year, thousands of Ph.D.’s apply to academic positions they really don’t want
Every year, choice non-academic jobs go to less talented, less creative, less competent applicants, because Ph.D.’s won’t leave the ivory tower
Every year, intelligent, educated, motivated and socially concerned people (that’s YOU) wind up in jobs that don’t excite them or make full use of their talents.
Taking Stock
Serious Self-Assessment Extensive Research Exploration of Options Systematic Campaign to Market
Yourself
Self Assessment
What will you find genuinely satisfying in regard to work?
What are your needs (essential) and desires (ideal) in regard to scope of work, income, other benefits?
Shift your perspective from your accomplishments to the skills you’ve developed
Reframe your research to match the industry you’re entering (e.g. for a consulting firm promote your communication, training and critical thinking skills)
Planning Your Marketing Strategy
Know Yourself Be able to describe your experience
& education Know your prospective employers
Do your research, do your homework Network, network, network
Develop your Resume and Interview Questions & Answers
Resume as Marketing Tool Employers typically spend 60
seconds per resume Keep it to two pages It’s a snapshot – just a quick picture It’s condensed soup – essential
ingredients only Use THEIR language – mirror what
you find in the position description
Headings for the Resume
Objective Education – Be concise – relate it to the
position Experience /Practical Knowledge Specific Skills / Certifications Leadership/Activities/Volunteer Work Other information pertinent to the position
Skills on Resume = Skills to demonstrate in Interview Communication Teamwork Strong Work Ethic Problem Solving Skills Organizational Skills Leadership/Managerial Skills Interpersonal Skills Computer Skills
Things to Remember
NETWORK – Conversations with people in the business can guide your decision-making and save you time & energy
You’re quick-studies – a little training goes a long way
Freelancing is a good way to get acclimated & you can start while you’re still in school
Thoughts
Ph.D.’s working outside academia report just as much job satisfaction, creative control, independence and intellectual stimulation as those inside
Networking and maintaining contact are essential
It’s a process, it takes time Patience and persistence pay off
Where to Look
Professional Organizations in your field www.career.arizona.edu/
State & Federal Government www.azstatejobs.gov www.usajobs.gov
Other Industries tied to your academic field
Resources on the Web
Information on Nonacademic Careers http://chronicle.com/article/Where-to-Find-Information-o/45379/
Resources for the Transition to the Outside World http://www.phds.org/jobs/nonacademic-careers/
Non-Academic Employers that Hire Ph.D.’s http://www.phds.org/jobs/nonacademic-careers/
nonacademic-employers-that-hire-phds/ Non-Academic Employers for Ph.D.’s in the
Social Sciences http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/
tipsheets/non-academic-career-options-phds-and-mas
More Resources
Non-Academic Jobs in the Sciences http://www.sciencejobs.org/
Other Ph.D. jobs http://jobs.phds.org
Jobs for Humanities – academic & non-academic http://www.h-net.org/jobs/home.php
Non-Academic Humanities positions http://www.selloutyoursoul.com/
