1.
Have realistic expectations
2.
Clear idea of why you want a PhD- motivates and
help you to decide on what to do after: Do I need a PhD for a specific job and
Do I want to do a PhD because I love the subject?
3.
Take advantage of opportunities to network
outside of your discipline- disciplines are artificial constraints
4.
Start applying for jobs as soon as you get your viva
date
5.
Create a blog to support job application
6.
Work
- convince employers that you are highly-skilled
graduates and have the skills (to a superior level) they are looking for.
-do not underestimate the skills you develop while
studying for a PhD involving writing a thesis of 80,000 words and defend in a
viva: highly developed skills that are transferable to a range of different jobs
(transferable skills), eg: know your subject intimately, able to communicate
well to a variety of people and specialists, resilience, tenacity, networking,
teamworking, dealing with difficult people, presentation skills and academic achievements.
7.
Remember how many options you have- LinkedIn,
start business, job outside academia
8.
Use digital media to raise your profile
9.
Think what career you want- http://www.labnews.co.uk
10. Research
communication is as important as actually doing the work- http://www.phd2published.com/
(Source: Anyangwe E (2011) Q&A best bits: Life
after a PhD. http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2011/apr/27/career-options-after-a-phd?fb=optOut)
