Have you ever wondered about skills you gain during a PhD that are transferrable to any sector? You came to the right place. Here are 6 Skills you gain during a PhD that are transferrable to any sector.
Lately, there has been debate about whether doing a PhD is worth it.
In recent years, many people have chosen to either complete their PhDs then leave academia to work in their respective industries or quit their PhD altogether.
Many leave academia or quit PhD programs due to various reasons: high stress levels, long hours, low pay, lack of job security, and limited career progression.
Others seek greater work-life balance, industry relevance, or more lucrative opportunities in non-academic sectors.
Whether you choose to stay in academia or enter industry, your PhD can equip you with essential skills that can serve you in an sector.
6 Skills you gain during a PhD that are transferrable to any sector
1. Research
A PhD program cultivates research skills through the intensive process of designing your thesis research, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up your findings, including in scientific publications.
These skills come in handy in many other job settings. Sectors such as industry, NGO, or government work may require you to design research, collect and analyze relevant data, and write technical and scientific reports.
2. Data analysis
A PhD program involves collecting, processing, and interpreting large datasets.
This cultivates data analysis skills, including statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling.
It also enhances proficiency in data analysis software and programming languages.
Skills such as coding, data analysis using R, GIS mapping, and others are in high demand across a range of sectors.
3. Public engagement and science communication
A PhD program encourages public engagement and science communication. It involves presenting research at conferences, writing papers, and explaining complex ideas to experts and non-experts alike.
This fosters skills in clear communication, public speaking, and audience engagement.
It also promotes understanding of the importance of making research accessible and relevant to the public.
4. Critical thinking and problem-solving
Critical thinking is the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
A PhD program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills through rigorous research. It involves identifying research gaps, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing data.
This process hones abilities to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, draw conclusions, and devise solutions to complex problems, essential in many professional settings.
5. Project management
This involves planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully complete specific project goals and objectives.
It starts right from the ideation of the thesis project to the final submission. A PhD program involves managing complex research projects, requiring planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
It necessitates meeting deadlines, balancing multiple tasks, and coordinating with team members.
These experiences cultivate project management skills, preparing students for roles that require overseeing projects, teams, and resources effectively.
They also foster collaboration and teamwork as you work with your research team (e.g. research assistants and enumerators) to organize and carry out fieldwork.
6. Fundraising
A PhD program often involves securing research funding.
This process develops skills in writing grant proposals, budgeting, and financial planning.
It also enhances abilities to articulate research value, network with funding bodies, and negotiate resources. These experiences foster fundraising skills, valuable in academia and beyond.
Conclusion
Overall, whether you decide to pursue or complete a PhD or not, it’s important to keep in mind that the skills you can be transferred to other industries/ sectors should you choose not to continue in academia.
A PhD helps you gain skills in research, data analysis, public engagement, critical thinking and problem-solving, project management and fundraising.
The potential of these skills should not be overlooked as they can be applied in a variety of sectors, including NGO, consulting, government, or the private sector, to make you an asset to your organization.