Chapter 8: Career Counseling for Doctoral Students and Research Institutions

Patrick’s experience is not uncommon for doctor of philosophy (PhD) graduates seeking a tenure-track professor position. Often doctoral students will enter into their studies with intentions of working in academia as part of the professorate. These career goals will sometimes shift over the course of study or after graduation, as they become more aware of their career options both inside and outside of academia. The low rate of unemployed PhDs suggests that there are ample non-academic opportunities for PhDs in the market place (Shettle, 1997). Many of these positions are not always readily evident to job seekers or their advisors. Thus, career counselors have a unique opportunity to assist this population in exploring multiple vocational choices and easing their potential career transitions.