Building a Career Outside Academia: A Guide for Doctoral Students in the Behavioral and Social Sciences

After years of hard work and many long hours, you’ve finally finished your dissertation and earned your doctorate. You have persevered through many challenges, but there is still one dilemma that lays before you: What will you do with your degree?

While many graduates go on to pursue academic careers, academia isn’t for everyone. This career guide examines the rewarding opportunities that await social and behavioral science doctorates in nonacademic sectors, including government, consulting, think tanks, for-profit corporations, and nonprofit associations. The chapter authors are experienced professionals who provide an insider’s look into their respective fields. They explain why they chose their paths, the challenges they overcame, and how they applied their PhDs to make a difference in the real world. Chapters offers tips for leveraging support from mentors, conducting job searches, marketing your degree and skillset, networking, and preparing for interviews. This expert guidance will help you decide what career is the best fit for you.