Mastering the Art of Securing Jobs Before Finishing Your PhD Programme

The journey towards a PhD is a remarkable one, characterized by years of rigorous research, relentless dedication, and countless moments of triumph and challenge. As you approach the final year of your PhD, the finish line is in sight, but it’s also a time when you must prepare for your next career move. The transition from academia to the professional world can be daunting, but with strategic planning, project management skills, and a focus on personal development, you can increase your chances of securing a job before completing your PhD. Our analyst explores these factors in line with the recent reactions that followed some of our series on the essence of PhD programmes and holders of the degree in Africa.

Strategic Action Planning

Consciously or unconsciously, as a PhD student, you are expected to understand and apply certain strategic principles in the course of organizing and executing specific tasks of your programme. Specifically, the last two years of your programme are not only about wrapping up your research; it’s a crucial period for setting the stage for your post-PhD career. The way you define your research goals and objectives while conducting the research aspect of the programme should be extended to job hunting. Clearly outline your career objectives. What type of job are you aiming for? What industries or sectors interest you?

Having clear goals and objectives is not enough. You need to apply the same strategies and tactics you employed for building a network in academia to the industry. Engage with professionals in your desired field. You can create a small seminar or roundtable discussion using some outcomes of your research for the purpose of attracting professionals in your desired industries and companies. In our experience, this approach opens doors for many PhD graduates in a short period.

Read: Why a PhD Holder Should Not Settle for a Care Worker Role

Gaining practical experience related to your future job is also important, especially when you don’t have the resources to organize and execute a thought leadership seminar or roundtable. Doing this will enhance your resume and set you apart among the millions of potential job seekers, especially with higher degrees.

Physical strategies are not enough. You need to work on your webinality. Webinality, according to Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, is a means of letting the public know your abilities and capabilities to carry out tasks as well as the kind of value you possess. Therefore, it is important that you have a solid digital presence. In this regard, ensure that your CV and LinkedIn profile effectively reflect your skills, achievements, and research experience.

Project Management Skills

Project management skills are valuable not only in academia but also in the professional world. Here’s how you can apply them to your advantage:

Set Milestones: Break down your tasks into manageable milestones with clear deadlines. This approach will help you stay organized and focused.

Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks that need your attention and allocate time and resources accordingly.

Stay Adaptable: Be open to adjustments in your plan as research findings or job opportunities arise. Adaptability is a crucial project management skill.

Time and Resource Management: Efficiently manage your time and resources to balance research, administrative duties, and job search efforts.

Personal Time Management and Stress Resilience

In the final year of your PhD, stress can be overwhelming. However, you can develop time management and stress resilience competences by following these approaches:

Create a Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly schedule that allocates time for research, job search, self-care, and personal interests.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being. Regular exercise, meditation, and socializing can help reduce stress.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek advice or emotional support from mentors, colleagues, or counselors.

Stay Positive and Persistent:  Rejections and setbacks are part of the job search process. Stay positive and keep pushing forward.

The final year of your PhD is a pivotal moment where your academic journey meets the professional world. By crafting a strategic action plan, honing your project management skills, and focusing on personal development, you can increase your chances of securing a job before completing your PhD. Embrace the challenges, stay resilient, and set your sights on a bright future beyond the walls of academia. Your PhD is not just a degree; it’s a testament to your determination and a stepping stone to a successful career.