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What resources might help a science education postdoc figure out a career change?
I always though I wanted to be a professor, but now that I have a Science Education PhD and am near the end of my postdoc, I find I don't really want to go into traditional academia (At least not with a research component). Unfortunately the schools that are hiring without a research component are hiring adjuncts or VAPs only, which is not sustainable long term.
I've never considered what else to do and am seeing a lot of roles that I'm over-educated but underqualified for. I don't know what job hunting resources are out there when you have a PhD but no known/intended career field. I do not care about the money beyond pays-my-rent-food-and-gas, and I'm more than willing and even potentially interested in "downsizing" the career aspirations to a field where I can make a positive community impact that is not necessarily in my field.
Are there any programs or coaches that could help me explore what might fit my skills?
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Jimmy’s Answer
Hello Kat! I'm going to tackle this question from a unique perspective, as I've recently undergone a major career shift myself. It can seem like a mountain to climb, but it's great that you're open to downsizing. My first suggestion would be to carve out some personal time for introspection and journaling. It's often challenging to make sense of everything, and sometimes adding more voices to the conversation doesn't necessarily lead to clarity. Here are some questions that I've found helpful in my own reflections:
1. What initially drove me to pursue higher education?
2. What were the alternatives I contemplated when choosing my major?
3. What are my hobbies, passions, and interests? Do they intersect with my PhD field of study?
4. If I could sketch out my dream work environment and daily routine, what would it look like?
5. What are the absolutes for me in a career?
6. Do I engage in any form of spiritual practice?
If you answered 'yes' to the final question, I suggest spending some spiritual time with yourself to uncover potential answers. If you don't have a spiritual practice (I didn't have any religious or spiritual practices when I began my career transition), I'd recommend exploring Astrology. Understanding your "birth chart" can offer profound insights into your personality, motivations, and boundaries. It can guide you towards your life's purpose. I'd suggest the Chani app if you're interested.
I strongly recommend conducting thorough soul-searching and career exploration on your own before consulting a recruiter. If you have the mental and financial bandwidth, the more time you can dedicate to this decision, the more precise your outcome may be.
Remember, the title 'PhD' carries significant weight in most parts of the world. No matter where your journey takes you, those three letters will accompany you, possibly illuminating the right path. Sending positive vibes your way from Ohio!
1. What initially drove me to pursue higher education?
2. What were the alternatives I contemplated when choosing my major?
3. What are my hobbies, passions, and interests? Do they intersect with my PhD field of study?
4. If I could sketch out my dream work environment and daily routine, what would it look like?
5. What are the absolutes for me in a career?
6. Do I engage in any form of spiritual practice?
If you answered 'yes' to the final question, I suggest spending some spiritual time with yourself to uncover potential answers. If you don't have a spiritual practice (I didn't have any religious or spiritual practices when I began my career transition), I'd recommend exploring Astrology. Understanding your "birth chart" can offer profound insights into your personality, motivations, and boundaries. It can guide you towards your life's purpose. I'd suggest the Chani app if you're interested.
I strongly recommend conducting thorough soul-searching and career exploration on your own before consulting a recruiter. If you have the mental and financial bandwidth, the more time you can dedicate to this decision, the more precise your outcome may be.
Remember, the title 'PhD' carries significant weight in most parts of the world. No matter where your journey takes you, those three letters will accompany you, possibly illuminating the right path. Sending positive vibes your way from Ohio!
Seth Daniel Bernstein
Coach, Counselor, Personal Branding Expert, Marketer, Educator
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Seth Daniel’s Answer
Hi Kat, great question! I was a career counselor (now retired) at a graduate university and had the opportunity to work with PhD candidates and post-docs on their career plans. Michelle has passed along sound advice. I'll just add a couple of additional suggestions.
- If you are at all unclear about what kinds of careers (teaching, administration, scientific field work, activism) you would enjoy the most, most university career offices offer self-assessment tools that can get you started. I worked at a variety of college career offices, and quite frankly some are able to handle career management for graduate students better than others. If the career office at your university is not a good fit for you, there are a variety of self-assessment tools online (search "career assessment"). If you are able to handle the financial side of a facilitated process, the National Career Development Association (https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_help) is a helpful resource.
- Although it may seem like putting the cart before the horse, I've found that some people benefit from reading job descriptions across various disciplines early in their job search. For example, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) engage in a variety of developmental projects around the world, many of which require scientific expertise. Many government agencies do the same, as do private companies. Using the job search engine of your choice (enter "science job search" and you'll get many options), peruse the content of various positions. You may find some resonate, while others don't. Think critically about why you were attracted to some job descriptions, and not others. You might become more focused on what you want.
- Similarly, some "visioning" about the kind of environment you wish to work in. Imagine your ideal day at work. Are you in a lab? In the field doing experimental work? Teaching/training/educating? In an office interpreting data and developing projects? Sometimes the answers are within!
You have so much to be proud of for what you've accomplished, and it's great that you're approaching the next phase of your professional life with openness and curiosity!
Consider your need for career assessment that will help you decide what your primary interests, skills and personal satisfaction elements are. You can use some of the resources suggested by MIchelle and me.
Peruse various job descriptions across multiple in fields in Science (or other areas). What do you like? What don't you like?
Consider whether you would like facilitated/guided career counseling to assist with some or all of your journey. Career Centers at universities are free. There are also practitioners who offer their own services.
Use your imagination! Picture yourself having a satisfying day at work. What kind of work are you doing? Where are you? With whom are you interacting??
Take time to evaluate what you've learned about yourself from the above suggestions. Some find it helpful to synthesize their self-learning by journaling, or even beginning to write a resume for a job you may have seen that you find appealing. Don't even worry about applying if you don't want to. Just getting your qualifications in writing can be a big help as you clarify your direction.
- If you are at all unclear about what kinds of careers (teaching, administration, scientific field work, activism) you would enjoy the most, most university career offices offer self-assessment tools that can get you started. I worked at a variety of college career offices, and quite frankly some are able to handle career management for graduate students better than others. If the career office at your university is not a good fit for you, there are a variety of self-assessment tools online (search "career assessment"). If you are able to handle the financial side of a facilitated process, the National Career Development Association (https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_help) is a helpful resource.
- Although it may seem like putting the cart before the horse, I've found that some people benefit from reading job descriptions across various disciplines early in their job search. For example, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) engage in a variety of developmental projects around the world, many of which require scientific expertise. Many government agencies do the same, as do private companies. Using the job search engine of your choice (enter "science job search" and you'll get many options), peruse the content of various positions. You may find some resonate, while others don't. Think critically about why you were attracted to some job descriptions, and not others. You might become more focused on what you want.
- Similarly, some "visioning" about the kind of environment you wish to work in. Imagine your ideal day at work. Are you in a lab? In the field doing experimental work? Teaching/training/educating? In an office interpreting data and developing projects? Sometimes the answers are within!
You have so much to be proud of for what you've accomplished, and it's great that you're approaching the next phase of your professional life with openness and curiosity!
Seth Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hello Kat,
I would recommend looking at high school level reaching positions in your area. In many school districts having a doctorate can help your pay levels and you can look for opportunities to be a principal or coordinate science curriculum for the school or school district.
I would recommend looking at high school level reaching positions in your area. In many school districts having a doctorate can help your pay levels and you can look for opportunities to be a principal or coordinate science curriculum for the school or school district.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kat !
This is a good question and I can understand the lack of resources you must be facing. It will depend on which subject you've studied in the Science field, but there are some careers that would suit you other than doing research in a college as you have said you do not want to do. You can start applying for teaching jobs in your local School District for high school and see what happens. Don't worry about being overqualified.
Here are some careers that you can consider: Publisher for science related material, Curriculum Leader, Policy Analyst, Medical Science Liaison if your subject is in a human science, Environmental Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Business Consultant, Product Manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that two careers suited for PhDs in a non-academic niche would be the growing fields of Law and Physical Therapy. I am not sure which type of science you are involved in, but once you state that, you can be helped more accurately.
I would suggest presenting your situation to an academic counselor at the university you are currently attending for your PhD. You can also consider visiting the college you attended for undergrad and your Masters Degree and see what resources they have for you as a current student or since you are an alumnus. Don't be discouraged. I have applied for jobs that I was over qualified for with my degree as I am in Acting and lots of times employers feel that they would have a bonus if they hire someone with a strong academic background.
You can also register at Linked In and follow companies that you'd be interested in working at. Visit their websites and see which jobs they are hiring for. You'll have to decide on the type of work you'd like to do to start looking for employment. Don't shy away from sending resumes for a variety of jobs. You never know what can happen ! Have you considered registering at Temporary Agencies to discover various types of work without committing to a permanent job until you decide what you'd like to do ? That may be an option.
I would say that the best resources and "coaching" for you would be no cost to you at your previous and or current University. It's going to begin with you exploring a bit more and than you can focus on the types of jobs you can apply for. You also can return here to Career Village and present any details around your concerns such as what your other degrees are in as that can be a focus as to how you are advised. I wouldn't hesitate to teach at the high school level because there are many positions in high school besides teaching, too, such as Principal, Vice Principal, etc.
I hope this helps and remember that you can return here if you have any more questions ! We're glad to help !
This is a good question and I can understand the lack of resources you must be facing. It will depend on which subject you've studied in the Science field, but there are some careers that would suit you other than doing research in a college as you have said you do not want to do. You can start applying for teaching jobs in your local School District for high school and see what happens. Don't worry about being overqualified.
Here are some careers that you can consider: Publisher for science related material, Curriculum Leader, Policy Analyst, Medical Science Liaison if your subject is in a human science, Environmental Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Business Consultant, Product Manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that two careers suited for PhDs in a non-academic niche would be the growing fields of Law and Physical Therapy. I am not sure which type of science you are involved in, but once you state that, you can be helped more accurately.
I would suggest presenting your situation to an academic counselor at the university you are currently attending for your PhD. You can also consider visiting the college you attended for undergrad and your Masters Degree and see what resources they have for you as a current student or since you are an alumnus. Don't be discouraged. I have applied for jobs that I was over qualified for with my degree as I am in Acting and lots of times employers feel that they would have a bonus if they hire someone with a strong academic background.
You can also register at Linked In and follow companies that you'd be interested in working at. Visit their websites and see which jobs they are hiring for. You'll have to decide on the type of work you'd like to do to start looking for employment. Don't shy away from sending resumes for a variety of jobs. You never know what can happen ! Have you considered registering at Temporary Agencies to discover various types of work without committing to a permanent job until you decide what you'd like to do ? That may be an option.
I would say that the best resources and "coaching" for you would be no cost to you at your previous and or current University. It's going to begin with you exploring a bit more and than you can focus on the types of jobs you can apply for. You also can return here to Career Village and present any details around your concerns such as what your other degrees are in as that can be a focus as to how you are advised. I wouldn't hesitate to teach at the high school level because there are many positions in high school besides teaching, too, such as Principal, Vice Principal, etc.
I hope this helps and remember that you can return here if you have any more questions ! We're glad to help !
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