Post-PhD Transitions: What's Next After Defending Your Thesis
After defending your PhD, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads. The exhilaration and relief of successfully completing such a rigorous academic journey are often overshadowed by the uncertainty of what comes next. This article delves into the various paths one might explore post-PhD, from seeking internships to transitioning into new careers, and the personal narratives shared here offer insights and practical advice for navigating these transitions.
Exploring Internships and Industry Gaps
Lea Schwartz, a PhD graduate based in Australia, emphasizes the importance of acquiring additional skills through internships outside the university setting. She advises, 'Get some internships outside of university. Great to get a taste of what you might like after your PhD. Also, this is super important if you don’t want to stay in your related field.' This is echoed by Rhys Jaggarm, who notes that stating 'your PhD has some translatable skills is only half true.' Many organizations may be skeptical of this claim, and additional practical experience can significantly enhance your employability.
Personal Experiences: Defending in Different Eras
Interviewee 1, who completed a PhD in the UK in 1996, recounts the surreal experience of defending when faced with a form designed for typewritten submissions and a pen. In a state of shock, she had no idea what to do. She was taken to a pub by the department, where sugary non-alcoholic drinks and ham sandwiches were provided until reality set in. She then drove home to her parents and wife and children, and eventually returned to work. Her narrative highlights the shock and transition that many face when their intense academic period comes to an end.
Interviewee 2, a PhD graduate from Australia in 2021, also describes the post-defense experience. Faced with the form and the bureaucratic aspects of her final days, she says, 'I will probably spend the evening formatting and wiping my disks on my PC.' This time, she admits, the interaction with her supervisors was enjoyable, but the passion for her work had been asphyxiated by red tape and politics. She plans to quietly go to bed and ignore everything she has done in the last six years, then return to her job.
Continuing Work and Teaching After Defense
Professor Ethan Lee, who defended his PhD and continued to work and teach at the university, agrees with Rhys Jaggarm. He mentions feeling exhausted after the defense and stating, 'I did not want to write a single article for a couple of years.' His experience illustrates a common post-PhD sentiment of both relief and burnout.
Celebrating Achievements
After defending her PhD, Lea Schwartz celebrated with her defense committee at a faculty club with a few beers. She then rejoined her girlfriend at their apartment, where they celebrated further, with a wine bottle that got damaged. The next morning, she sat in front of the fireplace with the final handwritten draft of her thesis, threw crumpled pages one by one into the fireplace, and then returned to work.
These personal accounts offer glimpses into the varied experiences and emotional journeys of PhD graduates after defending their theses. Each story underscores the importance of strategic planning for post-PhD transitions, whether pursuing new internships, transitioning into new careers, or continuing within academia.