#701 32 Sectors PhDs Get Hired Into. Ultimate Guide

·12 min·1 clip

Isaiah reveals the top 32 sectors where PhDs are actually getting hired, based on data from thousands of placements.

The episode begins with Isaiah acknowledging the frequent question from PhDs about what they can do with their degree, noting the niche focus in academia or being stuck in one industry field. He advises against starting a job search by looking at job boards for titles, as this leads to confusion due to inconsistent job descriptions and titles. Instead, he recommends starting with a broader view of industry sectors. Isaiah then reveals that his team has analyzed data from thousands of PhDs they've helped get hired to create a list of the top 32 sectors for PhD employment, which he is sharing publicly for the first time. He mentions a free, live career transition challenge where he will discuss these sectors in more detail. The bulk of the episode consists of Isaiah listing and briefly describing each of the 32 sectors. The descriptions include the sector's focus, key activities, and sometimes why PhDs are a good fit. Sectors covered range from engineering fields like aeronautical engineering and electronic engineering to life sciences like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. He also includes sectors like consulting, data analytics, fintech, food and beverage technology, and non-profits. Other sectors mentioned are insurance, learning and development, medical devices, natural resources, oil and gas (including renewable energy), public health, regulatory affairs, semiconductors, social justice, social media, sports, supply chain, tech, and venture capital. Isaiah emphasizes that this list is specific to PhDs and that they have helped PhDs get hired into every one of these sectors. He concludes by reiterating the strategy: start by identifying sectors of interest, then look at companies within those sectors, and only then consider job titles. The episode ends with a reminder for PhDs to recognize their value and think like industry professionals.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from PhD Transition Report On-Demand