The vast majority of PhD holders leave the university either immediately after defending their doctoral thesis or after spending one or more years as a postdoctoral researcher or a professor. Yet little is known about the careers of PhD holders outside the academic sector.
Where do PhD holders end up when they leave academia? In which sectors, jobs and working conditions? To what extent are their competences, skills and knowledge being utilised outside the academic sector? And what perceptions, stereotypes and opinions do non-academic employers hold about doctorates and PhD holders when recruiting, hiring, selecting and aiming to make optimal use of their expertise within their organisation?
Findings regarding the careers of PhD holders outside the academic sector are based on the PhD Career Survey (2017), the Survey of Employers (2022) and theme-specific studies (e.g. added value of a PhD, entrepreneurship). Optimal use is also made of other databases, including Careers of Doctorate Holders, the Belgian Labour Force Survey and the SERV Workability Monitor for Employees. Particular attention is paid to gender and diversity.
Research topics related to PhD holders outside the academic sector include:
