Orienting Yourself to a PhD Program
Are you considering pursuing a PhD? Are you exploring PhD positions or PhD research? There are various reasons to embark on a PhD program: it could be that you'd like to spend a few more years at the university doing research, or that you want to further develop yourself in a particular field, or that you simply want "Dr." in front of your name. Whatever your precise motivation may be, it's important to be aware of the following things beforehand.
What is a PhD Research Project?
In short, a PhD involves conducting research for four years and writing a dissertation about it, which you then defend before a committee of professors. After this, you are awarded a doctorate.
Why Would You Want to Pursue a PhD?
You immerse yourself in research for four years and get the opportunity to take various courses, attend conferences, give lectures, meet new people, and further develop yourself, both personally and professionally. Your PhD program is viewed by the university as a learning journey, and this has implications for your salary: generally speaking, salaries in the private sector are higher. On the other hand, as a PhD candidate, you have much more freedom.
For a career in academia, pursuing a PhD after your Master's or Research Master's is the first step. For a career in the private sector, a PhD often gives you an edge as an applicant.
What Can You Do After Your PhD?
Many people think that once you start a PhD program, you must or can remain at the university for the rest of your career. This is not the case. Recent research by the Rathenau Institute (2022) shows that only 30 percent of PhD graduates ultimately continue to work at the university. 70 percent find a job outside of the academic world.
Start your orientation with the Career Navigator from AcademicTransfer, a handy tool that helps you discover your opportunities as a researcher. This roadmap provides you with insight into research positions within various sectors in the Netherlands. You'll find general information about positions, tasks, and skills, advice from experts in various sectors, and personal stories from researchers who have made career transitions. And there's more! Register for free on AcademicTransfer and gain access to various tools that support you in exploring and taking career steps.
