Career with a PhD
Do you have a PhD? Explore career paths in academia and industry and learn how to communicate your skills.
With a PhD, you can pursue a career in academia, the Life Science industry or other organisations.
Your research experience gives you skills that you can use in many different roles.
A career in academia
At a university, you can work with research, teaching, supervision, project management and research funding applications.
A research position can help you specialise further, learn new methods and build a strong professional network. However, academic research positions are often temporary and dependent on successful funding applications and grants.
Consider whether you want a long-term career in academia or whether you want to use your experience to pursue a different path.
From PhD to industry
Your PhD can be relevant in many areas of the Life Science industry.
You can work in research and development, building directly on your academic research. But your PhD can also open the door to many other opportunities, such as clinical trials, quality, data analysis, medical communication or project management.
When applying for your first job in industry, translate your experience into the skills the company needs. Do not focus only on your research area. Show how you have solved problems, managed projects, collaborated with others and communicated complex knowledge.
Find a mentor
It is always useful to talk to people who already work in the industry. They can give you insight into different roles, ways of working and the language companies use.
Many people also choose to find a mentor or an experienced professional to discuss their career with. They can give you insight into the industry and challenge your thinking about your career.
This could be someone you already know or someone in your wider network.
You can also apply for a mentor through Pharmadanmarkâs mentoring programme.
Make your skills clear
Transferable skills are skills you can use across different jobs and industries.
Your PhD may have strengthened your analytical, project management, problem-solving and communication skills, as well as your ability to work independently.
Turn these skills into specific examples on your CV. For example, explain how you planned a multi-year project or analysed complex data.
Also describe how you communicated your results to different audiences. This makes it easier for employers to understand the value you can bring.
Get advice on your next step
Our career advisers can help you clarify your direction, communicate your skills and tailor your CV.
Do you need help in your career?
You can always contact our career consultants if you have questions or need guidance regarding your career or job situation.
Phone: +45 39 46 36 30
Mail: karriere@pharmadanmark.dk
