Did you know the Careers Service is here for you?
- Maximise your employability during a PhD - whether in academic research or beyond
- Impartial, knowledgeable and dedicated service - helping you make the most of your PhD at Cambridge
Watch this video Getting Started: Resources for PhDs to ensure you get information on briefings, employer presentations, careers fairs, graduate schemes and jobs that interest you.
Career Essentials for PhDs and postdocs
Career Essentials for PhDs and postdocs is a package of resources and workshops designed to meet the core career needs of early career researchers from those looking to progress an academic career to those exploring their options beyond academic research. It covers
- Academic Career Management: supporting you to understand the academic career path, reflect on your development and identify activity to support your career progression
- Career Planning Tools: resources to support you with considering what you want from a career and exploring your options. These tools can support your career planning whether you’re exploring your options post-PhD, considering a career change or just want to weigh up your options.
- Building Your Network: resources and practical advice on connecting with others to support your career planning and development .
- Get Recruitment Ready: tools to enable you to craft winning applications for academia and beyond.
Career thinking: what stage are you at?
I'm looking for ideas
- Activate your account on Handshake, the Careers Service platform for access to: 1-to-1 guidance consultations; booking your spot on workshops and briefings; careers fairs and employer presentations
- Receive information tailored by our Careers Service team, by making sure to fill out your Career Interests on your Handshake account
- Do something outside of the focus of your research. Looking for ideas? Check out our quick guides.
- Build your network to get ideas - connect with alumni
- Take time to explore the career path that works best for you using our career planning tools
I've got a few ideas
Thinking of continuing in academia?
- Read our quick guide on planning an academic career
- Explore the Academia section (for AHSS and STEM) in our Career Sectors A-Z
- Consider applying for fellowships you may be eligible for, including Junior Research Fellowships in colleges
Considering applying your research skills elsewhere?
- Consider research in industry
- Your research skills are valuable in many areas. Get an idea of possible Careers Beyond Research and remember that your PhD skills can be used in many sectors
I have a clear idea
- Download our Cambridge CV and application book specifically for PhDs and postdocs
- Prepare for interviews for academic, industrial and non-research positions by using our guides with real questions from Cambridge researchers
- Careers Service web page on Junior research fellowships