Your PhD...what next? : Develop your skills

Take time to consider what skills you have gained during your PhD. How can you further develop your skills and prepare for your future career?

Skills training for PhDs

Most universities have a programme of training that is offered to PhD students. This includes training specifically related to your research, such as:

• research techniques;
• writing research papers;
• making technical presentations;
• issues related to patents.

Training also addresses other areas, often referred to as transferable skills, such as:

• time management;
• project management;
• negotiating;
• effective communication;
• leadership;
• assertiveness.

External organisations such as Vitae , the individual research councils (see Research Councils UK for a list), funding bodies and professional bodies may also offer training to support your development.

Employers want to see evidence that you have competency in the skills required for the job. Keep a record of your experience and achievements, building your CV as you progress. Balance targeted skill development with keeping your options open by developing a broad range of skills. A flexible approach is essential as employers are increasingly looking to recruit those with a rounded skill set.

See academic jobs and non-academic jobs and also employer websites for more information.

How can I develop my skills?

Demonstrating/teaching - will develop your people management skills, particularly through assessing learning and giving effective feedback. Teaching also develops your ability to talk about your subject area, which will improve your communication skills and prepare you for discussing your research at interviews.

Committee work - in addition to developing your communication and negotiating skills, participation will give you a broader view of the way in which your department is managed - a useful insight if you intend to stay in academia. It can also be a good way to learn about the structure and nature of formal meetings.

Supervising research - presents an opportunity to learn how to manage research effectively, to develop effective research skills in others and to develop your own skills in providing advice and encouragement.

Presenting at or attending conferences - provides an opportunity to develop your networking and communication skills. You will make new contacts, develop potential collaborations and improve your understanding of the context of research.

Joining a professional body - investigate the professional body most relevant to your area of study, particularly if you intend to build your career in research or a related area. You may be able to begin assessment towards professional membership, which will require you to demonstrate your professional skills as well as knowledge.

In the workplace - your research may involve spending time (often months) in a different setting related to your funding. Use this opportunity to investigate the career paths of other researchers or to gain insight into other opportunities. If your studies don’t include a placement and you don’t have time for other part-time work, you can still talk to potential employers or do some work shadowing to find out more about a particular career. Many university careers services and alumni offices have databases of alumni or local contacts willing to discuss their work.

At the students’ union - as an undergraduate you may have been involved with student societies or voluntary work. These often provide excellent opportunities for skills development and you can continue these activities while working towards your PhD.

Volunteering - for a local charity or voluntary organisation, or as a mentor on a university scheme, for example mentoring students who are at an earlier career stage to you. You will develop valuable skills and demonstrate to employers that you are prepared to help others and give something back.