When I started my PhD, I had one goal in mind: become a professor. Like many of you, I imagined myself teaching, doing research, and contributing knowledge for a lifetime. The idea of leaving academia wasn’t even on my radar.
But here’s the reality: for many doctoral students, the path outside academia becomes not only a possibility, but the best choice. And making that decision isn’t just about jobs—it’s about identity, values, and the kind of life you want to live.
Grieving the “Future Professor” Identity
One of the hardest parts of considering non-academic careers is letting go of the identity of being a “future professor.” Michelle R. Boyd has pointed out that this requires space to grieve the imagined life before you can embrace alternatives.
It’s not about “dropping out.” It’s about redirecting your expertise to where it can make the most impact.
My Own Journey Beyond the Faculty Track
When I finishing up my doctorate degree in 2011, leaving academia felt almost unthinkable. Faculty advisors supported our dissertation research but rarely offered guidance for anything beyond faculty positions. I didn’t even know career services could help PhDs. Instead, we leaned on peers, trading drafts of job materials and interview tips.
I applied to dozens of faculty roles, worked part-time as an adjunct, and eventually landed a visiting professorship. After a year of that, I secured what felt like a victory: a non-tenure track lecturer role at a small liberal arts college.
But here’s the catch: five courses per semester, little time for research, and the arrival of my first child left me exhausted. I realized I didn’t want a career where I had nothing left to give my family at the end of the day. My values had also changed in time as well as what I really enjoyed doing as a faculty: which was advising students on their academic and career goals.
The decision to leave academia wasn’t easy—it took another two years of exploration, additional training, and experiences in advising and program evaluation. But ultimately, those roles led me to a career in student affairs and career counseling, where I could still use my research, teaching, and mentoring skills in new ways.
You can view my profile here: https://careertools.binghamton.edu/staff/#ozzy-girit-heck-ph-d
Takeaway: Pay attention to how different roles fit the life you want, not just the career you imagined.
What Other Academics Recommend
I’m not alone in this. Leaders like Julie Posselt have encouraged doctoral students to test the waters early—through internships, volunteer projects, consulting work, or short-term fellowships. These opportunities give you insight into other roles while you’re still in graduate school.
Professional associations (APA, MLA, and others) also emphasize the value of networking and informational interviews. Talking to people in different fields helps you explore options and see where your skills might fit.
Platforms like Beyond the Professoriate, founded by Marén Wood, PhD, also provide structured ways to make this transition. Their career training helps you:
- Map your doctoral skills (critical thinking, writing, project management, data analysis) onto employer language.
- Explore career paths systematically.
- Practice presenting your strengths in non-academic contexts.
Takeaway: Start experimenting early. Internships, networking, and skill mapping make the transition smoother.
Moving Forward
Leaving academia—or even considering it—can feel overwhelming. But it’s not a step backward. It’s an opportunity to broaden where your expertise can make a difference.
If you’re ready to start exploring, join us for our upcoming events:
📅How to Explore Career Options in Industry
🗓️ October 1 at 12 PM
📍 UU-133A
📅How to Build a LinkedIn Profile for an Industry Job Search
🗓️ October 15 at 12 PM
📍 UU-111
📅 Employer Research and Networking with Beyond the Professoriate
🗓️ October 17 at 10:30 AM
📍 UU-133A
Together, we’ll talk about how to research career options, build connections, and make informed, confident decisions about your future.
Remember: You’re not abandoning your PhD—you’re expanding what you can do with it.
*This post was enhanced through suggestions made by ChatGPT.
