How to Make Your PhD Work: A Guide for Creating a Career in Science and Engineering

A modern guide for a challenging modern PhD market

The job market for PhDs in science and engineering has become immensely more challenging in the last decade. As of 2022, less than 5% of PhDs attain permanent academic positions, yet books about navigating PhD programs continue to treat permanent academic employment as the assumed norm. Today's PhDs need tools not only for completing their programs successfully, but for positioning themselves in a varied and competitive job market.

How to Make Your PhD Work meets this need, with concrete, empowering advice that takes account of modern job market challenges and opportunities. It cuts through widespread misconceptions about STEM careers and funding, offers tips for navigating difficult degree programs, and supplies current or prospective PhDs with the tools to radically transform their post-degree career prospects.

How to Make Your PhD Work readers will also find:

• Detailed discussion of topics including postdoctoral fellowships, nonacademic careers, success in industry, and more
• Twelve stories from PhD students who talk about their relationship with their advisor, their success with their project, and their transition into their careers
• Worksheets and case studies designed to help PhDs map out potential career paths
• An author with extensive experience of the nonacademic job market and a real understanding of the challenges STEM PhDs face

How to Make Your PhD Work is ideal for any STEM PhD student, prospective student, or early career researcher looking to improve their positions in the job market.


About the Author

Thomas R. Coughlin, PhD, is founder of the company PhD Source, which advises PhDs on their career prospects. He is also Founder and CEO of Core Merchants LLC, providing consulting and technology to startups and small businesses, and holds numerous positions in the biopharmaceutical industry. He has extensive experience in research, biotech start-ups, and medical communications, and has taught entrepreneurship academically and held industrial positions of many kinds.