University Affairs

So what are you going to do with that degree?

I came across an excellent video I thought I’d send your way this week. It’s a talk the Susan Basalla gave at Syracuse University on getting ready for the many options you can explore with a graduate degree.

Basalla, along with Maggie Debelius wrote “So What Are You Going to Do With That?: A Guide for M.A.’s and PhD’s Seeking Careers Outside the Academy”. This is a ‘must read’ for anyone considering ‘expanded options’ outside academe. It’s based on two years of research and hundreds of interviews with students, faculty and administrators.

Her video lasts over an hour but I thought I’d give you my comments on her 5 ‘don’ts’ to give you the gist of her approach.

• Don’t mistake your dissertation for your greatest accomplishment – Most of the value of your dissertation outside of academe will come from the skills and qualities you used throughout the process of writing it, not from the content or final product. Remember that when writing your résumé.
• Don’t depend on classified ads – Job searching in the knowledge economy outside academe is a radically different dynamic than inside where postings are de rigueur. People will always hire someone they know or who has been recommended to them before sifting through hundreds of résumés (if they have a choice in the matter) – wouldn’t you?
• Don’t underestimate the value of your non-academic pursuits – In spite of the pressure you will feel to ‘finish in a timely manner’ don’t forget what you care about outside academe. When you are finished, you will be saner if you have had an outlet to remember who you are when you are not being ‘an academic’. You will also be surprised at how often those ‘irrelevant’ activities end up launching you in a terrific career direction – read Basalla’s book for many examples of this.
• Don’t be afraid to start at entry level – especially if you have little or no experience. Learn the ropes, prove yourself and then get ready to catapult. Heck – you’ve been living off of TAships and maybe a scholarship or two for years – at least you’ll be making more than that while you go through this phase. Believe me, things move a LOT more quickly in the private sector – and no one will ask you to write a book to get promoted!
• Don’t try to figure it all out at once – Basalla suggests 3 month windows to reach achievable milestones. Makes sense especially if you are still writing. If you are already in the process of severing the bonds with academe, you may need to get a short term job to pay the bills while you start transitioning. Don’t panic, this is a strategic and temporary state of affairs. You are starting down a path you’ve never seen before. Give yourself a chance to let things unfold. You don’t know how good you are yet, and once you realize this you will wonder what kept you inside the ivory tower for so long.

Leave a comment

Name (Required)

Mail (will not be published) (Required)

Website