After successfully completing your research degree
Introduction
After you have handed in your hardbound thesis, post-viva examination, it is important to keep motivated, and to keep your sights fixed on all the positive things which your degree has brought you. You’re now more experienced, more resourceful and more professional. You are also an expert in your field.
Apart from developing a great deal of expertise in one particular subject area, remember that you’ve also gained a set of transferable skills. These skills and qualities have become part of your qualifications - they, just as much as your subject expertise, may be what sells you to an employer.
Not all research students go on to follow a career as professional researchers, and it is important to consider all the options. Taking time to think about what you are going to do next is also an important part of the learning process. In an earlier topic, you reflected on why you chose to do a higher degree and what you thought you would do afterwards. Have your ideas changed?
You may also want to ask yourself:
- What do I want to do now?
- Where do I go for help and advice?
- Can I plan my ongoing career development?
- How can I use all the skills I learned through doing my research degree?
Seeking careers advice
Hopefully you will have been thinking about your career plans throughout your research degree. Friends at work and colleagues may be a good source of advice, but as the final decision about what to do next is yours, you should now begin to gather the most appropriate and up to date information about career and employment choices and job requirements.
Although a formal network of contacts may be available to you, such as the University Careers Service, you should also remember that your informal network of contacts can be just as important. This group is likely to include colleagues, experts in your field, and contacts made at conferences. Use this network to seek advice and guidance.
The University Careers Service will be able to help and support you as you consider career options. They can provide you with information on how to write a CV, interview techniques and help you to find out more information about different types of careers. Visit their website below for more information.
Keeping in touch
As your time as a research student nears its end with the University we hope that you will want to keep in touch with us and with those colleagues you worked alongside during your time here.
The Alumni & Development Office will be able to help you keep in touch with former colleagues, provide you with information on exclusive benefits and services and keep you up-to-date with news of what is happening in the University.
For further information on how you can keep in touch visit the Alumni Office website via the link below.
