Non-Academic Careers

Non-Academic Careers

There are several employment sectors that value advanced degrees including, but not limited to, industry, government, non-profit and higher education. Roles for advanced degrees within these sectors can be focused on research and evaluation or program coordination and management or other areas of specialization.   

Full-Time Positions

Full-time positions allow for the most job security and typically come with several options for employer-provided benefits. These positions usually require working at least 32-40 hours per week and can be in-person, remote or hybrid and are paid on a regular basis. 

Contract Positions

Contract positions allow for temporary employment, though the term of service can range from months to years. Benefits for these positions are usually limited in options but still provide medical coverage. The number of required working hours for contracts vary. These details will be outlined in the contract offer. 

Postdoctoral Fellowships

There are many opportunities for non-academic postdoctoral fellowships. These roles function similarly to contract roles but do require a doctorate degree. Many of these positions are offered within industry and government, such as through national laboratories. The timeline for applying to these positions is similar to academic postdoctoral scholarships. 

Resources for Non-Academic Careers