Careers Outside the Academy
Choosing to investigate and pursue options beyond the academy is a good choice for many students. Individuals with graduate education and training possess the skills to find employment in corporate, public, and non-profit sectors.
The first step in determining the career options that might offer the level of work-life satisfaction that you require is the self-assessment process. Career Services is available to support and guide you as you explore your career options and ultimately launch a job search. Understanding the value of the strengths and accomplishments you have gained through graduate school can be an enlightening and rewarding experience, and can validate all of the years and effort you have applied to your education.
Next, we encourage you to reach out to the graduate alums who have chosen careers outside the academy through the Alumni Careers Network for advice and encouragement. Conducting informational interviews to determine what kinds of positions exist will enable you to begin your search for specific positions.
You will find as you speak to Princeton graduate alumni that many of them have chosen to find meaningful employment in a non academic setting where they are challenged and find great value in their work. David Attis *00 (History of Science) is one such alum, and he shares his story in an article entitled “Alternative Realities” that he authored for the History of Science Society newsletter.