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10 ways your PhD helps you to stand out in the jobs market

​You’ve achieved something amazing. You got your PhD!


This isn’t just a fantastic academic experience or impressive letters after your name; you’ve succeeded in one of the most difficult academic challenges around. What’s more, you’ve picked up an amazing array of skills along the way. Some of these are technical skills in the lab or academic skills in thesis writing or sharing your research. But you’ve also added an incredible array of personal and soft skills to your toolkit. These skills are something to shout about, so make sure you’re showing potential employers the great things that you can bring to their organisations.

Here are 10 ways that your PhD can help you to stand out in a crowd.

1. You think critically

During your PhD, you learnt to look at a problem from all angles, and you’re great at thinking critically about solutions and opportunities. This makes you a great fit for highly technical and challenging roles.


2. You can solve complex issues

Complexity is what you do. You’ve spent years thinking about big scientific ideas and new ways to solve them. Now, you’re ready to join the workforce and help create the future.


3. You learn fast

Years spent in academia mean that you soak up new ideas and knowledge like a sponge. You’re used to thinking on your feet and applying new information thoughtfully and with precision.


4. You’re a technical whiz

All those years spent in a lab or doing highly technical work elsewhere have paid off. You have impressive technical skills and you can’t wait to put them into practice.


5. You’re a natural innovator

As a PhD student, it wasn’t enough to know your specialist area. You had to be an active creator and innovator, adding to the field. This mindset makes you an incredible asset for any team.


6. You know how to project manage

You’re used to having lots of plates spinning and you know how to organise yourself and your team to get the job done. Potential employers know that your administrative skills are ahead of the pack.


7. You’re a great communicator

You’ve had to sell yourself and your ideas over and over again to get where you are today. What’s more, you’re an experienced teacher, and you know how to communicate with a diverse range of people.


8. You think strategically

You are always thinking beyond your next step, creating long-term plans that help to bring complex ideas to life. This type of strategic thinking will help you tackle any professional challenge that you face.


9. You’re committed to success

It’s not easy to achieve a PhD; it means years of hard work and sacrifice. Any potential employer should know that you’re prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed.


10. You make things work

Perhaps your biggest selling point is that you know how to make things work. You’ve faced technical challenges, red tape, and frustrating setbacks before, and you always figure out how to overcome them.

Ready to move from the academic world to the world of work? We can help. Check out our recent webinar featuring Emmanuelle Hoarau, PhD, for tips and insights on life after your PhD, or reach out to our friendly team for specialist scientific career advice.

06 Feb, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.
By Shazamme System User 07 Sep, 2023
Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices.ie . Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!
28 Aug, 2023
Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.
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