PhD graduates deliberately choosing a career beyond academia: a typology

This paper contributes to the ongoing global discussion on PhD graduates pursuing careers beyond academia. Using a career decision-making lens and a qualitative ideal-type analysis approach, we developed a typology of PhD graduates who made the choice to work beyond academia in Switzerland, without regret, and are at peace with their decision. Three types emerged from our analyses: Purposeful Strategists, who never intended to stay in academia; Disenchanted, who made the decision midway through their doctoral journey; and Value-driven Transitioners, who chose careers beyond academia towards the end of their PhD or post-graduation. Our study provides new insights into why some people pursue a PhD despite knowing the low probability of securing a permanent academic position. Focussing on those who deliberately choose careers beyond academia also offers an optimistic view of PhD graduates’ career choices and trajectories in today’s challenging academic climate. Our typology suggests that rather than feeling constrained by the challenges of the academic labour market, many PhD graduates embrace a variety of career opportunities, which reflects an empowered approach to career decision-making. We discuss the implications of these findings for policymakers and universities in rethinking PhD programmes and providing enhanced career guidance for PhD graduates.