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Careers beyond academia

Planning for careers beyond academia

Researchers work in many different industries, within research and non-research roles. There are lots of different and exciting opportunities to build a fulfilling career that utilises the valuable skills and knowledge you have acquired as a researcher, whatever stage of your career you are at.

However, with so many different options, some of which you might not yet be aware of, it can be difficult transition to navigate. There can also be difficult emotions involved in moving beyond academia, especially if you initially wanted to work within the academy.

This guide is designed to act as a starting point for exploring your options, and to signpost you to some useful resources.

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Start early

Assess your skills and competencies early.

Reflect on your capabilities, personality and values – what motivates you? In what career could you best utilise your skillset and personality type?

Some questions to start your reflections:

  • What have you learned from significant achievements and challenges in your career so far?
  • What are your values and what motivates you?
  • What elements would a job need to have to give you a feeling of fulfillment?
  • What are your areas of expertise and where can you fill in any gaps in knowledge?
  • What is your communication style and how do you function in a team? Have a look at the Belbin team roles to reflect deeper.

The Vitae Researcher Development Framework enables you to map out your key competencies and to build upon areas for improvement in your career.

Tips on finding a role:

  • Look for vacancies in the press, university careers services, websites, professional bodies, other organisations and online jobs boards
  • Contact the alumni from your research group or department or former colleagues
  • Talk to your supervisor, manager, colleagues, peers about possible destinations for you
  • Attend career events

CVs outside of academia

Why do I need a different CV?

You may already have an academic CV which lists your academic achievements and publications. Outside of academia there are different expectations and conventions around CVs, and some of what is included on your academic CV will not be relevant or as important to include.

There are generally two common types of CV format – chronological and competency-based.

Chronological CVs

Written in reverse chronological order, ensure that your CV continues to match the job criteria

Elements of a chronological CV include:

  • Personal details including methods of contact
  • Education: most recent first. Put a brief description of your research degree (s) in simple language for your employer.
  • Employment history: most recent first and most relevant must be prominent.
  • Positions of responsibility
  • Competencies
  • Professional development
  • Interests
  • References: two are usually required and you must ask permission first. You can give details in the CV or write ‘references available on request.’

Competency-based CVs

This type of CV centres around a competency profile. This profile lays out your competencies and attributes as they relate to the job description.

Elements of a competency-based CV include:

  • Personal profile or career aim: a thoughtfully worded statement specific to the job applied for. Use this to show your career motivation and your skills, with the rest of the CV as evidence for this.
  • Competency profile: Based upon the list of requirements in the job description, list out your core competencies – communication, project management etc.- and next to each of these provide evidence for them.
  • Education and qualifications: most recent and most relevant first.
  • Key achievements
  • Work history: ensure to do in reverse chronological order.
  • Interests
  • Refences: two and only include if permission has been granted.