How to Transition into High-Paying Roles After a PhD

How to Transition into High-Paying Roles After a PhD - What Does the Evidence Tell Us?

We’re often told that a PhD is a passport to opportunity — but it’s what you do

with it that really determines your trajectory, and how can you transition into high-paying roles after a PhD.

Right now, PhDs across disciplines are landing impressive, high-impact (and

high-paying) roles beyond academia. Here’s where they’re going — and how

you can position yourself to join them.

Consulting

If you love solving complex problems, analysing data, and making sense of

systems, consulting could be your perfect fit.

How to prepare:

•  Brush up on financial and business fundamentals — short online

  courses are ideal, or even a few well-chosen books.

•  Highlight problem-solving, modelling, and project management

  experience on your CV.

•  Network through PhD-specific consulting groups, specialist

  programmes, and LinkedIn.

  
  

Many people start in smaller consultancies before progressing to top-tier firms

— and some even start their own.

TIP: Consultants with a research mindset are gold dust. You already know

how to ask the right questions.

Technology and AI

AI and data science are booming, with opportunities for PhDs from across the

academic spectrum — especially those with analytical, quantitative, or coding

experience.

How to prepare:

• Build AI literacy — there are more roles than you might think.

• Apply your research skills to AI projects, natural language processing

  (NLP), or data-driven problem-solving.

• Contribute to open-source projects or explore government-funded AI

  bootcamps for practical experience.

  
  

Coming soon: I’ll be offering AI training designed specifically for PhDs and

researchers who want to future-proof their careers.

AI is the new research literacy — and knowing how to use it strategically can

be career-transforming.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotech

Life science PhDs often thrive in Medical Science Liaison, Regulatory Affairs,

or Biotech R&D roles.

How to prepare:

• Learn the language of the industry — clinical trials, regulation,

  compliance.

• Tailor your CV to highlight technical expertise, teamwork, and

  collaboration.

• Network at events like BioEurope or Biotech Week to connect with

  industry professionals.

• These roles value depth of knowledge, precision, and teamwork — and they

  tend to reward them well.

Engineering and Energy

PhDs in physics, engineering, or robotics are in demand across renewable

energy, aerospace, and defence.

How to prepare:

• Gain relevant certifications such as CEng or PE.

• Translate your academic work on materials, automation, or systems into

  industry-ready language.

• Target R&D or consultancy roles first to gain a foothold before moving

  into leadership.

• Innovation and technical rigour are your strengths — use them to lead the

  energy transition or shape the next generation of sustainable technology.

Policy, Government, and Think Tanks

If you’re motivated by impact and evidence-based decision-making, policy and

strategy could be your ideal next step.

How to prepare:

• Turn your research into accessible policy briefs or white papers.

• Apply for fellowships like the UK Civil Service Fast Stream or Wellcome

  Policy Fellowship

• Engage with think tanks, funders, and public research networks to

  expand your connections.

This is where academic insight meets real-world change — with greater

stability and influence than most academic careers can offer.

Entrepreneurship and Start-ups

PhDs make brilliant founders, product managers, and innovation consultants.

How to prepare:

Build your business and finance knowledge through short, focused

courses.

• Turn your research or expertise into a viable product or service.

• Apply for startup accelerators or entrepreneurial fellowships to gain support and visibility.

• Whether it’s a consultancy, a tech start-up, or a social enterprise, your

  creativity and problem-solving skills give you a huge advantage.

  
  

The Next Step: Building AI Capability

AI is now a core skill for any knowledge-based career — as fundamental as

writing or data analysis once were.

Strategic use of AI can help you:

• Translate your academic expertise into industry-relevant language.

• Write stronger CVs, cover letters, and job applications.

• Spot high-value career opportunities faster and make smarter choices.

• Through the FutureProof Programme and the Alt Ac Careers Network, you can

  build the clarity, confidence, and AI skills you need to move into meaningful,

  well-paid roles beyond academia.

  
  

Your Next Step

Don’t wait for the next grant cycle or postdoc contract. Start positioning

yourself now for the kind of career — and income — your expertise deserves.

Join the Alt Ac Careers Network to connect with others already thriving

beyond academia.

Looking For Support?

• Subscribe to my Career Development Newsletter and download my Free Coaching Tools pack.

• Get in touch for my free Online Career and Impact Workshops Brochure and Online AI Workshops Brochure get your university to bring me in to deliver AI training or researcher career development, leaving academia well, and research impact workshops!

  
  

• Book a 1:1 Coaching Call and get my bespoke advice and support

  
  

• For more tips join my Alt Ac Careers Facebook Group

  
  

• Connect with me on LinkedIn and grow your network through mine!