Career Opportunities After a PhD

A PhD is a doctoral degree that signifies the highest level of academic achievement in a particular field. It is a globally recognised academic degree that allows candidates to work in a specialised position in their chosen field. It is considered the highest level of education, involves advanced knowledge and in-depth research.

The duration of the PhD course generally spans 3-6 years. A PhD program opens a lot of opportunities in a wide range of sectors. After completing a PhD, you can pursue a role as an academic professor, researcher or contribute to a high level of research in the government or private sector. The degree equips you with leadership skills, critical thinking skills and project management

During the period of this course, students are encouraged to explore existing opportunities and contribute original research to their field. Students also learn time management skills and writing skills. They get opportunities to collaborate with experts and attend conferences. It helps them to build a strong professional network.

Career Opportunities after a PhD

A PhD is a transformative journey that prepares students for a leadership role in research and various professional fields. Graduates with a PhD can work in universities as professors or researchers. Apart from this, PhD students can also pursue a career in policy-making or research organisations.

Academic & Research 

• Professor: After completing a PhD, you can pursue your career as a professor. You can teach at universities and colleges. As a fresher, you can also work as an assistant professor, which is an entry-level position. You have to conduct research and teach college students.
• Researcher: As a researcher, you can get an opportunity to explore new ideas and contribute original knowledge to your field. You can apply your knowledge in practical and theoretical research. It helps you improve your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills and creativity.
• Research Scientist: A Research scientist is one of the most exciting career opportunities after a PhD. A research scientist can work in both government and private organisations. As a research scientist, you have to plan and conduct experiments, collect and study the data and publish research reports.

Industry

• Research & Development: You can also pursue a career in the research & development industry in Pharmaceutical, IT, engineering and many more. If you enjoy discovery and innovation, this is a perfect field for you. As an R&D officer, you help companies to create new products and improve existing products.
• Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, you have to work as a medical researcher, biotechnology officer, or pharmaceutical developer. In the healthcare sector, a PhD graduate contributes to the development of new medicines, enhances medical treatment, and creates innovative healthcare technologies. If you are interested in medical services, you can work in the healthcare sector.
• Product Management: You can also pursue a career in the product management industry. If you enjoy both science and practical work, this is a perfect field for you. You are also able to trial out new ideas, monitor the performance of products, and recommend how to enhance them.
• Other Roles: A PhD opens a range of career opportunities, which include consultant, professor, data scientist, business analyst and many more. Such roles enable PhD graduates to have an opportunity to venture into various areas, use their talents in innovative methods, and positively transform society as they develop a successful career.

Government & Private Sector

• Policy Making: PhD holders can also work in policy making within the government sector. In this role, you have to provide expert advice based on research and data. You can join a government department and research organisations to provide your research-based advice on topics like education, healthcare, it and agriculture.
• Scientific Service: After completing a PhD, you can also work in scientific service within the government. It is the most considered job after a PhD, as it offers a rewarding path to make an impact on society. As a scientific service provider, you have to give your expert advice on national topics.
• Research Projects: You can engage in government research projects. It allows you to expand your knowledge and provides you with an opportunity to collaborate internationally. In this field, you can solve real-world problems and enhance both professional credibility and career growth.
• PSU: PSU stands for a public sector undertaking. In this role, you have to operate in sectors like energy, oil and gas, defense, telecommunications, manufacturing, and research and development. This job provides you with stability, attractive benefits, and the opportunity to work on large-scale national projects.

Other Fields

• Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is an exciting and challenging career that gives a person an opportunity to make his or her research relevant to the real world. The decision to become an entrepreneur with a PhD is intellectual freedom, a monetary opportunity, and the joy of being directly involved in innovating and making a difference in society.
• Science Communication: Science communication is a special and valuable career opportunity after a PhD. The job entails the ability to convert intricate scientific information into easily understandable, interactive, and entertaining information to the populace, policy makers and in educational systems. It is a career that enables the researcher to contribute to society.
• Non-Profit & Advocacy: A career in non-profit organisations and advocacy is one of the possible ways to apply advanced research skills to benefit society. PhD graduates can work with NGOs and design evidence-based solutions to societal problems. Through scientific knowledge and social interactions, holders of a PhD can help in effective change in society.

TMU: Shaping Future Researchers

At TMU, research meets inspiration! The university stands out as an ideal destination for pursuing a PhD. The PhD programme at TMU has been designed to impart knowledge in the form of courses, seminars, projects and thesis work. It will assist the scholars in organising their ideas and intellectual abilities. The university motivates students to interact within and across the subject areas.

Program Structure and Research Focus

The university offers a PhD programme in a wide range of subjects, like engineering, management, education, computer science, dental science, medical science, pharmacy, nursing, legal studies, fine arts, physical education, the Physiotherapy department, Paramedical Sciences and Agriculture Sciences. TMU promotes interdisciplinary learning, thus providing students with the opportunity to study many fields of research.

Academic and Research Environment

TMU provides access to advanced research labs, libraries, and other research tools to support your work. TMU promotes an ethic of questioning where scholars can think critically, work across the disciplines, and conduct research. The environment promotes not only academic but also professional development, and prepares scholars as the world leaders in research and innovation.

Accreditation and Recognition

Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) has been awarded an 'A' grade by NAAC. The University also has some major accreditations and recognitions, like UGC (University Grant Commission).

PhD Programme at TMU

Application Process

If you are dreaming of pursuing a PhD at TMU, you have to follow these simple steps:

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates are required to complete a postgraduate degree.
• A minimum of at least 55-60% marks is required to achieve. (depending on the course)

Admission Process

• Eligible candidates will be required to appear in the written test- TMU Research Aptitude Test (TRAT).
• An interview for admission will be conducted by the university.
• If the candidate passes the UGC-NET//CSIR-NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/GPAT/Teacher fellowship holder or have passed the M.Phil. programme are exempted from the first stage process of TRAT (written test).

How to Apply

• You can apply online for the PhD programme through the official admission page of TMU.
• Finish the application form and fill out the information.
• Upload required documents
• After successfully applying, the TMU Admission Cell will coordinate with you for the entrance exam.
• Pay the admission fee and confirm your seat

Required Documents 

• Self-attested copies of all educational certificates.
• Supporting certificate for any relaxation in the eligibility criteria.
• Experience certificates, if applicable.
• A 'No Objection Certificate' from your current employer, if employed
• A copy of your latest CV 
• A brief research proposal

Conclusion

A PhD is not just a degree; it’s a transformative journey. It equips you with the knowledge and skills. It provides scholars with critical thinking and research skills as well as problem-solving skills that open up a broad range of career paths in academia, industry, government, entrepreneurship, consultancy and many more. Doctoral studies teach resilience, discipline, and passion to discover, which are essential to prepare graduates to overcome obstacles and make a difference in the different areas.

FAQ

Q1. What are the career options after a PhD? 

Ans. A PhD degree opens a range of career opportunities. You can work in academics, the private and government sectors or start your own work.

Q2. What is the full form of a PhD?

Ans. The full form of a PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. The duration of this programme is 3-6 years, depending on the course or specialisation.

Q3. Which PhD is most in demand?

Ans. The most in-demand PhDs are in computer science, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Environmental Science, and Engineering.

Q4. What is the PhD salary?

Ans. The salary of a PhD graduate depends on the field, industry, experience, type of job or specialisation. Fresh PhD graduates (entry level) might earn about ₹8 – 12 lakhs per year (≈ ₹0.67 – 1 lakh/month) in many fields.

Q5. How many years is a PhD?

Ans. The duration of this programme is 3-6 years, depending on the course or specialisation.