Inside and Outside the Academy: Valuing and Preparing PhDs for Careers

A PhD is a prerequisite for an academic career, but fewer than 20 per cent of Canada’s PhDs are employed as full-time university professors. The majority of PhDs are employed in a wide range of rewarding careers outside academia. This report examines the employment opportunities and outcomes of PhD holders both inside and outside academia. It characterizes the challenges that some PhD graduates face when transitioning to careers beyond post-secondary education, as well as the state of demand and receptor capacity for PhDs among Canada’s employers. The valuable contributions that PhDs make in a wide range of careers are highlighted. The report examines the state of professional skills development for PhD students and innovative examples of professional development initiatives in Canada and peer countries.