Black background that says "Understanding the value of your PhD" with yellow box on top that says "Career is pathways for PhD's"

Three ways PhD students can prepare for future careers

March 2, 2020

To support the careers of current and aspiring PhD holders, we need a better understanding of their career pathways and professional preparation. ASU's Graduate College is proud to participate in the PhD Career Pathways project led by the Council of Graduate Schools, a national organization that supports graduate education and research and is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The goal of the project is to gather information about the professional aspirations, career pathways, and career preparation of our PhD students and alumni in order to enable the creation of PhD programs that maximize value both to students and society as a whole.

As part of the PhD Career Pathways project the Graduate College created three videos featuring three important concepts for PhD students to consider when planning their future careers inside or outside of academia.

1. Explore Your Options

The career pathways for today’s PhD students have changed. Dr. Tamara Underiner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the Graduate College at Arizona State University, discusses the importance of exploring multiple career pathways for PhD students.

2. The Value of Your PhD

What is the value of a PhD degree in today’s world? Dr. Tamara Underiner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the Graduate College at Arizona State University explains why we need PhDs now more than ever.

3. The Importance of Transferable Skills

PhD students need to be strategic in pursuing transferrable skills like leadership. Dr. Tamara Underiner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the Graduate College at Arizona State University, stresses the importance of acquiring transferrable skills for PhD students.

Vice Provost and Dean Elizabeth Wentz in front of Old Main

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Looking for a meaningful leadership opportunity in graduate school? Become a Community Advocate.

ASU’s Community Advocates Peer Mentor Program invites second-year graduate students to support incoming peers by creating spaces for connection, guidance and growth. Mentors not only help others navigate grad school—they also build leadership skills, community and lasting relationships along the way.

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