This section features research that sheds light on how graduate students navigate career choices and the barriers they may face. By connecting recent research findings with students’ real experiences, each piece invites readers to reflect, take ownership of their career paths, and make informed decisions about their futures.
Brief 2: From Uncertainty to Action: What We Learn from PhD Career Outcomes
“I know there are jobs outside academia, but I don’t know how people actually get them.”
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. A recent national report from the Council of Graduate Schools (2025) shows that many PhD students feel the same uncertainty. The study highlights both the barriers students face and the strategies that make a difference.
Brief 1: Pluralistic Ignorance and the Paths We Don't Talk About
“I want to pursue a non-academic career, but everyone else seems set on staying in academia.”
If you’ve ever had this thought, you’re not alone, and research suggests you might be misjudging your peers.