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In physics/astronomy, >90% of PhDs will not get a tenure-track position.
There are ways to guide+mentor grad students+postdocs to build fulfilling careers and find success in AND out of academia.
Blanket attacks on academia and academic mentors is not one of those ways.
There are ways to guide+mentor grad students+postdocs to build fulfilling careers and find success in AND out of academia.
Blanket attacks on academia and academic mentors is not one of those ways.
I know firsthand the thrill of discovering things about the Universe, to teach, to learn.
Believe me when I say I’ve experienced the highs of what academic jobs can offer.
Believe me when I say I’ve experienced the highs of what academic jobs can offer.
The reality is that the vast majority of those who earn a PhD will not be able to do the above for a paycheck AND live where they (+partners) want to live, buy a house + raise a family (if they want to do those things).
It doesn’t have to feel like betrayal. It doesn’t have to be bitter.
You can earn a living in other ways, and still have scientific knowledge and curiosity be a brilliant and meaningful part of who you are.
We as a community need to do better to instill that feeling of safety.
You can earn a living in other ways, and still have scientific knowledge and curiosity be a brilliant and meaningful part of who you are.
We as a community need to do better to instill that feeling of safety.
I do believe that mentors and advisors need to sit down with (prospective) grad students and discuss the challenges of—and alternatives to—TT positions.
I don’t think telling mentees “You’re doing great and I think you have a bright future in the field” is enough.
I believe that all students (even those who win named fellowships) should have structured mentorship around what their alternative/exit strategies could look like.
I believe that all students (even those who win named fellowships) should have structured mentorship around what their alternative/exit strategies could look like.
And if mentors don’t feel that they can speak to the non-academic career paths, they need to own up to that and look within their networks to connect their mentees to former academics.
(And I’d be happy to talk to your students and postdocs. I’ve spent many, many hours over the last few years trying to make non academic career paths better lit and charted.)
And if you or someone you know is working on a research project and want to incorporate tools and methodologies that would help widen non-academic options?
I can help with that, too.
I can help with that, too.
