SciSpace Academy
Tutorial

How to Be Employable After Your Postgraduate Degree

Noma MguniEnglishStart here

TL;DR

1-min read

Finishing a postgraduate degree does not automatically lead to the right job, and many graduates struggle to describe academic achievements in terms employers recognise. In this one-hour tutorial, Noma Mguni, a PhD researcher at the University of Derby, founder of PhD Hardtalk and a professional with more than eight years in human resources, shares strategies for the job market after graduation. It is aimed at master's graduates, PhD candidates and recent postgraduates preparing to enter or move within the job market.

Key takeaways

  • Employability can be strengthened by translating research experience into transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, writing and presenting.
  • Present academic skills in terms employers value, focusing on outcomes such as managing a multi-year project or communicating findings to different audiences.
  • Use the language of the job advert, quantify results where possible and keep academic detail brief for roles outside academia.
  • Build evidence through a portfolio, publications or applied projects, and network within your target sector.
  • Familiarity with AI research tools such as SciSpace can help candidates stand out by signalling adaptability with current digital tools.
  • The advice combines an HR perspective with the realities of postgraduate life, making it practical for planning the move from study to work.
Apply it

To apply this, list the research tasks you already do in SciSpace, such as literature search and analysis, and describe them on your CV as concrete, transferable skills.

How to do it

  1. Strengthen your employability

    Apply core strategies postgraduates can use to strengthen employability after a postgraduate degree. Start planning before you finish your studies.

  2. Translate academic skills for employers

    Rewrite your academic achievements in terms employers recognise and value. This closes the gap many graduates struggle with.

  3. Build familiarity with SciSpace

    Gain hands-on familiarity with AI research tools such as SciSpace. This can help you stand out to employers.

  4. Navigate the job market strategically

    Use practical advice from an HR perspective when approaching the job market. This helps you move from study to work more smoothly.

Try this on SciSpace

Frequently asked questions

How can postgraduates improve their employability?

Translate research experience into transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, writing and presenting. Build evidence through a portfolio, publications or applied projects, network within your target sector, and tailor each application to the role. Showing confidence with current digital and AI tools can also signal adaptability to employers.

How should I describe research skills on a CV?

Focus on outcomes and skills rather than only listing topics. For example, describe managing a multi-year project, analysing complex datasets, communicating findings to different audiences or securing funding. Use the language of the job advert, quantify results where possible, and keep academic detail brief for roles outside academia.

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