Staying Informed: Industry Trends
That hazy end point when you finally begin the job search, degree in hand, may seem miles away right now, but it’s in your foreseeable future. Staying up-to-date on industry trends and the employment landscape can help you make more informed decisions right now, as you forge a research path and decide how to invest your energy as a graduate student.
A recent study of doctoral degree holders from 51 participating institutions shows that many Ph.D. graduates experience several job changes in their early and mid-careers. Post-doctoral training opportunities may partially account for these results, but the data clearly demonstrate that you should be prepared to expect fluidity in your career and the marketplace. Diversifying your academic and volunteer experience now can help you pivot if you do find yourself needing to switch jobs.
Reading periodicals that examine the state of the profession can help you stay on top of emerging trends. Below, you’ll find some sites recommended by the WMU Graduate College. You can access specific articles and issues by visiting Waldo Library. Popular sites like Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education also allow you to sign up for a free e-newsletter that includes blurbs on recent articles.