As a doctoral student, you gain valuable skills that open up diverse professional prospects. These transferable abilities prepare you for academic careers as well as opportunities in industry, research, and beyond, helping you decide what to do after a PhD.

A doctorate offers far more than scientific, technical, and methodological expertise. As a young researcher, you will also develop a wide range of transferable skills, including project and innovation management, complex problem-solving, communication, languages, teaching, networking, budget management, fundraising, teamwork, independence, and precision.

These skills are highly valued on the job market, which means a PhD opens up many professional prospects.

Career paths include:
  • academic researcher
  • teacher or lecturer
  • scientific advisor or research support officer
  • patent engineer
  • R&D officer in the private sector
  • manager, expert, or project leader in the public sector or in international organisations
  • consultant
  • instructor

…and many more. You can even choose to start your own business. For anyone considering what to do after a PhD, the possibilities are both diverse and rewarding.
 
doctorat@ulb.be
Updated on October 6, 2025