No matter if you want to continue in the academic world or move your research skills into industry, beginning to build your career right from the start of your research degree will make both decision making and transitioning easier.

The Imperial Careers Service is Imperial’s unit dedicated to support students to think, plan and search and apply for opportunities to match your skills and interests, offering a range of useful and practical support, whatever year you are in your PhD.

Here are some resources and training that will help you to get started:

• Explore the PhD Careers Journey Planner - The PhD Careers Journey planner offers ideas of actions right from year one of your PhD to help inspire you to explore your future
• Attend Careers Fairs - Careers fairs will help you meet and discuss potential PhD internships and jobs with employers
• Get 1 to 1 advice - One to one appointments with experienced careers consultants to talk through your specific situation, ideas and plan your next steps.
• Attend some PhD Careers Workshops hosted by The Graduate School will focus on planning, networking and all the tools you’ll need to get the research post/job you desire, e.g.
  • Introduction to Career Planning for 1st & 2nd Year PhDs (EPS)
  • Introduction to Career Planning for 1st & 2nd Year PhDs (MLSPD)
  • Effective CVs and Applications
  • Preparing for Interviews
  • Strategic Job Searching
  • Ask the Doctor: Your Chance to Chat With a Doctoral Graduate
  • Negotiation for Your Doctorate and Beyond
  • Networking for Progressing Your PhD
  • Thinking About Doing a Postdoc?
  • Finish Up Move On FUMO+

You can also begin to explore what other PhD students from your field have gone onto do through websites like ResearchGate or LinkedIn. Some research areas have specific networking websites or related associations so talk to your supervisor or other group members for ideas.