Paid work experience

Depending on how you are funded you may find that you need to take on some paid work while you are undertaking your doctorate. You may already have a job or profession that you want to keep going while you study. However, be aware that some institutions have regulations about how much work you can undertake while doing your doctorate.

Work experience can offer huge benefits for your career. Even low paid/low status jobs can offer skills, experience and contacts that can complement your doctorate. You may find it helpful to think about the following.

• Is there any synergy between your research and working life? Your future career may lie in the interface between the two.
• Does the organisation you work for employ anyone in a role that interests you? Most large organisations will have people employed in research or analytical roles. If this is the case could you meet these people or find out more about them?
• Think about what skills you gain in the work context and where else these might be useful.

Take advice from a careers adviser about how to present your experience on a CV or application form.