April 2, 2024, by stxnn8

The balancing act: PhD research and internships

by Nkem Nwaobi, PhD student © via Unsplash by Campaign Creators

Embarking on a PhD journey is a commendable feat that involves a deep dive into research, critical thinking, and academic prowess. However, as a PhD student, I often encounter the challenge of balancing research commitments with the preparation for a future career, whether within academia or beyond. In this blog post, I’ll share my current experiences as I explore the dynamics and expectations of being a PhD student considering different career paths through internships.

1. Finding internships

In comparison to seeking internships or jobs during (and after) my undergraduate and master’s degrees, it is clear that PhD students have a wealth of opportunities and a huge leverage. Many institutions and companies welcome PhD students to volunteer part-time or during placement, even if a role is not advertised. Advertised roles are typically highly competitive but exist across various sectors. The Researcher Academy advertises work experience placements for PhD students so it’s a great place to start your search.

Networking, attending conferences, and engaging with peers have opened different opportunities to different people. It’s important to note that many formal internship programmes are aimed solely at undergraduates. Despite the competitiveness, many labs are turning to social media to promote paid and unpaid opportunities. LinkedIn is worth checking for such opportunities. To read more about online presence visit the Careers and Employability Service webpage.

2. Experience expectations

It’s not uncommon for internship postings to require some experience, but as a PhD student, you already possess valuable experience. Recognising the skills gained during your PhD journey is crucial. Your PhD is akin to working a research job, where critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management are just a few of the skills every PhD student develops. Highlighting these skills, along with relevant experiences gained during the research process, can set you apart from other applicants.

3. Do you have to stick to the same industry as your PhD?

When looking for a job post-PhD, there’s a misconception that you need to remain in the same field you studied. Not only do you have the freedom to apply your transferable skills in a different research area, but you can also explore entirely different roles. Alternative fields for STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) PhD students include:

• data science/analytics
• software engineering
• consulting
• science communication
• university teaching
• regulatory affairs
• policy advising
• intellectual property/technology transfer.

Certain types of PhD programmes, such as the Doctoral Training Programme, require you to complete a placement separate from your research field, broadening your skillset. If you’re choosing a PhD programme, I recommend ensuring that your programme or supervisors encourage internships and broadening your horizons.

4. Choosing internships when unsure of your career path

Picking internships can be a bit tricky when you’re not quite sure about where your career is headed. Try dipping your toes into different fields to get a taste of what’s out there. Attend networking events (which can be found on the Careers website or places such as Eventbrite), and get some career advice from people in roles similar to ones you are considering. It will help you figure things out. The Careers team also deliver targeted events for PhD students listed on their postgraduate researchers’ careers website.

5. Time management for internship applications

Now, let’s talk about time management – because scrolling aimlessly through the internet in search of applications is no one’s idea of a good time. Create an Excel sheet, jot down those application deadlines, and keep track of your progress. It’s like having a roadmap for your applications, ensuring you won’t miss a beat and giving you a clear picture of where you’re at in the process. Smart moves like these make the internship search a whole lot smoother.

If you are a PhD student looking for work experience, visit the Researcher Academy website to explore what’s on offer. You can also apply for work experience opportunities through the Careers team as they are open to undergraduates and postgraduate taught students, and postgraduate researchers.

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