Calendar of Events Hours & Location Search & Site Map Contact Us
For Students For Employers & Recruiters For Alumni & Alumnae For Faculty & Staff About the Career Center
Home :: For Students :: Services for Graduate Students :: Transferable Skills
 

Transferable Skills

When contemplating work outside of the academy, many Ph.D.s feel that they have no specific skills to offer prospective employers. This, of course, is entirely untrue, but easy to think when you are surrounded by people who have similar skill sets. Below is a listing of some examples of the kinds of skills that pursuit of a Ph.D. can develop.

 

  Sample Skills & Abilities of Ph.D.s

Research & Information
Management
Analysis &
Problem-Solving
  • Identify sources of information applicable to a given problem
  • Gather relevant information using library and internet resources
  • Understand and synthesize large quantities of information
  • Design and analyze surveys
  • Develop organizing principles to sort and evaluate data effectively
  • Define a problem and identify possible causes
  • Comprehend a large amount of information and identify the elements relevant to the problem at hand
  • Form and defend independent conclusions
  • Design an experiment, plan, or model that defines a problem, tests potential resolutions and/or implements a solution
  • Develop criteria to evaluate different possible courses of action
Project Management
& Organization
Written &
Oral Communication
  • Manage a project from beginning to end
  • Manage several projects at once
  • Identify goals and/or tasks to be accomplished
  • Develop realistic timeline for completion of project
  • Prioritize tasks
  • Anticipate potential problems
  • Maintain flexibility in the face of changing circumstances (new information or a change in resource availability)
  • Prepare concise and logically-written materials
  • Organize and communicate ideas effectively in oral presentations to small and large groups
  • Ability to write at all levels — brief abstract to book-length manuscript
  • Attentive to audience knowledge and needs and able to shape oral and written presentations appropriately
  • Debate issues in a collegial and courteous manner and effectively participate in group discussions
  • Use logical argument to persuade others
  • Explain complex or difficult concepts in basic terms and language
  • Write effective grant proposals
  • Knowledge of foreign languages
Interpersonal &
Leadership skills
Self-Management
& Work Habits
  • Facilitate group discussions or conduct meetings
  • Motivate others to complete projects (group or individual)
  • Respond appropriately to positive or negative feedback
  • Effectively mentor subordinates and/or peers
  • Collaborate on projects
  • Teach skills or concepts to others
  • Able to navigate complex bureaucratic environments

  • Work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines (good time management)
  • Comprehend new material and subject matter quickly (fast learner)
  • Work effectively with limited supervision
  • Able to thrive in a competitive environment
  • Disciplined worker
  • Attentive to detail

 

PhDs and the Nonacademic Job Search

 

The Career Center