Doctoral Graduates’ Experiences of PhD Engagement and Outcomes

Abstract

Understanding how graduates view their PhD engagement and outcomes is essential for supporting doctoral students employability. Investigating PhD graduates at early, mid, and late-career stages and diverse careers, revealed complex influences, motivations, experiences, environments, and occupational fit. Satisfactory outcomes highlighted recognition of the PhD qualification and skills, dissatisfactory outcomes highlighted undervalue and barriers. Supporting doctoral employability must recognise career-stage diversity and diverse careers and, enable students to engage in career development at all doctoral stages.