Thread by @ashleyruba

Since May, I’ve talked with over 100 phds in (unpaid!) DMs & zoom chats about “leaving” academia.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the state of academia, moving to #altac, & why profs should expect the post-doc shortage to continue for the foreseeable future. 1/

#AltAcChats

1. Many phds have been hurt by toxic advisors.

The scale of this problem is worse than you can imagine. It ranges from coercion to “stay” in academia to outright bullying. I’ve counseled many talented phds who are rightfully very angry and bitter towards academia.

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2. PhDs want to leave, but feel “trapped” in academia.

Many phds feel that they have no transferable skills & no knowledge on how to apply for #altac jobs. They don’t know how to get started in their search or what jobs are out there. Their training has failed them here.

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3. PhDs feel guilt & shame for “leaving” academia.

I frequently remind phds that they are not failures. That being a professor is not the only way to do impactful science. I often correct harmful lies about their careers & abilities (as typically told by their mentors).

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4. Few understand what UX research is all about!

This was made very clear to me this week. So I made this thread. Also…

📢 Social science phds! You can do UXR! With minimal/no additional training! UXR is just social science research but with products. It’s the best 💛

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https://twitter.com/ashleyruba/status/1572947641209880576

5. PhDs’ reasons for leaving academia are basically the same.

Low pay, no job security, no choice in where to live, poor work-life balance, on-site teaching with few COVID protocols, feeling v undervalued & unhappy, etc etc.

Grads, post-docs, profs.
All feel the same.

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All this shows that we need WAY more education about #altac jobs & apps, starting in grad school.

Also, some profs really need to stop guilting phds into staying in academia. Help us instead! Learn about other careers, start networking, & give resume feedback. Thanks 💛

/end