Answered briefly
How do I find a job in industry after my PhD?
By translating your research into the language of companies: what counts there is results, projects and responsibility, not publication lists. First pick two or three target roles, rework your CV into two pages for exactly those roles and approach people in the companies directly instead of only answering job ads. If your contract is ending, register as a jobseeker early: then coaching with an AVGS may also be an option.
1. Decide on target roles before you apply
With a PhD you often fit several directions: industrial research and development, data analysis, consulting, project or product management, research management, or specialist roles in associations and public bodies. Applying for everything makes you look random.
Pick two or three roles and read ten job ads for each. Which terms keep coming up? Those are the words that belong in your CV.
2. Translate your academic CV
- Two pages instead of a long publication list. Sum up publications and talks in one line.
- For each position: what was the task, what were you responsible for, what came out of it? For example project length, third-party funding, team size, result.
- “Dissertation on X” becomes something like: “Planned a multi-year project independently, collected and analysed data, presented results to expert audiences.”
3. Use contacts instead of mass applications
Some jobs are filled through recommendations. Look for former colleagues from your institute who now work in industry, and use alumni networks and LinkedIn. Ask for a short conversation about their working day, not for a job. You learn what really counts in those companies and, ideally, get recommended.
4. Defuse the “overqualified” objection
Show in the interview that you work in an applied way: examples with deadlines, budget and teamwork, told with the STAR method (situation, task, action, result). Explain why you want to move into industry, as a goal and not as an escape from academia.
5. Contract ending? Register as a jobseeker early
If your employment contract at the university is ending, you must register as a jobseeker with the Agentur für Arbeit at least three months beforehand. If you find out at shorter notice, within three days.
From then on you can ask your caseworker for an AVGS for one-to-one coaching, even before your contract ends. The voucher is discretionary: your caseworker decides. With an approved AVGS the coaching is free for you. How to prepare for that conversation is explained in the step-by-step guide.
How I support you
I hold a doctorate myself (Dr. phil., Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) and accompany the move as a systemic coach: target roles, CV, interviews and salary. The coaching takes place online by video, anywhere in Germany, and is eligible for AVGS funding through an AZAV-certified provider. More on the page Coaching for PhDs.
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Let’s talk about your situation
In the free intro call we work out your next step and whether AVGS coaching suits you. No obligation, online.