13: Don't Let That Doctorate Degree Pigeonhole You!

Embarking on your journey of earning a doctorate degree is a major flex—not just professionally, but it is also a pretty significant personal feat. So, it is no wonder why doctoral students who taken on a tunnel-vision perspective in order to complete their degree, often take on this same rigid perspective when consider what to do after they complete their training. Just think about it, how often have you heard of fellow candidates that find themselves confined by the traditional roles their doctoral degrees seem to pigeonhole them into, particularly within the realm of academia? In this post, I’d like you to consider and explore the importance of avoiding self-imposed limitations and encourage yourself to think innovatively about leveraging your new-found, expert skills into unfamiliar areas (even those that might intimidate you).

Embrace The Niche, But Don't Be Bound by It:

Choosing a niche field for your doctoral study was a powerful decision that we all make when embarking on this journey. It is necessary to choose a niche, or area of study because it allows us as scholars to delve deeply into a specific subject matter that ensures we cover enough depth to be considered an expert. However, it's crucial not to let the specialization limit your potential and the knowledge gained that may cross over to other areas. Remember, your expertise can be a valuable asset in unexpected places. For example, I earned by PhD in Educational Psychology; however, I currently teach Educational Leadership as an Assistant Professor. On face value, these are completely different fields and areas of expertise. But the truth is that many fields overlap in various ways. So, instead of seeing your niche as a boundary, view it as a foundation upon which you can build a versatile skill set that is valuable across fields and disciplines.

The Interdisciplinary Advantage:

One of the key ways to break free from the traditional doctoral mold is by embracing interdisciplinary opportunities. Seek out collaborations with people from diverse fields, especially those outside of academia. Your unique perspective can bring fresh insights, and you might discover how your expertise can seamlessly integrate with other disciplines and arenas—opening up new possibilities beyond the conventional academic boundaries. Do you know a person who is business savvy? A social Media Influencer? Author or Podcaster? These are all roles in which a collaboration could potentially expand your influence, reach, and fulfillment as a scholar.

Transferable Skills: More Than Just Research:

Doctoral candidates often develop a rich set of transferable skills during their research journey—skills that extend far beyond the academic context. These may include critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication. Further, folks’ with doctoral degrees are primed to create and synthesize a large volume of information. This is the perfect recipe for development. Whether it is a new product, a patent, or a solution to a persistent problem—you have what it takes to create something special in this world. Recognizing and actively cultivating these skills will empower you to explore unconventional career paths and perhaps even a unimaginable level of success.

Networking and Industry Engagement:

To avoid the limitations of traditional roles, actively engage with professionals outside academia. Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events. Connect with professionals who may not be directly related to your field of study but can benefit from your expertise. Networking in diverse circles can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Consider adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether it's founding a startup, consulting, or participating in industry projects, your doctoral degree can be a launching pad for entrepreneurial ventures. Entrepreneurs often thrive on interdisciplinary knowledge, making your unique expertise a valuable asset in the business world.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, obtaining a doctorate degree is not just about becoming an expert in a specific field; it's about acquiring a set of skills and a depth of knowledge that can transcend traditional boundaries. By avoiding self-imposed limitations, embracing interdisciplinary opportunities, and leveraging transferable skills, doctoral candidates can forge diverse and fulfilling career paths beyond the confines of academia. Your doctoral journey is a foundation for endless possibilities—break free, explore, and redefine success on your terms.

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Inez