Life After Your Dissertation Writing: Next Steps for New PhDs

We have been your loyal dissertation buddies from the go, offering you tips right from selecting your perfect topic to dissertation defense do’s and don’ts and now you are done and wondering, what next?

Worry not, we understand that the dissertation journey was quite a hectic one and you invested a lot of time, effort and even money into your research and maybe you want to blow off some steam and party hard, but it’s not that simple. Let’s talk about it.

Final Stages of Dissertation Writing

The final stages of your dissertation might sound the hardest to most, these will include editing, proofreading then finally dissertation defense, where you will present your findings to your panel for review. We have highlighted the defense dissertation do’s and don’ts you can check it out if you are still stuck there.

For the editing and proofreading, you can opt for professional assistance like us at Prime dissertation help, we will make sure your dissertation is impeccable, right from the tone, grammar and even structure. You can also do the proofreading yourself, after all, you have been carrying your own cross since the beginning.

After editing, proofreading, and defending your thesis, the question now is what next?

Depending on the quality of your work, after the dissertation defense, your work might pass review and you can progress to the next stages. However, in some instances, based on the feedback provided during the evaluation and defense, you might be asked to make revisions to your dissertation. This could involve clarifying certain sections, addressing concerns raised by the committee, or making changes to improve the overall quality of the work.

Once all revisions have been made and the committee is satisfied with the dissertation, you will receive final approval. This signifies that your dissertation meets the requirements of your academic institution and is ready for submission.

Post-dissertation Feeling

Here comes the feeling of relief and pure ecstasy. All the heavy work has finally paid off and you are thinking of your next career move, but before getting to that, let’s talk about a few things you could do.

Take time to relax and unwind

The dissertation might have taken a toll on your mental and physical state, but you are now done with it. Take your committee out for lunch or for a drink and just talk. Defending your dissertation is a big deal and people are likely to want to celebrate with you in some way, shape, or form.

You don’t have to plan your own party, but if someone else wants to take you out for a congratulatory beer, go for it. You can nap later. A good conversation will hit all the right spots. Here you can now discuss about your future prospects.

Plan for your graduation

In most cases, an approved dissertation makes you eligible for graduation, but this entirely depends on your institution, so take your time and go through your institution’s requirements and make sure everything is in perfect condition.

After graduation, and you are now the latest PhD holder in town, you can now think about career, postdoc, building your PhD portfolio and much more.

Publishing Your Research

Don’t let your hard work gather digital dust! Consider transforming your dissertation into publishable material:

Journal Articles

Break down your dissertation into several journal articles. Focus on the most significant findings or chapters that can stand alone as unique contributions to your field. This strategy builds your publication record faster than waiting for a book to be published.

Book Publication

If your dissertation has potential for broader appeal, consider adapting it into a book. This might involve substantial rewriting to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Reach out to academic publishers that specialize in your field and inquire about their submission guidelines.

Conference Presentations

Present portions of your research at academic conferences. This not only disseminates your findings but also helps you network with potential collaborators or employers. Plus, conference papers can often be published in proceedings, adding another publication to your CV.

Career Paths After Your PhD

After years of intense research and dedication to your dissertation, it’s time to focus on what lies ahead. The question on many new PhDs’ minds is: what’s next? Your expertise, knowledge, and research have opened up multiple avenues for career growth, each offering different opportunities for impact, advancement, and personal satisfaction. Here are some career paths that you can explore:

Academia

For many PhDs, academia remains a compelling career option. If you enjoy teaching, mentoring, and the pursuit of knowledge, academia offers a pathway that allows you to continue your research and contribute to the development of the next generation of experts.

One of the common routes is applying for postdoctoral positions. A postdoc is an opportunity to deepen your research, contribute to publications, and build a more robust academic portfolio. It also allows you to strengthen your chances of securing a tenure-track faculty position in the future, where you can further develop your research agenda and potentially teach at the university level.

If your long-term goal is to become a professor, focusing on gaining teaching experience, publishing papers, and networking in academic circles will be key in this journey. However, academia is competitive, and securing a tenure-track position requires patience and persistence.

Industry

If you prefer working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on practical applications, the industry might be the right fit for you. Many companies, corporations, think tanks, and government agencies highly value PhD holders for their analytical skills, subject matter expertise, and ability to solve complex problems.

Research positions within the private sector, such as those in pharmaceutical companies, tech firms, or consulting agencies, often offer competitive salaries, benefits, and the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge developments. These jobs often come with a different work culture compared to academia, with an emphasis on results and tangible outcomes.

PhDs in fields such as engineering, data science, economics, and healthcare are in high demand, and transitioning into industry can be rewarding both financially and professionally. Consider exploring industries that align with your area of expertise and research focus.

Entrepreneurship

If your research has led to novel ideas, products, or solutions, you might want to explore the entrepreneurial route. Many successful startups and businesses have been founded by PhD graduates whose research provided the foundation for innovative products or services.

Consider whether your research findings have commercial potential. Could your work lead to a new product, technology, or service? Do you have a passion for solving practical problems? If so, entrepreneurship might be your next best step.

Universities often have innovation centers, accelerators, and incubation programs designed to support PhDs who want to launch their own startups or consulting businesses. These programs can help you navigate the complexities of turning your research into a marketable product, find investors, and connect with mentors.

Whether you choose to start your own consulting firm, develop a technology-based solution, or offer specialized services, entrepreneurship offers the chance to make a significant impact while building your own business.

Non-Profit and Government

Not all PhD holders want to work in the private sector or academia—many choose to apply their skills in non-profit and government sectors. In these fields, you can use your specialized knowledge to address pressing social, environmental, or political issues.

Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and government agencies actively seek PhD graduates to help shape policy, lead initiatives, and implement solutions to complex problems. Your ability to conduct rigorous research, analyze data, and develop evidence-based strategies can be invaluable in solving real-world challenges.

This career path often involves working on issues such as climate change, healthcare policy, international development, and social justice. If you are passionate about making a difference and working toward societal betterment, these fields provide a fulfilling and impactful career choice.

Building Your Professional Brand

As a fresh PhD, it’s time to update how you present yourself professionally:

Update Your CV and Online Presence

Revise your CV to highlight your newly acquired doctorate and expertise. Create or update your LinkedIn profile and academic profiles on platforms like ResearchGate or Academia.edu. Consider developing a professional website that showcases your research and expertise.

Networking

Your committee members can be powerful allies in your career journey. Ask them for introductions to their contacts in areas that interest you. Attend conferences and workshops in your field to make connections and stay current with developments.

Continuous Learning

The completion of your PhD doesn’t mean the end of learning. Stay updated with developments in your field through journals, webinars, and professional development courses. Consider learning complementary skills that make you more versatile in your career path.

Emotional Adjustment After Your Dissertation

Completing your dissertation is an incredible achievement, but it can also bring an emotional shift that many don’t anticipate. After dedicating years to research, writing, and defending your work, it’s natural to feel a mix of relief, joy, and—at times—disappointment. The emotional transition from being fully immersed in your dissertation to life after the defense can be surprisingly challenging. This is often referred to as the “Post-Dissertation Blues.”

You may experience a sense of loss or a lack of direction, as the project that consumed so much of your energy is finally over. These feelings are completely normal and a part of the process of adjusting to your new reality. Allow yourself the space and time to process these emotions, and don’t feel guilty for needing some time to figure out your next move.

Post-Dissertation Blues

The end of your dissertation journey marks the close of a major chapter in your academic life. For some new PhDs, this transition can feel like a letdown. After all, for years, you’ve been working toward a single goal, and now that goal is complete. While the world may seem to expect you to move on to the next big thing, it’s okay to feel a little lost or unsure of what’s next. The process of completing your dissertation often involves intense focus and a sense of purpose, which can feel like it’s missing once the work is done.

Take a moment to honor the achievement before rushing into your next steps. It’s important to give yourself permission to grieve the end of the dissertation phase and embrace the next stage of your life at your own pace. Remember, it’s okay to feel a little emotional during this time—many people feel it, and it’s a part of your journey.

Reconnect and Re-Energize

After months or even years of intense focus on your dissertation, it’s likely that personal hobbies, family time, and friendships may have taken a back seat. Now that your dissertation is complete, it’s the perfect time to re-establish your work-life balance. Reconnect with the activities that once brought you joy and helped you unwind. Whether it’s painting, hiking, cooking, or catching up with friends, now is the time to rediscover the things that nourish your mental and emotional well-being.

Take this opportunity to put boundaries in place that will serve you well in your professional life moving forward. As you begin a new chapter—whether in academia, industry, or freelance—striving for a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial. This balance will not only make you more productive and fulfilled, but it will also help sustain your energy and creativity in the long term.

Build Healthy Habits for the Future

In the hustle of completing your dissertation, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns—like overworking or neglecting self-care. Now that the pressure is off, take the time to reset. Re-establish regular exercise, eat well, and prioritize sleep. A healthy lifestyle will not only improve your overall well-being, but it will also help you manage future challenges with greater resilience.

Set clear goals for your professional and personal life moving forward, and establish systems to manage stress and maintain productivity. The emotional adjustments you make now will lay the foundation for a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.

Embrace Your New Identity

Completing your dissertation marks the end of your role as a student and the beginning of your life as an expert in your field. This transition can feel strange, as you may have identified as a “student” for so long. Now, as a newly minted PhD, it’s time to step into your new identity and the opportunities that await you.

Take time to celebrate your success and appreciate all that you’ve accomplished. The path to this point has likely been long and challenging, and now you’re equipped with both the knowledge and the mindset to move forward confidently. Whether you choose to enter the workforce, continue your studies with a postdoc, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, know that you have an immense set of skills and experiences that will set you apart in your next venture.

Conclusion

Your PhD journey doesn’t end with your dissertation defense—it’s just beginning a new chapter. Whether you choose academia, industry, or forge your own path, the analytical thinking, persistence, and expertise you’ve developed will serve you well.

Remember that career paths are rarely linear, especially for PhDs. Be open to opportunities that might not have been in your original plan, and don’t be afraid to leverage your unique combination of skills and knowledge in innovative ways.

Congratulations again on your tremendous achievement! At Prime dissertation help, we’re proud to have been part of your journey and excited to see where your expertise takes you next.