I'm about to submit my PhD in sociology after three and half years of study. I have some good solid experience in community research through volunteer work and undergraduate student placements at not-for-profit institutions.

I have started the process of applying for jobs outside academia. While I would like to work in academia, here in Australia there seems to be very little in the way of opportunities for PhD students and I'm already searching for work outside the academic realm in areas of interest. I have lecturing and teaching until December, and then after that I'll be unemployed and possibly still in the limbo of waiting to hear back about my thesis (here in Australia we don't do a Viva and just submit the hard copies). Sometimes it can take 6 or more months for the reports to come back, and as December is the start of summer, I may soon be forgotten for additional sessional teaching work.

The thing is, even in my areas of interest like research and evaluation or policy, there isn't much and what's there seems to have an abundance of applicants that I can barely get my foot in the door.

I've been thinking about attempting to move into market analyst research, as there seems to be a plethora of jobs and if I am able to market my skills effectively, could perhaps (wishful thinking?) have a decent chance? I was thinking about trying to set up some informational interviews about the industry and what would be required for entry level positions.

However, I worry about whether I can really commit to switching into producing research for the business profit sector and was wondering if anyone here who did a PhD in social sciences has become a market analyst researcher and what their experiences were like.

Does anyone have any advice for awsoci?

I am not into social studies, but I am asking you: why not? Your PhD has taught you how to do and manage research. Doing market research would be doable if you get the experience that is required in the field. You simply need to know how to sell your skills to potential employers. There is one thing that the PhD life has taught me: if you don't ask, you don't get!

I've just seen this on the Australian process (I've made a separate post about it). Surely the viva is an important part of the assessment process?

As regards your specific problem, I imagine you've a similar oversupply of successful PhD candidates to available academic and research posts in Australia as in the rest of the world. You thus have to have a plan B. I can only offer general advice, in that use your CV to emphasise the skills required for the job you're applying for. Also be prepared to work in a field that is not necessarily what you want to begin with, if only to show employers you're flexible enough to try other things. Additionally, it is easier to find work if you're currently 'active' (even if it's still your studies) and perhaps you can move into a job that is a better fit for you later.

You might find by being prepared to take a job that is not a best 'fit', that there are other areas you find you are interested in.

Ian