Factors influencing PhD students’ intentions to pursue careers in the government and nonprofit sectors: evidence from a global survey

Huan Li, Hugo Horta*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is a growing need to support diversified career pathways for doctoral students. However, research on the determinants of doctoral students’ preferences to pursue future careers outside academia is still limited, or indeed is absent when careers in the government and nonprofit sectors (GNS) are considered. Using data from the 2019 Nature PhD Students Survey, this paper explores factors that influence PhD students’ preferences for GNS career pathways. The results show that the personal attributes, motivations, and concerns of students considering careers outside academia are generally similar, notwithstanding their career preference by sector of activity. However, the results also suggest that doctoral students who lean towards GNS careers have different personal attributes, motivations, and concerns than those wanting to work in the business sector. Specifically, compared with those preferring employment in the business sector, doctoral students who are concerned about the political landscape and care less about the uncertainty of career prospects are more inclined to work in the nonprofit sector. Compared with those preferring employment in the business sector, those who enjoy creativity and the academic environment tend to prefer employment in the government sector. Older and female doctoral students are also more likely to consider GNS career pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1946-1961
Number of pages16
JournalHigher Education Research and Development
Volume41
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • career choice
  • Doctoral education
  • government and nonprofit sectors
  • motivations
  • PhD students

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