When I decided to pursue a PhD, I thought the long road to this short acronym would pay off with respect (mainly from people outside academia), more job opportunities and better pay, in academia and industry.

But I've now realized there are no guarantees — especially in ‘nontraditional’ jobs outside research. Recently I was talking to someone who had just gained her PhD and was trying hard to find a job in pharmaceutical marketing. She has discovered that people with doctorates are not readily hired in that field, as they are considered too expensive and overqualified. But one of my fellow students who left university after his master's degree has got the sort of job she was seeking, in a leading pharmaceutical company.

A PhD reflects specialization in a research area and therefore imposes certain limits on future job choices. Looking for a research position is usually a matter of availability and complementary research goals, but diving into non-research subjects can be difficult and sometimes requires additional skills. Thinking about this earlier, rather than later, in your career can save you time. I plan to use these conversations to see where I want to go and what skills I need to get there — before I complete my PhD.