Careers support for PhD students

Exploring what to do after your PhD?  

As a PhD student, you are in the early stages of your research careers, but you may be considering all the options available to you, including continuing in academic research. The Careers Service can provide bespoke support to you in your career planning whether you’re looking for idea, have a few ideas or have a clear idea of where you want to go after Cambridge. You may even be at different stages in different areas (eg, have a clear idea of continuing your academic research as a postdoc, but looking for ideas for research in industry). Read below to find out the various ways in which you can engage with the Careers Service. We are here to guide you in every aspect of your career planning.  

How do I access the Careers Service? 

In order to book 1-1 appointments, workshops and events, PhD students need to register on Handshake.  Handshake is a career development platform where you can access the Cambridge Careers Service and develop  your career and network. PhDs need to activate their Handshake accounts. 

Note that when you are invited to complete your profile please do so as this is when you will be asked to answer a series of important questions, such as your career interests and privacy, communication and profile preferences.   

Please also note if you set your profile to Private, you will still be able to access the careers support offered at Cambridge and apply for jobs advertised on the platform, however you won't be contacted directly by employers or be able to interact with other students/alumni.  

To access and book appointments, events, fairs and resources, please be sure to activate your Handshake account.  The Careers Service uses the platform Handshake to manage interaction with students and employers and to facilitate ease of working with the Careers Service.  

How do I navigate my various post-PhD career options?  

How do I develop my academic career?  

How can I get help with academic applications and interviews (including narrative CVs)?  

What about applications and interviews for other positions? 

Looking for recurring interactive online and in-person careers workshops?