Leaving academia: a practical guide

"This short, readable book gives practical advice for doctoral students and PhDs on planning their careers beyond the academy. Data suggests only 2% of entrants into doctoral programs land a tenure-track position, which, as the title suggests, points to careers outside of academia as 'Leaving Academia'. The book begins by acknowledging the feelings of frustration, defeat, and hopelessness that affect readers at this stage, but encourages readers to see the opportunities offered by the wider world as far bigger, more exciting, and more profitable than they may have allowed themselves to imagine. Following chapters discuss figuring out what you want in life, researching new careers, networking, and transitioning into the first six months of employment. Leaving Academia fills a significant gap in the current literature. It sits between three genres--quit lit, career change advice, and the online alt-ac support groups. While quit lit is the most common type of writing about leaving academia, it is marked by highly personalized writing which critics denounce as self-indulgent. In Plan A, Caterine acknowledges the emotions that accompany the transition out of academia, but focuses on practical lessons. Caterine discusses the market more in his proposal, but concludes that Leaving Academia fills a significant gap in the literature. It will be brief, direct, and tailored for academics leaving the academy. Its practical advice will come from somebody who has walked the path himself, synthesizing advice received and lessons learned, as well as including input from other former academics"--