Will a new doctorate recipient get hired as an adjunct or in academia? The short answer is: probably not.

Are you struggling to secure an academic position despite your advanced qualifications? You’re not alone. Many PhD (doctorate) candidates are finding themselves in increasingly challenging circumstances when it comes to landing faculty roles in academia. A recent survey  with a PhD candidate highlighted this issue: after applying to 60 different academic positions and preparing extensive application materials—including detailed CVs and letters of recommendation—they secured two dozen interviews, yet received zero job offers.

This experience underscores a complex hiring process that often leaves many feeling inadequate. It’s essential to understand that the challenges are rooted in broader systemic issues within academia rather than personal shortcomings. While there are still faculty positions available, their numbers have significantly decreased, creating an environment where even highly qualified candidates struggle to find tenure-track positions.

Understanding the Current Academic Job Market

Historically, many PhD (doctorate) graduates were able to transition into faculty roles without the necessity of completing a postdoc. In fact, more than 70% achieved tenure-track positions in the 1970s. However, the landscape has drastically changed. Today, the rise of postdoctoral, teaching assistant, and adjunct roles has created an oversaturated job market that favors cost-saving hiring practices over the stability of traditional faculty positions.

Each year, an increasing number of PhD graduates enter the job market without a corresponding rise in faculty opportunities. This imbalance creates intense competition, leaving many capable candidates struggling for employment. Compounding this issue is the heavy reliance on external funding, making job security in academia even more precarious.

The Adjunct Phenomenon

The rise of adjunct faculty as a cost-efficient measure for institutions has further complicated the academic employment landscape. These part-time positions often come with little job security or benefits, leading to a situation where many PhDs feel trapped in a cycle of competitive but low-paying roles. Furthermore, a focus on the “publish or perish” mentality places excessive pressure on academics to prioritize publication at the expense of teaching and mentorship responsibilities.

The Transition to Industry: A Viable Solution

Given the multitude of challenges—oversaturation, funding instability, adjunct positions, and a focus on publishing—PhDs must consider transitioning into industry roles as a strategic alternative.

Strategies for a Successful Transition:

1. Craft Your Professional Narrative: Transform your academic experiences into compelling stories that appeal to industry needs. Highlight transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, and problem-solving capabilities on a polished resume and LinkedIn profile.

2. Expand Your Networking Efforts: To get hired in today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to network creatively. Attend industry-centric events, and engage with professionals outside of academic circles. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with alumni and industry leaders.

3. Explore Diverse Career Paths: Do not limit your search to traditional academic roles. Consider opportunities in consulting, technical writing, project management, and other areas where your analytical skills can shine.

In conclusion, while the academic job market poses daunting challenges, a strategic and proactive approach can lead to rewarding career transitions. Don’t let the current landscape deter you from pursuing fulfilling opportunities in industry, where your PhD qualifications can truly make a difference.

Sources used in this article: 

Acker, S., & Haque, E. (2017). Left out in the academic field: Doctoral graduates deal with a decade of disappearing jobs. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 47(3), 101-119.

Inouye, K., & McAlpine, L. (2019). Developing academic identity: A review of the literature on doctoral writing and feedback. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 14, 1.

Wang, J., Liardét, C., & Lum, J. (2025). Feeling like an academic writer: An exploration of doctoral students’ struggle for recognition. Studies in Continuing Education, 47(1), 285-301.