The final year of a PhD is often one of the busiest and most intense periods of the entire doctoral journey. Deadlines pile up, the last calculations still need to be done to make everything work, and between all of that you are expected to write a thesis….
At the same time, however, the final year is also when questions about “what comes next?” start to feel real. While it can be tempting to postpone career planning until after submission or defense, thinking ahead can make a significant difference to how confident and prepared you feel when the PhD chapter comes to an end.
Career development does not mean having your entire future mapped out in detail. Rather, it is about exploring options, understanding what is out there, and making yourself ready for opportunities when they arise. You are not getting married to your first job after your PhD; you are free to build your career in as many twists and turns as you like.
Below are several practical tips that can help you prepare for your next step:
1. Take advantage of career development courses at your university
Many universities offer workshops and short courses specifically aimed at PhD students and early-career researchers. These may cover topics such as CV writing, interview skills, networking, project management, teaching portfolios, or transitioning to industry. Because these courses are designed with doctoral candidates in mind, they often address common concerns and transferable skills that PhDs already possess but may underestimate. Even attending one or two targeted workshops can help you better articulate your strengths and clarify which career paths might suit you best. At TU Delft, taking such a course is actually part of the doctoral training program, as we know how important it is to think about the next steps.
2. Talk to recently graduated PhDs
One of the most valuable sources of information is people who were in your position not so long ago. Reach out to alumni from your group, department, or faculty and ask them about their current roles. What do they enjoy about their jobs? What was challenging during the transition out of the PhD? What skills turned out to be more important than they expected? These conversations can give you an idea about what it is really like to work in a certain company, what the day-to-day looks like, and whether that would fit with your (personal) life.
3. Identify the skills you need to stand out and work on them strategically
Look at job ads that interest you and pay attention to requirements. Do employers emphasize data analysis, programming, teaching experience, leadership, communication, or project management? Once you identify a few key gaps, think about how you might address them within the remaining time of your PhD. This does not have to involve major new commitments: supervising a student, organizing a small workshop, learning a new tool, or taking on a clearly defined responsibility can already strengthen your profile.
4. Make your transferable skills visible
PhD students develop a wide range of skills, but they are often described in academic language that does not translate easily outside academia. Practice explaining what you do in terms of problem-solving, managing uncertainty, communicating complex ideas, and working independently. Understanding what you are good at is especially important if you are considering roles beyond traditional academic paths.
5. Attend and speak at industry or professional events if relevant
If you are considering a career in industry, consulting, policy, or another non-academic sector, look for events where professionals in those fields gather. Conferences, meetups, and panel discussions can provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities. If possible, consider giving a talk or presenting a poster that connects your research to real-world applications. Speaking at such events helps you build confidence, visibility, and a professional network beyond your university.
6. Build and maintain your professional network
Networking does not have to mean awkward small talk or self-promotion. It can be as simple as staying in touch with collaborators, supervisors, former lab mates, or people you meet at events. A short message or follow-up email can go a long way. You can also think of building your LinkedIn profile to get better known. Over time, these connections may lead to job leads, recommendations, or informal advice when you need it most.
7. Set realistic boundaries around career planning
Finally, remember that your thesis still comes first. Career development works best when it is integrated into your schedule. Small, consistent actions (one conversation, one workshop, one application-related task) are often more effective than trying to do everything at once. Listening to a podcast with ideas from industry leaders or about data-driven decision making while you are cooking dinner is doable, and much more low stakes than having to set aside various days away from thesis writing to make a deep dive into a new topic.
Preparing for life after the PhD is not about having all the answers before you submit your thesis. It is about giving yourself options and reducing uncertainty. By taking a proactive but balanced approach to career development during your final year, you can move toward your next step with greater clarity and confidence. The PhD may be coming to an end, but the skills, experiences, and networks you build now will continue to support you long after you have written the final sentence of your dissertation.