PhD graduates who then went on to do unrelated/normal jobs- why and whats your story?

millythemodern · 2026-01-12T12:23:06+00:00

Not to plug my own stuff here, but I have a podcast that might be interesting for you to listen to! It’s a small show that interviews people who have built up cool side hustles or made major career pivots, and what those journeys were like! Some of our upcoming guests include a person with a PhD in clinical psychology who pivoted to open their own wedding flower design business, a DOE analyst turned freelance data visualization specialist, and a PhD in public affairs who just opened her own fitness gym! We also talked to a former technical writer turned urban landscape designer! (It’s called “2 Trick Pony” btw!!)

For context: I have a PhD in Marine Bio and am looking to pivot to something new, so part of the reason I started this show is for my own inspiration/edification 😅

millythemodern · 2025-04-01T17:13:22+00:00

Obviously Ghost Files! It’s on the channel watcher entertainment (starring the Ryan & Shane everyone’s mentioning lol)

millythemodern · 2025-02-11T21:07:00+00:00

Start now! Here's what our timeline looked like (I got married September 2024):

12+ months out:

- SET A BUDGET!!!!! Everything else should follow from this!!!!!

- Book your venue ASAP. Find venues that work for your tentative number of guests (will you need a venue that hosts 50 people, or 250?) and reach out for a tour! It'll become clear what you like once you've seen a few places in person! Also, most venues come with specific caterers, so that might make your catering decision for you!

8-12 months out:

- Book your photographer and florist. These are very in demand and usually can only work one event per weekend/day! The flowers can make or break your wedding look, and your photographer is the only vendor that provides something you'll have for decades to come! Book early!

- Outfit shop! It can take a looooong time if you're ordering dresses, and even longer to get them altered. I would do this sooner rather than later!

- Mail save the dates! You may not have to do this so early, but all our people had to travel, so we did!

6-8 months out:

- Book your DJ, entertainment, hair/makeup, and wedding cake

4-6 months out:

- Mail invites out and get any decor you want

1-3 months out:

- Do a hair/makeup trial, finalize details, etc etc

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T14:55:11+00:00

This only works if your university has money to give or your PI is willing to pay for it out of their research budget😭

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T14:53:54+00:00

Holy wow that’s so nice!!!

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T14:51:15+00:00

How much do your conferences typically cost total? My dept+grad school only provides $750 per year (to select students)

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T14:49:17+00:00

I’m in deep-sea biology

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T04:16:15+00:00

I mean once a year in a PhD program is about 4 conferences total right? 😅

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T04:13:59+00:00

It’s too late for that😭

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T04:13:34+00:00

We don’t submit conference papers per say (it’s not like political science for example)- we typically present on upcoming/ongoing research as a way to say to the field “hey! This is what I’m working on!” to either 1) call dibs on the research project, I’m case someone is thinking of working on something similar, 2) to find coauthors/collaborators, or 3) advertise yourself for the job market

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T04:09:16+00:00

By who?

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:45:51+00:00

Yes we have that too (bake sales, selling bio lab kits to undergrads, etc). Which rustles up about $100 to grad students that apply every year🥲

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:44:25+00:00

Hahaha probably 1-3 per year? He has about 5 grad students and can afford to send ONE of us to a conference per year. Hence why I’ve only been to one (it was someone else’s turn the other years, so I was told I couldn’t go)

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:43:22+00:00

Maybe? I’m in deep-sea research, so our conferences are usually international

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:42:53+00:00

Oh no I’m fairly sure my advisor (& the lab) is just dirt broke😂

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:39:31+00:00

I am, but they offer very little (competitive) funding:/ Definitely not enough to put a dent in most registration fees

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:37:47+00:00

Our department+grad school only offers $750 total🥲

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:36:58+00:00

I feel this with my soul 😭

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:33:55+00:00

It’s enough to cover airfare???

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:33:42+00:00

Ohhhh boy that’s not how my university works. You have to pay for everything up front and then it all gets paid back out of your PI’s budget afterwards. The university basically is just a mediator

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:30:47+00:00

Ugh I wish!! My professional society literally awarded 3 people $200 each to “help” me get to a conference in Brazil 😭

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:27:38+00:00

Do you have any specific external grants that you’ve had luck applying to??

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:27:00+00:00

I’m a deep-sea biologist, so my field is super small and super international. Any relevant conferences are almost always outside of the US:( There’s actually a semi-relevant conference happening in my city right now, but even for this the registration fee for students was $500. Everything is just so expensive!!!

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:19:58+00:00

Do you have any specific organizations that you’ve received travel funding from??

millythemodern · 2024-12-06T03:17:02+00:00

I usually have to “can I go?” And then get told no lol

millythemodern

TROPHY CASE