After Your PhD

After Your PhD:  A Transformational Workshop and Coaching Program to Prepare PhDs for Professional Jobs and Careers Outside Academia 

Presented by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, University of Alberta and funded by Alberta Innovates

 

Are you a University of Alberta graduate student or postdoctoral scholar feeling uncertain about how to position yourself, prepare for, and pursue rewarding careers outside of academia?

  • Frustrated by limited academic career options?
  • Confused about where to start in the non-academic job market?
  • Anxious about how to present your skills effectively?

If this sounds like you, After Your PhD is the game-changing program you’ve been waiting for.

We anticipate high demand for this exclusive opportunity. Spots will fill quickly, and participation will be competitive.  Express your interest now by filling out a short survey. This is your first step to securing a spot in this life-changing program!

Application Deadline: Friday, January 17

FILL OUT SURVEY TO APPLY

ProGram details:

If you have any questions about this program that are not answered below, please email grad.pd@ualberta.ca.
What is the After Your PhD Program?

After Your PhD is a 2-Day Intensive Workshop paired with 6 months of group coaching support. This transformative experience equips you with the skills, tools, and confidence you need to land your first job outside academia.

Key Benefits You’ll Gain:

Discover Your Value: Identify and communicate your unique strengths and transferable skills.

Master Job Applications: Craft resumes, cover letters, and application packages tailored to your dream job.

Ace Interviews: Learn strategies to confidently tackle behavior-based interviews.

Sustain Your Progress: Weekly group coaching sessions for 6 months to ensure you stay on track.

Who Should Apply: Ideal Participants
The After Your PhD Program is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the University of Alberta who are:
  • Actively Job Searching: If you're currently looking for a career outside academia, this program will give you the tools and support you need to succeed.
  • Preparing for a Job Search: If you plan to start your job search within the next 3 months, this program will help you position yourself effectively from the outset.
  • Committed to 28 weeks of career management programming
This opportunity is open to graduate students from any field of study – whether you are in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) disciplines, the humanities, social sciences, or interdisciplinary programs.
Participants MUST be prepared to complete all program requirements and actively pursue career job opportunities.
Focused on Careers Outside Academia

The selection process prioritizes participants who are committed to pursuing rewarding careers outside of academia. This program is not about exploring “nice-to-know” information; it’s a hands-on, action-oriented experience.

Ready to Take Action
Participants are expected to engage fully, apply the strategies learned, and actively use the materials provided to conduct an effective job search. You will leave this program prepared to build and execute a step-by-step job search plan, with tailored application materials and interview strategies to land the job you want.

If you're ready to invest in your future, take control of your career, and move beyond academia, this program is for you.

Program Details
  • Application Deadline: Friday, January 17.  Please fill out this short survey to apply.  Click here to apply
  • When: Workshops will take place on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM
  • Where: In-person workshop (University of Alberta) + coaching (online by Zoom)
  • Cost: Fully supported for University of Alberta graduate students and postdocs
  • Capacity: Limited to 21 Participants

  • Coaching: Wednesdays 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Starting Feb. 05 to Aug. 13, 2025
Meet Your Facilitator

Dr. Don Back

Dr. Don Back is a PhD and MBA holder with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of academia, business, and technology​. He is the founder of PhD Career Academy and Winnova Management Inc., and his mission is to help PhD graduates confidently transition from academia into successful professional careers​.

Dr. Back's diverse career includes roles as an academic researcher, faculty member, venture capital fund manager, and strategic advisor for innovation agencies​. He has been instrumental in launching and restructuring research centers and businesses, raising over $200 million in funding​. His dedication to mentoring PhD graduates has empowered countless individuals to leverage their skills and thrive in the professional world beyond academia​.