Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education
Aspiration versus outcome: the career intentions of PhD students in an Australian university
September 2025 • Murray Lane, Karen Dooley, Karen Cavu, Esa Jaatinen
Purpose While PhD qualifications were commonly viewed as preparation for academic careers, graduates are increasingly finding employment beyond the university sector. This study aims to examine the relationship between the career aspirations and confidence levels of PhD students and alumni at an Australian university, and their likely career outcomes. Design/methodology/approach To determine career intentions and outcomes of past and present PhD students, the authors conducted a survey at a single Australian unive…