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Where are Canada’s PhDs employed?

November 24, 2015

A PhD is a prerequisite for an academic career, but fewer than 20% of Canada’s PhDs are employed as full-time university professors, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s report, “Inside and Outside the Academy: Valuing and Preparing PhDs for Careers.”

The number of PhDs awarded by Canadian universities increased by 68% between 2002 and 2011, the report found. However, the research found only 40% of PhD graduates work in the post-secondary education sector and 18.6% ultimately become full-time university professors; the majority of PhDs end up working outside academia.

“Although most go on to rewarding and well-paying careers, many PhD graduates experience difficulties when initially pursuing careers beyond the academy,” said Jessica Edge, senior research associate at The Conference Board of Canada. “This raises important questions about how Canada can achieve the maximum benefits from the knowledge and skills of PhD graduates.”

Top five places Canada’s PhD are employed:

  • Full-time university professor: 18.6%
  • Natural and applied sciences: 16.9%
  • Law, social, community, government services and education (not post-secondary): 11.4%
  • Health: 11.3%
  • Management occupations: 9.5%