A career doing research in the 'for profit' sector
More and more academics are moving away from academic research to research in the private and the public sector. The key differences between academia and working in industry is that whilst the academic community values thoroughness and accuracy, industry is much more focused on efficiency and getting projects done.
Many researchers are drawn to industry because of the more direct and practical applications of their work, the work/life balance, and the job stability. A career in industry is found by many researchers to be a stimulating field that merges scientific knowledge, tools, and achievements with industry goals. The skills that you develop during your PhD such as data interpretation, analysis and scientific writing can put you in a good position for a career in industry.
Furthermore, if you are interested in progressing to manage research projects and teams, a PhD will enhance your chances of progression. Positions in industry offer challenging tasks, highly competent colleagues and often quite a good salary.
There are more opportunities for a career in industry overseas, so depending on your area of interest, you may need to look internationally for this.
Position types
- Research and Development scientist
- Nutrition scientist
- Food scientist
- Chemist
- Quality specialist
Specialist positions
- Technical Writers
- Technical Communications Analyst
- Enterprise Process Engineer
- Agile Business Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Research Executive
- Analyst
- Business Process Analyst
- Functional Analyst
- Product Manager
- Project Manager
- IT Project Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Process Analyst
- Process Coordinator
- Usability Analyst
- User Experience Designer
- Business Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Agile Analyst
- Business Solution Architect
- Process Architect
- Subject Matter Expert
- Digital Media Consultant
- Operations Specialist
- Insights Analyst
- Compliance Manager
- Data Analyst
- Technical Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Main competencies for this pathway
- Subject specific knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving skills
- Project management skills
- Communicative skills
- Self-management skills
- Drive and motivation
Possible workplaces
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biotech industry
- Food industry
- Engineering industry
- Consultancy
- Contract Research Organisations (CROs)
Training courses to support this pathway
- The Cheeky Scientist turns PhDs into confident and successful industry professionals.
- The RAP is a contestable acceleration programme for very early-stage medical device and digital health technology projects working towards clinical application and commercialisation.
- Otago Innovation helps University of Otago Researchers transfer their technology to the world.
- Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's innovation agency. They provide Research and Development services, funding and training to help businesses grow faster.
Career in government and the 'not for profit' sectors
Just like universities the government sector is becoming more business-like. Certain ministries will be responsible for obligations to New Zealanders who demand responsible and responsive outcomes. Certain ministries will invest in new technologies and push for innovation. Policy advice is also outsourced to consultancies who specialise in research and analysis.
Roles in the non-governmental sector often require people with drive and talent to attain funding. Advocacy, negotiation, and consulting skills also support careers in these areas.
Position types
- Analyst
- Researcher/ Senior researcher
- Policy Maker / Policy Analyst
- Development consultant
- Senior consultant
- Museum curator
- Fund Specialist
- Data Manager
- Advisor / Business Advisor
Main competencies for this pathway
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving skills
- Subject specific knowledge
- Communication skills including writing and presenting
- People management skills
- The ability to apply research to real-life situations
- Generic research skills
- Project management skills
- Self-management skills
- Drive and motivation
Possible workplaces
- Government and government agency – jobs.govt.nz
- Regional jobs (e.g. Regional Councils local government)
- Hospitals
- Consultancy like Deloittes, PWC, Ernst and Young (PhD are experienced hires)
- Research Councils and Charities
- Museums
- Non-governmental organisations in New Zealand – Do Good Jobs - NZs #1 ethical jobs board
Other external resources for career ideas
Training courses to support this pathway
LinkedIn Learning (Free – only available for University of Otago staff)