
Last November, Kohlrabi delivered the annual Research Consultancy Training at UCL’s BaseKX, bringing together 70 doctoral students from all disciplines. Participants gained firsthand insight into working with the voluntary and community sector, explored the challenges faced by charity organisations, learned key consultancy methodologies, and discovered how to adapt their research skills to real-world scenarios—equipping them to navigate the consultancy landscape with confidence.
As a PhD student, you are immersed in your research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge within your niche. Yet, as graduation approaches, the question of "What's next?" looms large. During our conversations, we heard many concerns from students about transitioning into research consulting—or any career—after their PhD. Some worry about lacking exposure to diverse methodologies, having limited experience working with the public, or possessing overly specialised expertise that may not align with industry needs. These concerns are entirely valid.
But the good news is that your PhD has equipped you with a strong foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills. The key is learning how to translate these abilities into a broader context.
One of our top recommendations is to leverage your university’s careers team. No matter where you are in your PhD journey, these professionals offer practical, actionable guidance that extends beyond your supervisor's support. From tailored CV advice to insights into a wide range of career paths, your careers team can be a crucial ally in your transition. They can also help you identify opportunities to build transferable skills, ensuring you are ready for whatever career path you choose.
You might also be interested in joining our in-house training sessions for more hands-on experience, such as our flagship Research consultancy skills for academics training or the PhD Accelerator programme.
Remember, stepping into research consulting or any new career doesn’t mean leaving your academic skills behind—it’s about reimagining how to use them in new and exciting ways. Ready to explore research consulting? Your journey starts with a single conversation.
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