In addition to the thesis project, I am now starting to work seriously at finding a job for the period following this degree. I am looking for something related to international relations – environmental politics ideally – but non-academic. I am happy to work in Canada, the US, or the UK, provided the job will pay enough to live on and fund interest payments on my student loans. More far-flung possibilities will certainly be considered; indeed, an opportunity that allowed me to see part of the world that is unfamiliar to me would be particularly alluring.
I would expect to remain in this position for one or two years, at which point I would re-evaluate the merits of carrying on to do a PhD. I know that’s not a great length of time, but something along the lines of a paid internship seems in keeping with the timescale under consideration.
As long as the job experience is relevant, I doubt that PhD selection committees will think worse of me for not coming directly. Indeed, having more time to prepare for the GRE, accumulate references, come up with a new research plan, and submit applications would be quite useful.
All those with ideas are appreciatively requested to bring them forward. This includes places to look, people to talk to, and options to consider.
Try the careers service? UK specific, but they have lots of resources.
My earlier post on searching for a job is here.
Note to self: my Word format CV badly needs to be re-tooled:
1) Substantially shorten the section on high school
2) Focus on jobs I’ve had that are academically related. Cut Staples, etc to single lines.
3) Generally update and revamp.