PhD Graduates 5 to 7 years out: Employment Outcomes, Job Attributes and the Quality of Research Training

The University of Queensland Social Research Centre (UQSRC), in conjunction with the Deans of Graduate Studies, the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne; received funding from a Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) Higher Education Innovation Programme (HEIP) grant to conduct a survey of graduates from PhD programs at the Group of Eight universities. The purpose of this study was to determine the employment outcomes, job attributes and the quality of research training of those graduates. Key variables cover respondents' paid work activities prior to, during and after their PhD candidature, with a primary focus on their current employment conditions and experiences. Reasons for pursuing a PhD were explored, along with respondents' academic activities during their candidature. Additionally, respondents were asked to assess the skills and characteristics they acquired during their candidature, and what skills they believed were important for a successful career. Background variables cover year of birth, country of birth, parent's country of birth and parents' main job activities during respondents' adolescence. Marital status and the presence of children are also covered.