Career development

This development area of the Doctoral Development Framework covers career planning for all doctoral candidates. Whether you wish to remain in academia, move into industry or advance in your current career, it’s helpful to start preparing early.

Doctoral career pathways

An excellent way to plan for your future career is to follow one of our doctoral career pathways. You can choose between the academic career pathway or the entrepreneurial career pathway, with more pathways coming soon. Learn more about doctoral career pathways.

Career opportunities

Whether taking your first steps or building from an established career, you are encouraged to explore future possibilities and opportunities. Looking into industries, sectors and role types can help give you a better idea of the career you want to pursue if you’re just starting out. Exploring opportunities through industry collaborations and professional networks can appraise you of new directions in established careers.

Recommended courses, workshops and events

  • Academic Career Advancement Programme (ACAP)
  • Academic Career Perspectives series
  • Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leaderships Programme (DELP)
  • NZ Workplace Insights
  • Doctoral careers workshops

Resources

Career planning

Once you know the direction you’d like to move in, it’s time to set some goals and make a plan for how you can achieve them. The planning phase includes reflecting on your growth, recording your achievements, identifying your transferable skills, setting goals and making the most of your networks.

Recommended courses, workshops and events

  • Academic Career Advancement Programme (ACAP)
  • Academic Career Perspectives series
  • Doctoral Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme (DELP)
  • NZ Workplace Insights
  • Doctoral careers workshops

Resources

  • MyCDES (book consultations and workshops)

Building hands-on experience and connections across industry, government and academic settings can help position you for the career pathway or advancement of your choice - and it's another opportunity to build valuable connections.

Recommended courses, workshops and events

  • Workplace Insights Programme
  • Careers fairs

Teaching and learning

If you are new to an academic career, it’s important to undertake job-specific preparation; and to start early to distinguish yourself from your peers. If you’re already established within the sector, now is the time to find new ways to expand and develop your practice.

Recommended courses, workshops and events

  • Academic Career Advancement Programme (ACAP)
  • Academic Career Perspectives series

Resources

Explore current offerings