Career Crossroads....Help!

Who Knows?

Hi all,

I am just finished my PhD in business and IT and I am seeking a career that would be interesting as was my research activities over the past few years. I find myself applying for jobs as I dont want to be unemployed after this long educational slog. Anyway, lately, due to the lack of jobs in Ireland (in certain areas for certain careers) I found myself applying for a "graduate role". I thought it would be a safe move, work through the ranks, etc...

I find that as I dig deep into my soul, I would consider it to be painful to work with a multi-national, working in, for example, 'finance' or "business analyst', "making the sale", etc., and living the "apprentice" life (RTE Apprentice). I hate that style and I fear I would have to live that life. It looks soul destroying, and all for what - money? For me, there has to be more to life, perhaps a good social busienss environment - a business doing some good?

I know I am ranting a little, but do any of you have any advice for me. Have any of you faced similar challenges? I do understand that it is tough times in this "economic climate", but for me, I never had anything and never lost anything as a result of poor political-economics, so spare me that line.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[PS - Apologies for spelling errors - Im running to catch a bus].

For fun, this captures what I mean about the "business lifestyle": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AXTx4PcKI

BostonB

Where did you do the PhD in business and IT btw?

What was your objective in doing it in the first place?

A start up where you believed in the product might be a place to look for. .

Tieko

Have you any previous work experience or have you been studying up to this point? I suppose that will really determine your ability to find the position you want.

You mentioned 'doing good', are you interested in volunteering? I did a graduate role myself and I have to say it was the best thing I ever did because you learn so much and you get a better idea of what you like and don't like. I would say don't write something off until you have tried it. I really didn't have a clue of what I wanted when I came out of college, all I knew is I wanted to work overseas, so I chose the IBEC EOP program. It was the only thing I applied for and I got it.

If you can give some more info of what you are interested in, somebody here may be able to give a few more pointers.

Who Knows?

Many thanks,

I will try to keep an open mind to various options at this rate. Its still difficult to get jobs with various qualifications. Some places are more interested in your Leaving Cert results...

Cheers.

starlit

Hey Op, Congrats on your Phd! What was your course title and where did you do the Phd if you don't mind me asking? Was it a research or structured Phd? My degree area be similar to yours.

My suggestions on finding work I suppose is maybe going down the Business Analysis road, IT Solutions Consultant, IT Auditing, Information Systems Related, there are a range of careers you could dip into. Depends what you really like to do, good at and what you have a passion for. What did you base your Phd Research Thesis on might give you an insight what areas to look into.

A research career or become a lecturer or becoming a professor might be another option to look into.

Ya I can see what you mean, at the moment a lot of companies are looking into Leaving Cert results which begs to differ, College results and work experience be more important in my eyes than leaving cert results. College results be more of a priority and first hand and most recent results and stand out more than leaving cert results unless you are going into graduate work placement programmes.

Good luck OP with your job hunt!