One thing to note is that even though there are a lot of PhD candidates, there are very few academically-oriented PhD positions available. In some cases, of course, PhD finance degree holders will do well in other industries, such as the banking industry. Similarly, for PhD computer science jobs and for economics PhD jobs, you can find a lot of work outside of the academic field. Subjects such as math and history might stump you a bit; however, you should not worry. There are a variety of locally-available PhD jobs in those fields, too.
History PhD Jobs
One notable former PhD in history got herself a job as an acquisitions editor at a publishing company. Think you can't use your love of history in publishing, or in just about any other field for that matter? Think again. Just about anything with any sort of historical bent can use someone with a PhD in history for it. With a little tweaking and some focus on work you really love, your post-PhD job history can be even more rewarding than your academic career was.
For example, you may find yourself good at writing detailed descriptions, such as for products, services, or even real estate. Because those working on history PhDs (and in some cases, those pursuing writing careers beyond academia or other such literary pursuits) necessarily write a lot, you have probably become a master of writing and research, and can spit facts in such a way that most people can understand them. These types of writing skills are in high demand at a time when a lot of people don't have them anymore. Once, writing was a skill a lot of people possessed; today, the talents we all used in school to write history papers, for example, have been largely forgotten by those in the corporate world and in other sectors of the job market.
Math PhD Jobs
If you have a PhD in math, a lot of financially-based jobs are open to you in the non-academic venue. For example, as an applied mathematician, you can use mathematical modeling to help solve problems in engineering, government, business, or even the social sciences. If you are an applied mathematician, for example, you may analyze what the most efficient route is for flight between cities, or help construct automobiles with the best aerodynamic characteristics. You may also formulate how alternative manufacturing processes can be more efficient.
You can do applied mathematics in some surprising ways, too. For example, you may work as a cryptanalyst, which is to say that you analyze and then decipher encryption codes that transmit secure material for the political, financial, military, or law enforcement arenas.
PhD Computer Science Jobs
You can approach the computer science field in a number of ways with your PhD. Regardless of the job you actually have, you'll need to be innovative and to have theoretical expertise as you apply new technology (that you've perhaps helped create) to solve difficult problems. You may utilize skills in discerning theory, designing hardware, or even designing and programming languages. If you are a computer science researcher at an academic institution, you may be able to focus purely on theory to a greater extent than someone in the business world, who has to deal with ongoing problem resolution.
You may also want to work as a database administrator, developing database management system software and finding new ways to organize and store data safely. You may be needed to test and coordinate changes to the system or troubleshoot problems. In some cases, those in database administration may oversee others working directly on databases, depending on the size of the organization they work for.
Network architects design and then test and evaluate systems like local area networks, the Internet, and other communication systems of this new Internet age. Because the Internet is so far-reaching, connections have to be specified to their particular need, such as email systems within a company or intercommunication between two global corporations on opposite sides of the globe.
Economics PhD Jobs
Economics PhD jobs in the private sector are readily available, and in fact a PhD may be required for advancement to higher-level positions. Many organizations require that one hold a PhD, for example, to be a top economist with them. Even government and corporate executives need strong backgrounds in economics, and a PhD there is a plus.
Finding PhD Jobs Locally
Whatever your area, getting online and searching job sites with your particular area of expertise, along with the keyword "PhD," will help you find work suitable for your level of education. Again, a percentage of these job listings will be in academia, and if that is your desired area by all means that is what you should go for. However, competition is very fierce in academic arenas and many PhDs have left the academic world for non-academic work, such as in those positions described above. In addition, these jobs often times pay better than academic positions, especially ones that are non-tenured.
Conclusion
Finding local PhD jobs can be a challenge. This is especially true if you are limiting yourself to only PhD work in the academic arena. However, if you choose to look in the private sector for jobs that require candidates with PhD degrees, your number of available choices should be much greater.
