Academia
This is perhaps the first field we think of when we think of someone with a doctorate degree. And indeed, professors are somewhat in demand in all fields; however, because of competition and tenure, these jobs can be difficult to get. Oftentimes, you start out as a junior or associate professor and work your way up.
Biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry
In fact, this is one of the fastest-growing areas that require many postdoctoral candidates. One of the major areas in this field that requires a post-doctorate is the medical scientist. Medical scientists study human diseases to improve the human condition and health in general. They conduct biomedical research and development both to understand more about the human body and things that interact with it, such as bacteria, viruses, and other agents of infection. Much of their work in the past has led to advances in for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including those previously untreatable and even fatal. To be a medical scientist, you'll need a background in biological science or related field, and you'll do best in your job prospects if you have both a Ph.D. and an MD. In some cases at present, this can be a difficult area to get into, because the economy's condition may limit the amount of money that can be allocated to research and development.
How to secure postdoctoral jobs that can become careers
• Have a passion for your career, no matter what it is
Actually, most people who secure post doc jobs don't do so in a vacuum. In fact, they do so while working within their fields and building upon their experience even as they continue their educations; as an example, someone may begin as a research scientist with a bachelor's degree in an entry-level position and then work their way up, continuing their education all the while. Of course, this takes a lot of work, so you're going to have to like your field in every way; not only are you going to be working in it, but you're going to continue to learn as you go, too.
• Get a bachelor's degree
Therefore, the first piece of advice is to get a bachelor's degree in your chosen field and land your first job. It's not a particularly good idea to go straight through to your doctorate degree without having had any real world job experience.
• Look for employers who offer dental help and resources with continuing education
Many fields that have doctoral positions in high demand will also have plenty of positions at lower educational requirements levels. These industries often require that their candidates continue their educations as a means to stay current in the field. Therefore, they're going to look for job candidates (even for entry-level jobs) who are not only willing but want to advance their educations. Those employers will often help their employees pay for their educations while they continue to work. In fact, in some cases, these employers actually have classes on the job site itself.
• Get your master's degree
Again, this usually shouldn't occur in a vacuum and you should be working while you do so. It's not uncommon, for example, for people to take a short break from a "regular" job so that they can concentrate solely on school, but don't stay in school for eight years straight without working in the real world. Experience doesn't necessarily trump a degree, but it certainly makes you a much more attractive candidate if you've got experience along with your degree.
• Get your doctorate — while on the job, if you can
Again, employers often love employees or potential candidates who are eager to learn on the job and to continue to go to school. Because so many fields require continuing education anyway (computer science, medicine, and biotechnology are just a few examples), it can be a means to kill two birds with one stone if you simply pursue your degree along with fulfilling continuing education requirements.
Whether this means you want to simply advance at your current employer (as many companies require), or whether you want to break out and look for a new job at another employer, a doctorate can be the means for you to do just that, if done right. Stay on the job and use whatever continuing education requirements your field necessitates to continue to advance beyond your bachelor's while you stay on the job. This is not only going to make you a better professional, but it's also going to make you a more comfortable and confident one, too. And you'll have a much greater advantage over candidates who have not kept their on the job experience current while they've studied for their doctorates.
