An Evolving Degree
The doctoral degree originated more than 800 years ago in medieval Europe. It was initially conceived as a qualification for the professional training of lawyers and physicians, serving primarily as an entry point into academic careers.
“Since its inception, the doctoral degree has undergone two major transformations,” says Liesbeth Demuyser, Talent Development & Communications Project Manager at Biovia. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the doctorate nearly disappeared. “This was partially due to political instability, but also to growing public criticism of universities, which were seen as being too distant from ‘useful’ societal and professional needs,” she explains. At the time, alternative forms of knowledge production and professional training began to take off, providing non-university options for higher education.
However, by the late 19th century, the doctoral degree re-emerged as a key credential for academic professions, particularly within the scientific disciplines. A second major transformation began approximately 50 years ago, driven by the globalization and massification of higher education.
“This increase in PhDs is giving rise to new challenges and considerations for students.” – Liesbeth Demuyser
“The number of PhD graduates in Flanders recently increased by 17% over a six-year period, clearly illustrating the democratization and popularity of the degree,” says Demuyser. “But this increase in PhDs — which is happening both in and beyond Belgium — is giving rise to new challenges and considerations for students.”
The Value of a PhD on Today’s Labor Market
Post-doctorates and professorships within academia have always been fewer than the number of PhD positions, but the gap is growing wider. Consequently, the traditional pathway — from PhD training to a long-term academic career — has become unviable for most graduates. Today, only an estimated 5–10% of PhD holders remain in academia, while the vast majority pursue careers in the non-academic labor market.
“HR departments in industry are no longer automatically inclined to place PhD applicants at the top of their hiring lists.” – Liesbeth Demuyser
“In the past, a PhD degree was often seen as a strong guarantee of attractive job opportunities and long-term career progression,” says Demuyser. This is unfortunately no longer automatically the case for the 90-95% of PhD students seeking a job in industry. “PhD holders are widely valued and respected for their skills — such as analytical and creative thinking, strong writing, project management, and persistence,” she explains. “However, industry employers also note recurring areas where they find that former academics require additional support or alignment when entering the private sector.”
These areas often include time management, teamwork in fast-paced environments, and the calibration of ambitious expectations to industrial settings. In a labor market that increasingly prioritizes efficiency, stability, and collaboration, these aspects can influence how candidates are perceived and how smoothly they transition into industry roles. “HR departments in industry are no longer automatically inclined to place PhD applicants at the top of their hiring lists, which can come as a real shock to recent graduates.”
Becoming a Scientific Unicorn
This raises an important question: is pursuing a PhD still the right choice? “For some, the answer remains yes,” says Demuyser. “A PhD is a way to develop deep expertise, intellectual independence, and advanced problem-solving skills that are difficult to acquire in any other setting.” But for a significant proportion of people considering a PhD, the answer requires more deliberation, as the degree doesn’t necessarily provide optimal preparation for many roles in the non-academic labor market.
“Focusing on skills — rather than academic titles and diplomas — is key.” – Liesbeth Demuyser
For those who do decide to take on the challenge, Demuyser believes there are strategic ways to prepare for the job market, well ahead of graduation: “Focusing on skills — rather than academic titles and diplomas — is key,” she says. Increasingly, job vacancies emphasize specific, often interdisciplinary competencies, instead of formal degrees. But many employers now seek life sciences professionals who also have expertise in areas such as data science, business development, finance, or regulatory affairs. “In this context, diversifying your skill set is becoming more important than furthering your academic specialization, at least for careers outside academia.”
There is no wrong moment to start broadening your horizons — whether during your bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or beyond. Expanding your skillset might involve taking a course in data sciences, completing an internship in a startup, pursuing a degree in sustainability, or gaining expertise in science communication or education.
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“No matter the focus, investing in non-academic skills will likely pay off in the long run,” says Demuyser. “Students need to leave the beaten path and reinvent themselves in order to stand out and rise to the top of the CV pile. By developing an interdisciplinary profile, you can turn yourself into a ‘scientific unicorn’ — giving you a clear, competitive edge in today’s crowded job market.”
Biovia: Supporting the Next Generation of European Talent
“In Flanders, talent is our most valuable resource,” says Demuyser. “Brainpower drives breakthroughs.” Yet currently, the Flemish educational system is not optimally aligned with the wider life sciences ecosystem. “That’s why at Biovia, we make it a core priority to bridge that gap — ensuring people can grow their talent, connect, and make an impact,” she says.
Among several talent initiatives, Biovia is a founding partner in the European BREATH project. With an international consortium of stakeholders, the project aims to make career paths beyond academia more visible for European PhD students. “Most students lack insight into their non-academic career options, or which skills really matter in industry,” Demuyser explains.
“Most students lack insight into their non-academic career options, or which skills really matter in industry.” – Liesbeth Demuyser
The BREATH project is currently conducting a career paths survey, collecting real-world data from people in Europe who have obtained a PhD degree and are now working in academia, industry, policy, consulting, or elsewhere.
“If you already have a PhD in health innovation or the life sciences, your experience can help improve career guidance for the next generation of European researchers,” says Demuyser. “By sharing your journey, you contribute to a clearer, more inclusive picture of where PhD careers can truly lead — helping to inform and inspire our next generation of talent.”
Take the BREATH project career paths survey!
If you have any questions about Biovia’s talent initiatives, please contact Liesbeth Demuyser for more information.
References
Ruano-Borbalan 2022, European Journal of Education, Volume 57, Issue 3, pp. 367-380 https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12522
