Dear Career Doctor,
I am in my late 30s. I have worked in the academic field as research assistant for more than 7 years. Briefly, I have more than 7 years experience of both qualitative and quantitative research in social science. For the past three years, I worked for strategic planning and conducting research supporting planning. And I have several part-time teaching experience in tertiary level. I have already obtained two master degrees in social science.
Since the end of September this year, the office I worked for three years closed due to personnel change and re-allocation of resources. Thus, the institute wasn't renewing my contract. Luckily, I have a part-time job to earn my pennies.
Since then, I have sent out more than 50 application letters both in academic and commercial fields. For the commercial field, base on my experience, I am looking for research related jobs, such as marketing, business analysis and etc. The response was disappointing. I didn't get any interview from the commercial field. I have contacted head hunters, however, they weren't able to refer me for any related jobs to my CV. They suggested me it is very very difficult to switch from academic to commercial field.
Of course, I have applied for civil service or related jobs. However, there weren't interviews offered. Seems like civil service jobs are highly competitive.
I have been invited for interviews in academic field. However, due to my salary is exceeding their expectation without a PHd, I am not able to be employed. Currently, there are many PHd graduates in the market and their salary level is similar to mine. Of course, I am willing to soften my salary expectation. It seems that it is difficult to find a research job in academic field.
In the long run, research support job in academic field isn't promising. The job is heavily relying on funding, and normally is a contract based job. You have to find a new job, once your contract ends. I would like to know is it possible to switch from academic field to commercial field? Or, are there any alternatives offered in different fields? Or what else can I do to increase my chances of being employed?
Cheers
Aragon
