Lessons to Educators From Recent Studies About Employability For Research-Trained Graduates

Abstract

This paper aims to stimulate discussion around the career prospects and training of postgraduate students in the sciences. It presents a summary of recent studies that address the careers and career-prospects of research-trained science graduates. It examines what research-trained graduates say about their career prospects and employability while drawing on data that illustrate the real likelihood they will forge a long-term career in research or academia. It also considers the cultural changes needed to broaden the understanding of the employment outcomes of research-trained science graduates and offers practical suggestions for fostering these changes.